Meet The Team

Ari grew up in Washington state and earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego in 1995. He graduated from Seattle University’s School of Law in 2003. His focus since law school has been on lawyering with a positive impact. He originally moved to Bend in 2004 and began working for Legal Aid Services of Oregon, primarily representing domestic violence victims. In 2007, Ari and his wife Lisa departed for a year-long, round-the-world trip. Upon their return, Ari began practicing Social Security Disability law at his father’s firm in Washington State, before moving back to Bend in 2010 to open a practice here. Since 2008, Ari’s sole practice area has been Social Security Disability. He has represented many hundreds (if not thousands) of clients in their disability claims. Ari & Lisa have 2 wonderful daughters and his family loves to travel, exercise, and explore the great outdoors. Ari is also an active volunteer in the community, whether it's for Legal Aid Services of Oregon, local non-profits, social justice causes, or his kids' schools.

Jolene has been working as a legal secretary/assistant for the better part of 35 years.  She brought the experience and knowledge she has gained over those years with her when she joined the Halpern Law Group team in 2016.  She enjoys working in the Social Security disability arena because she feels she is helping people who really need help, and she feels it is a positive, worthwhile use of her skills and talents.  When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and many grandchildren, working in her garden, cooking, serving in her faith community, and occasionally helping women in labor as a birth doula. 

Originally from the Portland area, JJ has spent most of her life in Oregon and moved to Bend in 2023 with her rescue dog. She completed her BS degree in psychology and criminal justice from Portland State University in 2024 and she’s currently completing her nursing prerequisites with plans to pursue a BSN. JJ is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. She feels compelled to settle down and make a difference in Central Oregon because she sees a need for more services and resources for those who need them. When she’s not working, she enjoys running with her dog, snowboarding, mountain biking, surfing, long road trips, reading, jigsaw puzzles, making jewelry, and waking up early to see a colorful sunrise.

Originally from Westchester, New York, Andreas moved to Bend from Washington D.C. in 2025 after graduating from the George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychological Brain Sciences. Having worked in education and therapeutic treatment prior to his time at Halpern Law Group,  Andreas enjoys working on behalf of SSA disability applicants, as he feels it is a unique way to give back to his community. In his spare time, Andreas enjoys staying active, reading, writing, and attending shows from Bend’s rich local music scene.