Need advice on whether to appeal ssdi case in my circumstance.

Hello all, I'll try to make this as clear and consise as I can . (Please give me the benefit of the doubt that all my actions with my lawyer were done in a professional manner and not me just ignorantly yelling at them Karyn style.) I have nothing against lawyers and I'm not trying to slander one despite the nature of this post. I've spent almost 7 years on this process and I just want to do everything I can.

My main question is whether I should appeal with this particular lawyer (considering the info I have) or if I should start the whole process over again. Or both.

I've:

• had one initial denial and then two hearing denials. Same judge for both.
• the second hearing was from me winning federal appeal and it getting remanded

Context:

• my lawyer was grossly negligent on my second hearing attempt. Not filing ANY of my new evidence to court that I worked years on, after asking him nearly every month if he has all my documents. To which hes always responded yes.

• when it came time for hearing he did NOT have these documents entered and he didn't even let me know ahead of the hearing that he didn't have these (somehow....).I had to find out about this crucial news during the beginning of the actual hearing while already under oath and not being able to talk with him. The hearing started with him telling the judge he did not have the evidence and that he'd get back to the judge about it. I was in shock.

My Whole case revolved around this new evidence. It greatly affected my testimony and I was not able to have the judge look at my new evidence as I referenced it in court (clumsily as I was in complete shock that my critical evidence wasn't even looked at or submitted.) judge kept asking what doctors I was referring to and generally throwing doubt on the points raised.

• after this terrible 2nd hearing on the phone lawyer claimed he did nothing wrong and then proceeded to blame ME that it was my fault for not confirming with him. (again...something I very often checked with her on diligently. And my doctors showed me proof they sent the info and he was wrong. Thing I did well in advance)

• i don't think he looked at my case in a meaningful way until the day of hearing. Despite me having to beg for any attention from him. The one phone call with him he allowed me, he had zero idea on the details of the case. As if he never read them..

• I have zero faith in this lawyer, but I don't want to give up an opportunity if appealing is the best option here....

Edit: a bit more background. I'm not one for conspiracy but it's always nagged me that he not only personally knew the judge we had twice, he actually helped him during law school and even taught him some in school. I found this really sketchy, and he awkwardly waived away my questions about that.

I know remanded hearings go to same ALJ but I still find it odd we got matched with him in the first place...

Any advice is crucial to helping my life. I can respond to more sensitive questions if you DM me.