With an allowance rate of 73%, this office is more favorable than many others. You will wait an average of 6.5 months for your hearing, which is faster than the national average of 8 months. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for the specific questions an ALJ will ask.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Because your hearing date may arrive faster than the national average, you should prioritize gathering your medical evidence immediately. You will typically spend time before an ALJ who will evaluate your medical history and daily limitations. A vocational expert will often testify regarding your ability to perform past work or transition to new roles. Bring your updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of your current medications and their side effects. If you have witness statements from family or coworkers, ensure they are submitted well before the deadline. Your final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The Mobile panel consists of 11 judges with a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 58% to 93%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides over your session.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. Even with a high local allowance rate, cases often fail if the record lacks the specific medical evidence needed to counter the vocational expert's testimony. A legal representative can pressure-test your file against the standards of this specific panel to ensure no critical information is missing.
About This Hearing Office
With 3,512 total dispositions processed in the latest period, this office is a high-volume site; keep these details accessible as you prepare for your hearing date.
Most Favorable Judges
Mobile, AL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D. B. Stalley | 80% | 89% | 20,552 | |
| 2 | Ben E. Sheely | 76% | 83% | 22,885 | |
| 3 | Kim McClain-Leazure | 76% | 65% | 2,321 | |
| 4 | Roger A. Nelson | 74% | 84% | 21,626 | |
| 5 | Warren L. Hammond Jr. | 72% | 61% | 14,134 | |
| 6 | Alan E. Michel | 71% | 60% | 11,139 | |
| 7 | Thomas M. Muth II | 69% | 78% | 21,154 | |
| 8 | David R. Murchison | 68% | 61% | 24,289 | |
| 9 | Laura L. Robinson | 64% | 67% | 26,352 | |
| 10 | Marni R. McCaghren | 63% | 50% | 22,526 | |
| 11 | Daniel S. Campbell | 63% | 63% | 18,276 | |
| 12 | Tracy S. Guice | 62% | 71% | 23,045 | |
| 13 | James F. Barter | 56% | 48% | 22,009 | |
| 14 | Robert Waller | 54% | 48% | 22,711 | |
| 15 | Paul Reams | 53% | 45% | 9,069 | |
| 16 | Kevin Boucher | 51% | 53% | 21,110 | |
| 17 | L. D. Pischek | 29% | 25% | 8,022 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.