Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record ranging from 32% to 78%. This variation means that which judge you draw can impact your case, even though assignments are random. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your file must be strong enough to succeed regardless of who presides over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathleen Mucerino | 78% | 3,164 | |
| 2 | Guy E. Fletcher | 63% | 3,765 | |
| 3 | Michael D. Tucevich | 59% | 773 | |
| 4 | John Gaffney | 59% | 4,355 | |
| 5 | Sasha Paternoster | 56% | 571 | |
| 6 | Christa Zamora | 48% | 1,237 | |
| 7 | Carla L. Waters | 45% | 3,987 | |
| 8 | Paula Fow | 44% | 289 | |
| 9 | Sheldon P. Zisook | 38% | 2,107 | |
| 10 | Paula Fow Atchison | 36% | 140 | |
| 11 | Paula F. Atchison | 36% | 1,884 | |
| 12 | Dante M. Alegre | 32% | 3,901 |
How long you'll wait
At Phoenix Downtown, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 10 months— versus a national average of 8.2 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Going to your hearing
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will review your claim and hear testimony. Because the wait time at this office is 10 months, you have a significant runway to update your medical records and document how your impairments limit your daily activities. Ensure your medication list is current and includes notes on side effects, as these are often scrutinized by the Vocational Expert who will testify about your ability to work. Evidence must be submitted well before your hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. During the session, you will answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. A decision is typically mailed to you after the hearing concludes.
With a 10-month wait between filing and your hearing, you have a preparation window to identify gaps in your medical evidence and prepare for the specific questions a Vocational Expert will ask. When a panel's approval rates span 46 points, your file must be documented so thoroughly that it remains compelling regardless of the judge assigned to your case.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Phoenix Downtown, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. SSA's published service areas route these offices' appeals here. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The current average wait for a hearing at this office is 10 months, which is longer than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you prepare your case during this waiting period.
Cases are assigned randomly to the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary across the panel, your best strategy is to focus on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively to any judge.
You generally cannot choose your judge. If you are concerned about the judge assigned to your case, an attorney can help you evaluate your options and prepare for that specific judge's tendencies.
While not required, representation is recommended. Statistics show that represented claimants are often more successful, and an attorney can help you navigate the complex evidence requirements of an ALJ hearing.
