Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 28% to 72%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can impact your case, as each ALJ weighs evidence differently. Because assignments are random, you should prepare your case to be as strong as possible for any member of the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris L. Gavras | 72% | 967 | |
| 2 | Yasmin Elias | 63% | 2,463 | |
| 3 | Ted W. Armbruster | 62% | 4,076 | |
| 4 | John Clady | 57% | 155 | |
| 5 | Lyn Farmer | 55% | 950 | |
| 6 | John W. Wojciechowski | 53% | 1,616 | |
| 7 | Kelly Walls | 52% | 3,363 | |
| 8 | Thomas D. Businger | 50% | 2,340 | |
| 9 | Earl C. Cates Jr. | 48% | 1,088 | |
| 10 | Joan G. Knight | 38% | 601 | |
| 11 | Patricia A. Bucci | 36% | 2,945 | |
| 12 | Randolph E. Schum | 28% | 2,796 |
How long you'll wait
At Phoenix North, 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
With a 10-month wait, you have a significant runway to strengthen your file before you appear before an ALJ. Your hearing will likely involve testifying about your limitations while a vocational expert discusses available work. You should bring updated medical records and a clear log of your daily activities to support your claim. Because the panel shows a wide spread in approval rates, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. Ensure all new evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will typically arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. The months between filing and your hearing are a critical window to pressure-test your evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Phoenix North, 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. This is longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with extra time to ensure your medical records are complete. An attorney can help you manage this wait time effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because there is a wide spread in approval rates among these judges, your best strategy is to build a comprehensive case that addresses your specific functional limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you are concerned about how your case is being handled, an attorney can help you evaluate your options for presenting evidence.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional preparation a high-leverage step. An attorney can help you navigate the vocational expert's testimony and ensure your medical record is fully developed.
