Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The panel at this office shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record ranging from 38% to 78%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert E. Lowenstein | 78% | 720 | |
| 2 | James L. Moser | 76% | 2,128 | |
| 3 | Michelle Thompson | 74% | 3,814 | |
| 4 | Sigrid Irias | 70% | 1,195 | |
| 5 | David J. Agatstein | 65% | 2,469 | |
| 6 | Jan Donsbach | 60% | 85 | |
| 7 | David G. Marcus | 56% | 2,488 | |
| 8 | Alexander Weir III | 55% | 3,167 | |
| 9 | Evelyn M. Gunn | 55% | 2,315 | |
| 10 | Sung Park | 38% | 3,056 |
How long you'll wait
At Los Angeles Downtown, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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 at the Los Angeles Downtown office will typically last about 45 to 60 minutes. You will sit before an ALJ who will review your file and hear testimony. It is vital to bring updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are often the deciding factor in your case. You should also have a detailed medication list, a log of your daily activity limitations, and any witness statements from those who observe your condition firsthand. A Vocational Expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work in the national economy. You can question the Vocational Expert to clarify how your specific physical or mental limitations prevent you from maintaining employment. A written decision will be mailed to you several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the nuances of the Los Angeles Downtown panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical evidence is properly organized. This preparation is the best way to bridge the gap between a denied claim and a favorable decision.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Los Angeles 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 8 months, which is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months. Trends at this location have remained steady over the past year. An attorney can help you understand how to manage your case during this waiting period.
Cases are assigned to judges randomly, so you will not know which judge is presiding until your hearing notice arrives. Because approval rates across this panel vary from 38% to 78%, having a well-prepared file is essential regardless of your assigned judge. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the judge assigned to your case.
You generally cannot request a specific judge, as the SSA uses a random assignment process to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about your case, an attorney can help you evaluate your options for presenting evidence that addresses the specific requirements of the judge assigned to you.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is a complex legal proceeding where your evidence is tested under oath. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for vocational testimony to ensure your case is presented effectively. An attorney can help you navigate these complexities.
