Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes swing significantly across the Oakland panel, with approval rates ranging from 26% to 84%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This wide spread means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who is presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Major Williams Jr. | 84% | 1,875 | |
| 2 | David R. Mazzi | 75% | 2,300 | |
| 3 | John J. Flanagan | 74% | 2,072 | |
| 4 | Bradlee S. Welton | 73% | 290 | |
| 5 | Lisa Lunsford | 72% | 3,462 | |
| 6 | Debra M. Underwood | 71% | 2,487 | |
| 7 | Michael Blume | 70% | 267 | |
| 8 | Evangelina P. Hernandez | 69% | 2,756 | |
| 9 | Kevin Gill | 63% | 3,017 | |
| 10 | Enrico Alis | 61% | 3,601 | |
| 11 | Richard P. Laverdure | 57% | 814 | |
| 12 | David LaBarre | 52% | 3,002 | |
| 13 | Corinne T. McLaughlin | 48% | 2,666 | |
| 14 | Cheryl Tompkin | 48% | 1,176 | |
| 15 | Kevin Plunkett | 46% | 2,630 | |
| 16 | MaryAnn Lunderman | 26% | 2,215 |
How long you'll wait
At Oakland, 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
With an 8-month wait, you have a steady window to organize the medical records that will define your outcome. Your hearing will typically last about an hour, where an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert may testify on your ability to perform specific jobs. You must submit all new evidence well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring your identification and an updated list of medications, including their side effects and how they impact your daily activities. Because the approval rate here is 66%, your success often depends on how clearly your medical documentation aligns with your physical or mental limitations. A well-prepared file allows the judge to see the evidence that was missed during your initial decision, which has a 36.7% approval rate in California.
When a panel's approval rates span 58 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. While the 66% approval rate at Oakland is encouraging, cases often fail when you do not anticipate the vocational expert's questions. Preparing for the specific testimony required to win is a standard part of the hearing process.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Oakland, 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 average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months, which is steady and slightly faster than the 8.2-month national average. An attorney can help you prepare your case while you wait for your hearing date.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly, so you will not know your specific judge until your hearing notice arrives. You can research the panel's aggregate trends to understand how different judges weigh evidence. An attorney can help you understand the range of outcomes you might face.
You generally cannot request a different judge. Because outcomes vary widely across the panel, your best strategy is to ensure your medical evidence is comprehensive and ready for any ALJ. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process regardless of the judge assigned.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates makes professional preparation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your records and prepare for vocational expert testimony.
