Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes swing significantly across the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 19% to 68%. This wide variation means that which judge you draw can impact your case, as each weighs evidence differently. Because assignments are random, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to build a case that is strong enough to succeed under any member of the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kelly B. Lind | 68% | 261 | |
| 2 | Carolyn Cohn-Morros | 62% | 552 | |
| 3 | Robert Lenzini | 61% | 3,202 | |
| 4 | Joseph P. Lisiecki | 60% | 267 | |
| 5 | Joseph P. Lisiecki III | 58% | 3,046 | |
| 6 | Alan J. Markiewicz | 53% | 3,258 | |
| 7 | Stacy Zimmerman | 49% | 3,097 | |
| 8 | Sharilyn Hopson | 49% | 2,579 | |
| 9 | Michael D. Radensky | 44% | 4,339 | |
| 10 | Kenneth E. Ball | 41% | 955 | |
| 11 | Helen E. Hesse | 29% | 441 | |
| 12 | Joan Ho | 19% | 330 |
How long you'll wait
At Orange, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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 Orange office will likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your claim and hear testimony. Because the panel here shows a wide spread in approval rates, your file must be self-sufficient and clearly documented. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most important pieces of evidence. Include a detailed list of your medications and their side effects, along with a log of your daily activities to show how your condition limits your work capacity. A vocational expert will often testify regarding what jobs might exist for someone with your specific limitations, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the tendencies of this panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical records directly address the criteria for disability.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Orange, 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 the Orange office is 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with extra time to ensure your medical evidence is complete. An attorney can help you use this time effectively.
ALJ assignments at the Orange office are made randomly. Because there is a wide spread in approval rates among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, it is vital to have a well-documented file that addresses your limitations clearly. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot request a specific judge for your hearing. Since outcomes vary significantly across the panel, your best strategy is to work with an attorney to ensure your case is as strong as possible regardless of who is assigned.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
