Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with outcomes ranging from 43% to 79%. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, the specific ALJ assigned to your case can influence the process. Cases are assigned randomly, so you should focus on building a robust, objective file that addresses your functional limitations regardless of which judge presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julia Mariani | 79% | 2,467 | |
| 2 | Robert F. Campbell | 76% | 3,574 | |
| 3 | Serena S. Hong | 67% | 3,615 | |
| 4 | K. Kwon | 65% | 3,752 | |
| 5 | Michael A. Cabotaje | 62% | 2,428 | |
| 6 | Maxine R. Benmour | 51% | 199 | |
| 7 | Mary Beth O'Connor | 45% | 1,134 | |
| 8 | Suzanne Krolikowski | 43% | 256 |
How long you'll wait
At San Rafael, 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 is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will evaluate your claim. Because the wait time at this office is 9 months, you have a valuable runway to update your medical records and document how your symptoms impact your daily life. Ensure you provide a current medication list, including side effects, and consider gathering witness statements from those who observe your limitations. A Vocational Expert will likely testify about your ability to perform work, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Evidence must be submitted well before your date, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
With a 9-month wait between your denial and your hearing, you have a preparation window that many claimants overlook. You can use this time to identify gaps in your medical record that an ALJ might find problematic, especially when facing a panel with a 36-point approval spread. By the time you sit down for your hearing, your file should be structured to withstand the scrutiny of a vocational expert.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at San Rafael, 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 9 months. This duration is typical compared to the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with a steady timeline to prepare your medical evidence. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates across the panel vary, your best strategy is to ensure your medical records are comprehensive and clearly demonstrate your inability to work. 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 Social Security Administration to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the panel and ensure your case is presented effectively regardless of the assignment.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Statistics show that represented claimants are often better prepared to navigate the evidentiary requirements of an ALJ hearing, and an attorney can help you build a stronger case.
