Who decides cases at this office
The 8 judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 43% to 79% with a median of 65%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand up to the scrutiny of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julia Mariani | 79% | 2,955 | |
| 2 | Robert F. Campbell | 76% | 4,220 | |
| 3 | Serena S. Hong | 67% | 4,364 | |
| 4 | K. Kwon | 65% | 4,617 | |
| 5 | Michael A. Cabotaje | 62% | 3,008 | |
| 6 | Maxine R. Benmour | 51% | 211 | |
| 7 | Mary Beth O'Connor | 45% | 1,461 | |
| 8 | Suzanne Krolikowski | 43% | 300 |
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 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 9-month wait, you have a significant runway to ensure your file is complete before your hearing. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence for your ALJ. You should also prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of side effects from your medications. During the hearing, the judge will likely call a vocational expert to testify about jobs you could perform; you or your attorney will have the opportunity to cross-examine them. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so ensure your documents are filed well in advance.
When a panel's allowance rates span 36 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. While you wait through the 9-month processing time, you can identify the specific medical evidence needed to meet the Social Security Administration criteria for your condition. This preparation is the most effective way to ensure you are ready for the vocational expert's testimony.
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. 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 is slightly higher than the national average of 8 months, providing you with extra time to ensure your medical records are fully updated. An attorney can help you manage this timeline.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly at this office. Because there is a spread in allowance rates among the 8 judges, it is important to have a well-documented file that addresses your limitations clearly regardless of who is assigned to your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
Generally, you cannot request a specific judge. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, you should discuss them with an attorney who can advise you on the proper procedures for raising those issues with the Office of Hearings Operations.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves testimony from vocational experts. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence and cross-examine witnesses to ensure your claim is presented effectively.