Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates ranging from 33% to 78%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can have a meaningful impact on your case. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, but you can prepare for the reality that each ALJ weighs evidence differently. Your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John M. Meisburg Jr. | 78% | 1,993 | |
| 2 | Yelanda Collins | 70% | 3,783 | |
| 3 | K. Barlow | 58% | 2,757 | |
| 4 | Bruce Landrum | 57% | 3,414 | |
| 5 | Guy Koster | 52% | 2,483 | |
| 6 | Stephen C. Calvarese | 52% | 2,584 | |
| 7 | William H. Greer | 48% | 3,698 | |
| 8 | Scott T. Morris | 48% | 2,695 | |
| 9 | Teresa J. McGarry | 47% | 628 | |
| 10 | M. Hart | 46% | 2,098 | |
| 11 | Kelley Fitzgerald | 46% | 3,367 | |
| 12 | Ken B. Terry | 45% | 2,956 | |
| 13 | Bernard Porter | 44% | 3,788 | |
| 14 | Robert Droker | 43% | 3,287 | |
| 15 | Gregory J. Froehlich | 38% | 3,674 | |
| 16 | John D. Thompson Jr. | 35% | 1,079 | |
| 17 | Richard Furcolo | 33% | 3,180 |
How long you'll wait
At Jacksonville, 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 is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will evaluate your claim. Because the panel here shows a wide spread in approval rates, your preparation must focus on the evidence that proves your functional limitations. Bring updated medical records from the period following your initial denial, as these are often the most critical documents for the judge. You should also prepare a detailed list of your current medications and their side effects, along with a log of your daily activities. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work; you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all new evidence is submitted well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted.
When a panel's approval rates span 45 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the nuances of the Jacksonville panel can pressure-test your case against the specific standards these judges apply. They can help you identify gaps in your medical record that might otherwise lead to a denial.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Jacksonville, 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. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with a predictable timeframe to finalize your evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to build a stronger case.
ALJ assignments are made randomly, and you will typically be notified of your judge's name shortly before your hearing. Because there is a wide spread in approval rates among the 17 judges associated with this office, it is vital to have a well-documented case. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific judge assigned to your hearing.
In most cases, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you should discuss this with an attorney immediately to determine if a formal objection is appropriate.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variance in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help ensure your medical evidence is presented in a way that addresses the specific concerns of the ALJ.
