Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions ranging from 32% to 83%. This wide variation means that which judge you draw matters, as each weighs evidence differently. Because assignments are random, your file must be strong enough to succeed regardless of the judge assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas W. Snook | 83% | 149 | |
| 2 | Timothy Maher | 78% | 476 | |
| 3 | Carol J. Pennock | 71% | 2,626 | |
| 4 | James Cole Cartledge | 66% | 3,578 | |
| 5 | Scott A. Tews | 66% | 357 | |
| 6 | Rebecca Wolfe | 61% | 2,941 | |
| 7 | Norman Hemming | 60% | 2,689 | |
| 8 | Clara H. Aranda | 57% | 2,461 | |
| 9 | Gracian A. Celaya | 55% | 2,813 | |
| 10 | Tracey B. Leibowitz | 51% | 3,860 | |
| 11 | Lornette Reynolds | 49% | 3,257 | |
| 12 | Linda E. Kupersmith | 43% | 61 | |
| 13 | Elizabeth C. Palacios | 32% | 325 |
How long you'll wait
At Miami, 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, typically lasting about an hour. Because the Miami panel shows a wide spread in approval rates, your preparation must focus on the evidence that proves your inability to work. You should bring an updated list of all medications, including side effects, and a detailed log of your daily activities. If you have new medical records or witness statements from family or coworkers, submit them well before the deadline to ensure they are part of your file. A Vocational Expert will likely testify about jobs that might fit your limitations, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. You will receive the judge's decision by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 50 points, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. While you may wait 8 months for your hearing, you can use that time to proactively address the Vocational Expert's likely questions to improve your results. You can identify gaps in your medical record and prepare for the specific inquiries you will face under oath.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Miami, 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, though wait times have shown a rising trend recently. An attorney can help you prepare your case while you wait.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly, and there are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have a well-documented file that addresses your limitations clearly. An attorney can help you build a case that is ready for any judge.
Generally, you cannot request a specific judge. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, you should discuss them with an attorney immediately to understand your options for a fair hearing.
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 evidence and prepare for the hearing process.
