Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, with approval rates ranging from 34% to 89%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barry C. LaBoda | 89% | 1,600 | |
| 2 | Chester G. Senf | 77% | 396 | |
| 3 | Pedro Tejada-Rivera | 66% | 3,544 | |
| 4 | Michael Calabro | 62% | 1,164 | |
| 5 | Julio Ocampo | 62% | 2,420 | |
| 6 | Janet Mahon | 62% | 4,273 | |
| 7 | Maria T. Mandry | 62% | 3,692 | |
| 8 | Douglas A. Walker | 61% | 4,383 | |
| 9 | Sarah Cyrus | 58% | 1,343 | |
| 10 | Emily Kirk | 58% | 3,058 | |
| 11 | Pamela Houston | 58% | 4,504 | |
| 12 | Edgardo Rodriguez-Quilichini | 56% | 4,086 | |
| 13 | Robert D. Marcinkowski | 56% | 196 | |
| 14 | Kevin J. Detherage | 54% | 3,723 | |
| 15 | Emily R. Statum | 52% | 3,876 | |
| 16 | Kathleen H. Eiler | 42% | 1,551 | |
| 17 | Deborah E. Ellis | 34% | 3,137 |
How long you'll wait
At Orlando, 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 involves an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. Because the wait time in Orlando has been rising to 8 months, use this time to gather updated medical records, a detailed medication list, and a log of your daily limitations. A Vocational Expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental restrictions. You can question this expert to clarify how your symptoms prevent you from sustaining full-time work. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span 55 points, your file must be strong enough that it meets the requirements of any judge. An attorney who understands the Orlando panel can pressure-test your evidence against the standards these judges apply, ensuring your case is ready for the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Orlando, 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 shorter than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you navigate this wait time by ensuring your file is ready for review.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because judge approval rates vary widely here, your preparation should focus on building a comprehensive medical record that addresses your specific limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific judge assigned to your case.
You generally cannot choose your judge. Since outcomes vary significantly across this panel, the best way to manage this uncertainty is to ensure your evidence is as clear and detailed as possible before the hearing. An attorney can help you build a case that is robust enough for any judge.
While not required, having an attorney can be a significant advantage. They can help you organize your medical evidence, prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony, and navigate the wide variation in judge approval rates.
