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 34% to 77%. Because of this wide variation, which judge you draw matters to your case. These judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation is not a reflection of your claim's merit but a reminder that your file must be strong enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stacy Paddack | 77% | 3,150 | |
| 2 | Andrew Dixon III | 67% | 3,536 | |
| 3 | Steven L. Carnes | 61% | 1,739 | |
| 4 | Janet McCamley | 60% | 2,981 | |
| 5 | Joshua R. Heller | 60% | 3,328 | |
| 6 | Jeffrey Marvel | 59% | 699 | |
| 7 | David Herman | 53% | 3,778 | |
| 8 | Lisa Raleigh | 52% | 3,103 | |
| 9 | Alisa M. Tapia | 34% | 1,138 |
How long you'll wait
At Tallahassee, 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 Administrative Law Judge reviews your case. Because this office has a wide spread in judge approval rates, your preparation must be meticulous. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of medication side effects that impact your ability to work. A vocational expert often testifies about the types of jobs available for someone with your specific limitations, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. While Tallahassee's 68% approval rate is favorable, the cases that fail often do so because they didn't anticipate the vocational expert's questions or lacked recent medical updates. An attorney who knows the local panel can pressure-test your evidence against these variables before you walk into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Tallahassee, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, providing you with a specific window to ensure your medical records are complete and up to date. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly, and there is no way to request a specific judge. Because approval rates across this panel vary from 34% to 77%, it is essential to prepare your case based on the highest standards of evidence rather than relying on a specific judge's tendencies. An attorney can help you prepare for the range of potential outcomes.
Generally, you cannot request a different judge after one has been assigned to your case. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, you should discuss them with an attorney immediately to understand your procedural options.
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 you for the vocational expert's testimony, which is often the deciding factor in a hearing.
