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 41% to 82%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can meaningfully impact your hearing experience. Because judges weigh evidence differently, your case must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ assigned to your file.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonny S. Barezky | 82% | 3,288 | |
| 2 | William Wenzel | 71% | 1,244 | |
| 3 | Michael G. Logan | 70% | 3,127 | |
| 4 | Brian Saame | 63% | 1,223 | |
| 5 | Carla Suffi | 60% | 3,730 | |
| 6 | David Skidmore | 59% | 3,495 | |
| 7 | Jose Anglada | 57% | 1,389 | |
| 8 | Melissa M. Santiago | 49% | 1,028 | |
| 9 | Bill Laskaris | 47% | 3,747 | |
| 10 | Jordan Garelick | 46% | 2,939 | |
| 11 | Percival Harmon | 45% | 51 | |
| 12 | Margaret A. Carey | 44% | 3,370 | |
| 13 | Laurie Wardell | 42% | 3,257 | |
| 14 | Nathan Mellman | 41% | 3,540 |
How long you'll wait
At Chicago, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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 will typically last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside over your testimony and that of a vocational expert. Because the wait time in Chicago has been rising to 9 months, use this runway to gather updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily limitations. Ensure your medication list includes specific side effects that impact your ability to work. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so do not wait until the last minute to provide new documentation. The vocational expert will testify on whether jobs exist for someone with your specific restrictions, and you will have the opportunity to question them. A final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
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. An attorney who understands the Chicago panel can anticipate the vocational expert's questions and pressure-test your medical record before you walk into the hearing room. This preparation ensures your testimony aligns with the medical evidence in your file.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Chicago, 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 9 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, which provides you with more time to organize your medical evidence. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, your focus should be on building a comprehensive, evidence-based file. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. Since you cannot control the assignment, the most effective strategy is to ensure your medical records clearly document your limitations for any judge on the panel. An attorney can help you ensure your file is ready for any assigned judge.
While not required, having an attorney is a proven way to improve your chances. An attorney can help you prepare for the vocational expert's testimony and ensure your file is complete before the hearing.
