Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates for these judges vary, with a median of 57% and a range between 45% and 79%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to meet the requirements of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linda S. Halperin | 79% | 605 | |
| 2 | Lovert F. Bassett | 74% | 4,252 | |
| 3 | Robert C. Asbille | 73% | 1,685 | |
| 4 | Shirley M. Michaelson | 72% | 358 | |
| 5 | Barry A. Miller | 69% | 853 | |
| 6 | James E. MacDonald | 66% | 4,097 | |
| 7 | Daniel Dadabo | 62% | 1,252 | |
| 8 | Patricia Kendall | 57% | 1,206 | |
| 9 | Stephen Pope | 56% | 948 | |
| 10 | Kevin Vodak | 54% | 4,177 | |
| 11 | Lana Johnson | 52% | 4,103 | |
| 12 | Lee Lewin | 51% | 3,023 | |
| 13 | Cynthia M. Bretthauer | 50% | 1,852 | |
| 14 | George M. Gaffaney | 48% | 3,145 | |
| 15 | Jessica Inouye | 45% | 4,178 |
How long you'll wait
At Evanston, 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 will likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your file and hear testimony. You should bring updated medical records, a list of medications with side effects, and a daily-activity log that details your physical or mental limitations. A vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific restrictions, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Since the wait time at this office has risen to 8 months, use this time to ensure every relevant document is submitted before the evidence deadline. Decisions are rarely made on the spot; you will typically receive a written notice by mail several weeks after your appearance.
With an approval rate spread of 34 percentage points across the panel, your case outcome can be influenced by which judge is assigned to your hearing. Understanding the nuances of the Evanston panel helps you anticipate the specific concerns of the judge and prepare your testimony accordingly. This preparation is vital for ensuring your medical evidence is presented effectively.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Evanston, 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. While this is slightly shorter than the national average of 8.2 months, the trend has been rising recently, so it is important to stay proactive with your case preparation. An attorney can help you manage your timeline and ensure your evidence is ready.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly, so you will not know your specific judge until your hearing notice arrives. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and they each weigh evidence differently. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the judge assigned to you.
You generally cannot request a different judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, you or your attorney can raise that concern through formal channels. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate if such a step is appropriate for your situation.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves testimony from vocational experts. Having legal representation allows you to focus on your testimony while your attorney ensures your medical evidence is properly presented to the ALJ.
