Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges ranging from 25% to 69%. Because of this wide variation, the judge assigned to your case matters. Each ALJ weighs evidence differently, and random assignment means you should prepare your file to be as robust as possible regardless of who presides over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Pendola | 69% | 2,853 | |
| 2 | Gregory Smith | 62% | 4,237 | |
| 3 | David R. Bruce | 54% | 4,499 | |
| 4 | Victoria A. Ferrer | 50% | 2,667 | |
| 5 | Matthew Johnson | 49% | 1,472 | |
| 6 | Karen Sayon | 44% | 4,053 | |
| 7 | Janet Akers | 33% | 1,953 | |
| 8 | Deborah M. Giesen | 27% | 2,763 | |
| 9 | Kathleen Kadlec | 25% | 2,996 |
How long you'll wait
At Orland Park, 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 review your claim. Because the wait time has been rising to 8 months, you have a window to update your medical records and document how your impairments limit your daily activities. Ensure you provide a current medication list, including side effects, and consider gathering witness statements from family or former coworkers. A vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific limitations, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so ensure you add new records well before the hearing date.
When a panel's approval rates span 44 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Orland Park panel can identify the specific evidence gaps that often lead to denials at this office. Use your remaining wait time to have a professional evaluate your file before you walk into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Orland Park, 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 Orland Park is 8 months. This wait time has been trending upward over the last year, and an attorney can help you use this time to organize your medical evidence.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly. Because approval rates at this office vary widely between 25% and 69%, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common among the panel.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. If you have a valid legal reason to believe a judge is biased, you may discuss the possibility of a recusal with an attorney, though this is rare.
While not required, representation is highly recommended given the 43% approval rate at this office. An attorney can help you navigate the vocational expert's testimony and ensure your medical records are fully developed.
