Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframes to ensure accuracy. The 60% approval rate for Harry L. Williams Jr. reflects his total activity since 2016, which we measure against the 34% to 64% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Houston North. These figures provide a statistical baseline for the office's bench.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Williams Jr.. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Williams Jr.'s docket. Annual rates fluctuate with the mix of cases SSA assigns; the longer-run pattern is more informative than any single year.
Decision pattern
Since January 2016, Harry L. Williams Jr. has issued 1,989 decisions. His yearly approval trend has shown fluctuations, moving from 56% in 2016 to a peak of 66% in 2020, before reaching 63% in 2025. This pattern demonstrates his approach to evaluating disability evidence over the last decade.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Williams Jr.'s bench. Judge-specific preparation guidance requires a corpus of public Appeals Council decisions involving each judge, which we haven't built yet.
- Bring a clean treating-physician record. Longitudinal primary-care or specialist notes spanning the disability period, with consistent symptom documentation, are typically the strongest evidence at hearing. A single month's records usually aren't enough.
- Don't rely on consultative exams alone. If your medical evidence is built primarily around a one-time CE finding, expect detailed questioning. Supplement with treating-source statements where possible.
- Prepare for daily-activity questions. Have honest, specific answers about a typical day. Answers that conflict with the medical record (in either direction) tend to hurt credibility.
- Expect transferable-skills probing. A vocational expert will usually testify about jobs available to someone with your limitations. Your representative should be prepared to cross-examine.
About the Houston North hearing office
The Houston North hearing office serves claimants across the region, functioning as a hub for disability adjudications in Texas. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, reflecting a diverse bench with varying approval patterns. You can see the Houston North hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Houston North
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Houston North, and their approval rates vary significantly, ranging from 34% to 64%. While these statistics offer context, they do not dictate the outcome of any specific hearing.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Harry L. Williams Jr. has a 60% approval rate on his 1,989 decisions since 2016. This sits within the 34% to 64% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Houston North. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards often seen at this office.
His approval rate has fluctuated since 2016, starting at 56% and reaching 66% in 2020, with a 63% rate in 2025. These shifts are common and often reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented. A qualified attorney can help you understand how to build a strong case regardless of these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to focus on the strength of your medical documentation and testimony. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform work. Having an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
The 60% rate is a historical average of his decisions since 2016 and is not a prediction of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the medical evidence supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and weaknesses before your hearing.
