Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with outcomes ranging from 42% to 81%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs medical evidence and vocational testimony differently. This variation means your preparation must be comprehensive, as the specific judge assigned to your case will have a meaningful impact on the final decision.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John A. Ransom | 81% | 70 | |
| 2 | Joanne E. Adamczyk | 80% | 372 | |
| 3 | Regina Sobrino | 60% | 3,596 | |
| 4 | Nicole Quandt | 59% | 3,507 | |
| 5 | Michael R. Dunn | 59% | 2,741 | |
| 6 | Margaret ODonnell | 54% | 2,611 | |
| 7 | David Kurtz | 54% | 2,541 | |
| 8 | Andrew G. Sloss | 53% | 3,939 | |
| 9 | Kevin W. Fallis | 42% | 3,455 |
How long you'll wait
At Flint, 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, with an ALJ presiding over the testimony. Because this office has a moderate spread in judge approval rates, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of who is assigned to your case. Prioritize gathering updated medical records, a detailed medication list noting specific side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your functional limitations. A Vocational Expert will often testify regarding jobs that might fit your profile, and you or your representative will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
With a panel approval rate that varies by 39 points, your file needs to be strong enough to meet the standards of the most rigorous judge on the bench. Understanding the nuances of the Flint panel allows you to anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical records are perfectly aligned with Social Security Administration requirements. Preparing your file thoroughly before your hearing date is essential for your case.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Flint, 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. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you a consistent timeframe to build your case. An attorney can help you use this time effectively.
Hearings are assigned randomly to judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates across the panel range from 42% to 81%, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common in this office.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Office of Hearings Operations. If you have concerns about a specific judge, discuss them with your representative, who can advise on the best way to present your evidence. An attorney can help you navigate these procedural concerns.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the moderate variation in approval rates across the Flint panel, an attorney can help ensure your medical evidence is properly organized to maximize your chances of approval.
