Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 25% to 76%. Because of this spread, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the outcome. Since cases are assigned randomly, your best strategy is to build a record so robust that it meets the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James S. Elkins | 76% | 3,542 | |
| 2 | Douglas Gilmer | 64% | 3,203 | |
| 3 | Brian Jones | 57% | 3,074 | |
| 4 | Charles C. Pearce | 51% | 1,110 | |
| 5 | Wendy Hollingsworth | 49% | 2,857 | |
| 6 | William C. Grayson | 43% | 3,407 | |
| 7 | Lori S. Grayson | 42% | 3,137 | |
| 8 | Lanier Williams | 28% | 2,964 | |
| 9 | Felicia D. Burkes | 28% | 3,967 | |
| 10 | Michael D. Harbart | 26% | 2,830 | |
| 11 | Laurie H. Porciello | 25% | 3,890 |
How long you'll wait
At Hattiesburg, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 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
With a 7-month wait, you have a window to ensure your file is complete before your hearing. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence for an ALJ. You should also prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and any side effects from your medications. During your hearing, a Vocational Expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You have the right to question this expert to clarify how your condition prevents you from maintaining full-time work. Your final decision will arrive by mail after the proceedings conclude.
When a panel's approval rates span 51 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Hattiesburg panel can help you anticipate the specific concerns of the judge assigned to your case. They can also cross-examine the vocational expert to ensure your limitations are accurately represented.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Hattiesburg, 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 7 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. We recommend using this time to ensure your medical records are fully updated. An attorney can help you ensure your file is ready for your hearing date.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary across this panel, your prep should focus on the strength of your evidence rather than the specific judge. An attorney can help you prepare for the range of potential outcomes.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you should discuss this with an attorney immediately to determine if a formal request is appropriate.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to meet the specific requirements of the ALJ assigned to your case.
