Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and they show a moderate spread in approval rates, ranging from 25% to 60%. Because outcomes vary significantly depending on which judge is assigned to your case, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ. Judge assignment is random, and each ALJ weighs evidence differently based on their own judicial discretion.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raymond L. Souza | 60% | 1,215 | |
| 2 | Robert A. Lynch | 51% | 1,976 | |
| 3 | Perry L. Franklin | 49% | 4,029 | |
| 4 | Mary J. Leary | 38% | 2,974 | |
| 5 | James F. Gillet | 37% | 2,017 | |
| 6 | Mark A. Clayton | 35% | 3,444 | |
| 7 | Patrick H. Morrison | 33% | 1,248 | |
| 8 | Walter R. Hellums | 28% | 3,635 | |
| 9 | Victor L. Horton | 27% | 1,343 | |
| 10 | David K. Fromme | 25% | 113 |
How long you'll wait
At Springfield, 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
Your hearing will typically last about an hour, during which an ALJ will review your file and hear testimony. Because the approval rate at this office is 40%, your preparation must focus on bridging the gaps that led to your initial denial. Bring an updated list of all medications, including side effects, and a detailed log of your daily activities to demonstrate your functional limitations. A vocational expert often testifies to identify jobs that might fit your profile, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all new medical records are submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is often restricted. The final decision will be mailed to you several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span a 35-point gap, your file must be documented so thoroughly that no judge can dismiss it on weak evidence. The Springfield office's 40% approval rate suggests that many claimants struggle to meet the evidentiary burden required at this stage. This variation highlights the importance of having a clear, consistent medical narrative that addresses your specific functional limitations.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Springfield, 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. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months, though wait times have been trending upward recently.
Judge assignment is random, and there are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates across the panel range from 25% to 60%, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common to this office.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe your assigned judge has a conflict of interest, an attorney can help you evaluate the legal grounds for a recusal request.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves vocational experts and strict evidence rules. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare you for the testimony that will likely decide your case.
