Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with individual judge outcomes ranging from 44% to 79%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which ALJ is assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrea Addison | 79% | 3,227 | |
| 2 | Sheena Barr | 78% | 3,091 | |
| 3 | Robert Gonzalez | 68% | 4,253 | |
| 4 | Kevin Kenneally | 65% | 3,805 | |
| 5 | Gina A. Pantuso | 63% | 799 | |
| 6 | Gina Pesaresi | 61% | 2,068 | |
| 7 | Jack Russak | 60% | 3,549 | |
| 8 | David Suna | 58% | 2,873 | |
| 9 | Marguerite Toland | 57% | 2,236 | |
| 10 | Trina Moore | 49% | 3,156 | |
| 11 | Dina R. Loewy | 44% | 2,491 |
How long you'll wait
At Jersey City, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8.5 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 your opportunity to present evidence that was missed during the initial application. With an 8.5-month wait, you have a clear runway to ensure your medical records are current and include detailed physician notes on your functional limitations. You should bring an updated list of medications, including side effects, and a daily-activity log that illustrates how your condition impacts your ability to work. During the hearing, an ALJ will preside, and a vocational expert will likely testify regarding available jobs. You will have the chance to question this expert, making it vital to have your evidence submitted well before the deadline. A decision will typically arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span 35 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. Even in offices with higher-than-average approval rates, the cases that fail often do so because they did not effectively challenge the vocational expert's testimony. Focusing on the specific medical evidence needed to bridge the gap between your diagnosis and your inability to perform sustained work is the most effective way to prepare for the hearing.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Jersey City, 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 time for a hearing at this office is 8.5 months. This is slightly higher than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with a consistent period to prepare your case. An attorney can help you use this time to gather necessary medical documentation.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because you cannot select your judge, it is important to prepare your file to meet the standards of any member of the panel. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case to any judge.
Generally, you cannot request a specific judge. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, you should discuss them with an attorney immediately to determine if a formal request for recusal is appropriate.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the moderate approval-rate spread across the panel and ensure your evidence is properly submitted to the ALJ.
