Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions ranging from 50% to 93%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can meaningfully impact your case. Because cases are assigned randomly, you must prepare your file to meet the highest evidentiary standards regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louis G. McAfoos III | 93% | 1,210 | |
| 2 | Karen Patterson | 80% | 1,094 | |
| 3 | Kenneth Bossong | 77% | 694 | |
| 4 | Kimberly Varillo | 77% | 2,830 | |
| 5 | Kathleen Cornell | 76% | 1,006 | |
| 6 | Daniel N. Shellhamer | 74% | 1,889 | |
| 7 | Frederick Timm | 70% | 4,288 | |
| 8 | Lisa Hibner Olson | 68% | 1,983 | |
| 9 | Elizabeth A. Lardaro | 60% | 2,409 | |
| 10 | Nicholas Cerulli | 59% | 2,281 | |
| 11 | Tonya Green | 53% | 942 | |
| 12 | Lisa Hibner | 53% | 1,219 | |
| 13 | Nancy Lisewski | 50% | 2,380 |
How long you'll wait
At South Jersey, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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 9-month wait, you have a substantial runway to organize the medical records that will define your hearing. Focus on updating your file with any new treatment notes or diagnostic tests since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence an ALJ will weigh. Your hearing will typically last about an hour, during which a vocational expert may testify about your ability to perform work. You have the right to question this expert regarding the limitations you face. Ensure your medication list is current and includes documented side effects, as these often impact your ability to sustain work. Decisions are rarely issued on the spot; expect to receive a written notice by mail several weeks after your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the tendencies of this specific panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your daily-activity logs are airtight. Focusing on the quality of your evidence remains the most effective way to prepare for your hearing.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at South Jersey, 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 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with extra time to gather necessary medical documentation. An attorney can help you use this time to build a stronger case.
Cases are assigned to judges randomly, and there are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is South Jersey. Because outcomes vary across the panel, it is important to focus on the strength of your own evidence. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. An experienced attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively to any judge on the panel.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Represented claimants are often better prepared to navigate a panel with a wide variance in approval rates. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for your hearing.
