Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, as approval rates for the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one vary from 41% to 89%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can influence your case trajectory. Because ALJs weigh evidence differently, this variation is a standard feature of the hearing process rather than a reflection of your claim's merit.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James A. Burke | 89% | 2,464 | |
| 2 | Raul C. Pardo | 67% | 1,261 | |
| 3 | Frederick Upshall Jr. | 64% | 1,577 | |
| 4 | Ben Ballengee | 61% | 1,308 | |
| 5 | Eric Weiss | 54% | 2,179 | |
| 6 | Jennifer M. Fellabaum | 54% | 3,168 | |
| 7 | Michelle K. Lindsay | 53% | 3,132 | |
| 8 | Ann Farris | 52% | 1,561 | |
| 9 | Stephen Gontis | 49% | 1,537 | |
| 10 | Cole Gerstner | 47% | 1,959 | |
| 11 | Talia Timmins | 47% | 895 | |
| 12 | Lillian Richter | 46% | 2,167 | |
| 13 | Michael Leppala | 45% | 3,733 | |
| 14 | Robert Freedman | 41% | 2,980 |
How long you'll wait
At Albuquerque, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an Administrative Law Judge will review your claim. Because the wait in Albuquerque is 9 months, you have a substantial runway to ensure your medical records are complete and current. Focus on gathering updated treatment notes, a detailed list of medication side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your functional limitations. A Vocational Expert will likely testify to determine if jobs exist that you can perform; you can question them to clarify why your specific impairments prevent sustained work. Submit all new evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. You will receive a written decision by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Albuquerque panel can identify the specific evidence gaps that might cause a judge to rule against you. They can also prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony, which is often the deciding factor in a hearing. Reviewing your file with an attorney can help you understand your position before your hearing date.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Albuquerque, 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 currently 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with additional time to organize your medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your file.
ALJ assignments are made randomly. Because the approval rates among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one vary widely, an attorney can help you understand the different approaches these judges take toward evidence.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are automated. However, if you have a valid legal reason for a recusal, an attorney can advise you on the proper procedures to address it.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office, an attorney can help ensure your file is prepared to meet the standards of any judge assigned to your case.
