Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Approval rates across the panel at this office show a moderate spread, with individual judge rates ranging from 31% to 61%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the specific judge you draw can influence the dynamics of your hearing. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be robust enough to support your claim regardless of which ALJ presides over your session.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MaryKay Rauenzahn | 61% | 3,021 | |
| 2 | Katie H. Pierce | 60% | 1,899 | |
| 3 | John W. Rolph | 54% | 2,965 | |
| 4 | Salena D. Bowman-Davis | 53% | 1,289 | |
| 5 | Barry O'Melinn | 47% | 3,538 | |
| 6 | Myriam C. Fernandez Rice | 46% | 2,342 | |
| 7 | Louis M. Catanese | 43% | 2,133 | |
| 8 | Joyce Frost-Wolf | 41% | 3,677 | |
| 9 | Deborah J. Van Vleck | 41% | 3,649 | |
| 10 | Ben Willner | 40% | 2,136 | |
| 11 | Barry Robinson | 37% | 587 | |
| 12 | Michael Carr | 31% | 2,032 |
How long you'll wait
At Albuquerque National Hearing Center, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 18 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 an 18-month wait, you have a long runway to ensure your file is ready for the Administrative Law Judge. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most important documents for your case. Include a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medications with their specific side effects. Your hearing will last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which a Vocational Expert will likely testify about your ability to perform various jobs. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to question this expert to clarify how your specific limitations prevent you from working. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
An 18-month wait is a significant period of time that you spend in uncertainty. You can use this window to proactively address gaps in your medical history and prepare for the specific questions a vocational expert will ask. When approval rates are as competitive as the 45% seen here, your file needs to be airtight before you ever step into the hearing room.
Frequently asked questions
The current average wait time is 18 months, which is longer than the national average of 8.2 months. This extended timeline provides a critical opportunity to ensure your medical evidence is complete. An attorney can help you manage this wait time effectively.
Hearings are assigned randomly to judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary across the panel, you should focus on building a strong, evidence-based case that stands up to scrutiny regardless of the judge assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if there is a documented conflict of interest, your attorney can file a formal request for a change. Otherwise, the focus remains on presenting the strongest possible evidence to the judge assigned to your case. An attorney can help you identify if a conflict exists.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the 45% approval rate and the complexity of vocational testimony, an attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your limitations are clearly communicated to the judge.
