Who decides cases at this office
The 8 ALJs at this office decide cases with a moderate spread in approval rates, ranging from 31% to 60%. Because there is meaningful variation across the panel, the judge you are assigned can influence the tone of your hearing. While cases are assigned randomly, each judge weighs evidence differently, making a well-documented file your best tool for a consistent outcome.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katie H. Pierce | 60% | 1,897 | |
| 2 | John W. Rolph | 54% | 2,965 | |
| 3 | Salena D. Bowman-Davis | 53% | 1,289 | |
| 4 | Myriam C. Fernandez Rice | 46% | 2,342 | |
| 5 | Louis M. Catanese | 43% | 2,133 | |
| 6 | Ben Willner | 40% | 2,136 | |
| 7 | Barry Robinson | 37% | 587 | |
| 8 | Michael Carr | 31% | 2,030 |
Denied before you got here? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
How long you'll wait
At Albuquerque, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 18 months— versus a national average of 8 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 medical file is complete. Start by gathering all records from the date of your initial denial, including updated treatment notes and diagnostic tests that clarify your functional limitations. Your hearing will likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, where an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will testify regarding available work. You must submit all new evidence well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are strictly limited. Bring your photo ID and a concise log of your daily activities to help the judge understand how your condition impacts your ability to work. A decision will typically arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
An 18-month wait is time you spend in uncertainty, but an experienced attorney uses it to build a record that stands up to scrutiny regardless of which judge is assigned. When a panel's approval rates span nearly 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. You can evaluate your current evidence to identify the gaps that often lead to denials at this office.
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. 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 18 months, which is notably longer than the 8.2-month national average. Use this time to ensure your medical records are comprehensive and up to date. An attorney can help you organize these records.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly, so you will not know your specific judge until your hearing notice arrives. Because approval rates at this office vary from 31% to 60%, it is vital to have a strong, evidence-based case that can succeed before any judge on the panel. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific tendencies of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about your assigned judge, speak with an attorney who can help you review the procedural options available for your specific case.
While not required, representation is highly recommended given the 45% approval rate at this office. An attorney can help you navigate the complex evidence-submission rules and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony.