Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 15 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, with individual judge outcomes ranging from 41% to 81%. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, the judge assigned to your case can impact your hearing experience. This variation makes it essential to build a robust, well-documented file that stands on its own regardless of which judge presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul F. Kelly | 81% | 4,206 | |
| 2 | John G. Farrell | 73% | 3,747 | |
| 3 | Robert Wright | 71% | 2,153 | |
| 4 | Michelle S. Marcus | 69% | 2,270 | |
| 5 | Mary Sparks | 69% | 2,202 | |
| 6 | Dale Black-Pennington | 64% | 4,286 | |
| 7 | Arthur Patane | 59% | 3,533 | |
| 8 | Carl E. Stephan | 58% | 2,263 | |
| 9 | David F. Neumann | 58% | 3,215 | |
| 10 | Andrew J. Soltes Jr. | 55% | 3,243 | |
| 11 | Brian LeCours | 50% | 4,484 | |
| 12 | Jude B. Mulvey | 50% | 1,736 | |
| 13 | Gretchen M. Greisler | 46% | 4,013 | |
| 14 | John Loughlin | 41% | 3,757 | |
| 15 | Asad M. Ba-Yunus | 41% | 3,670 |
Former & transferred judges
SSA rosters change as judges retire, transfer, or move to national assignments. These judges previously decided Social Security disability cases from this location but are not on the current roster. Their full public decision records are on their profiles.
How long you'll wait
At Albany, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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 8.5-month wait, you have a significant runway to ensure your file is complete before your hearing date. Your most important task is submitting updated medical records that document your limitations since your last denial. You should also prepare a daily-activity log and a list of medication side effects, as these details help the judges understand your functional reality. During the hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that might fit your profile. You can question this expert to clarify why your specific impairments prevent you from performing those roles. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
When an office's allowance rates span 40 points across the panel, your file must be strong enough to withstand scrutiny from any judge. Identifying the specific medical evidence needed to address the concerns of the most conservative judges is a key part of your preparation. A focused review of your file now can prevent surprises during your hearing.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Albany, 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 currently 8.5 months. This wait time has remained steady in recent months, providing a consistent window to prepare your case. An attorney can help you use this time effectively to gather necessary evidence.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 15 ALJs at this office. Because each judge has a different approach to weighing evidence, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific nuances of the panel. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case to any judge.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Social Security Administration to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about a specific assignment, discuss them with your attorney immediately. An attorney can help you determine the best way to address these concerns.
While there is no formal dress code, wearing neat, professional-casual clothing shows respect for the court and the judge. Focus your energy on ensuring your medical records and testimony are organized and clear. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure you are ready for the hearing.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Represented claimants are often more successful at the hearing stage because an attorney can cross-examine the vocational expert and ensure your medical evidence is properly presented. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your hearing.