Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Approval rates across the panel in Akron show a moderate spread, with individual judge rates ranging from 43% to 80%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence according to their own judicial philosophy. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge presides over your session.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas A. Ciccolini | 80% | 2,690 | |
| 2 | Mary Lohr | 59% | 4,063 | |
| 3 | Charles Shinn | 57% | 5,221 | |
| 4 | Michael N. Balter | 56% | 3,762 | |
| 5 | Susan Smoot | 55% | 2,910 | |
| 6 | Reuben Sheperd | 53% | 3,062 | |
| 7 | Sharlee Cendrosky | 52% | 995 | |
| 8 | Paula J. Goodrich | 52% | 2,708 | |
| 9 | Barbara Sheehe | 52% | 106 | |
| 10 | Amanda Knapp | 49% | 973 | |
| 11 | Michael F. Schmitz | 45% | 3,964 | |
| 12 | Gregory M. Beatty | 44% | 4,176 | |
| 13 | Jason Panek | 43% | 3,053 |
How long you'll wait
At Akron, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7.5 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 in Akron will involve an Administrative Law Judge reviewing your claim. Because the office maintains a steady 7.5-month wait, you have a predictable runway to ensure your file is complete. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and statements regarding your daily limitations well before the hearing date. During the proceeding, a Vocational Expert will typically testify about whether jobs exist that accommodate your specific physical or mental restrictions. You have the right to question this expert, which is often a critical moment for your claim. A final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
With a panel that shows a 37-point spread in approval rates, the judge you draw can influence your outcome. An attorney who understands the Akron panel can help you anticipate how different judges view specific types of medical evidence. By pressure-testing your file against common vocational expert questions, you can enter the hearing room with a strategy built for success.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Akron, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 7.5 months. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months, giving you a predictable timeframe to finalize your medical evidence. An attorney can help you ensure your file is ready within this window.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Akron. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the panel.
You generally cannot request a specific judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, an attorney can help you file a formal objection to ensure your hearing remains impartial.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved, as an attorney can help you cross-examine vocational experts and present evidence that meets SSA standards.
