Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes swing significantly across the Pittsburgh panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 28% to 74%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can impact your case, as each weighs evidence differently. Because assignments are random, your best strategy is to build a file that is strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alma S. de Leon | 74% | 1,286 | |
| 2 | David J. Kozma | 69% | 83 | |
| 3 | Michael F. Colligan | 67% | 323 | |
| 4 | John J. Porter | 57% | 2,916 | |
| 5 | Joanna Papazekos | 57% | 3,150 | |
| 6 | Sarah Ehasz | 56% | 3,465 | |
| 7 | William E. Kenworthy | 53% | 933 | |
| 8 | David F. Brash | 48% | 1,551 | |
| 9 | Christian Bareford | 45% | 3,465 | |
| 10 | Paul Kovac | 43% | 2,568 | |
| 11 | Michael S. Kaczmarek | 42% | 2,709 | |
| 12 | Julianne Hostovich | 42% | 2,965 | |
| 13 | Leslie Perry-Dowdell | 28% | 3,371 |
How long you'll wait
At Pittsburgh, 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
With a 9-month wait, you have a significant runway to strengthen your file before your hearing. Your most important task is gathering updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily limitations. The hearing itself typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, where an Administrative Law Judge will preside and a Vocational Expert will often testify about job availability. You should be prepared to answer questions about your work history and why your conditions prevent you from performing even sedentary tasks. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
When a panel's approval rates span 46 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. While the office average is 49%, represented claimants are more likely to succeed because they enter the hearing with a clear theory of the case. Identifying the specific medical evidence that addresses the Vocational Expert's potential testimony ensures you are ready for the questions that decide your claim.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Pittsburgh, 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 the Pittsburgh office is 9 months. This is slightly higher than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you understand how this wait time impacts your specific claim timeline.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Pittsburgh. Because approval rates vary widely across this panel, it is important to have your medical evidence fully organized before your date is set. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards of this office.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, you or your attorney can file a formal objection. A qualified attorney can evaluate whether such a step is appropriate for your specific case.
While you are not required to have a lawyer, the wide variation in approval rates among Pittsburgh judges makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
