Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in outcomes, with approval rates ranging from 27% to 57%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who is presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edward L. Brady | 57% | 4,037 | |
| 2 | Michele Stolls | 56% | 3,951 | |
| 3 | Richard Zack | 55% | 1,771 | |
| 4 | Charles A. Dominick | 53% | 3,043 | |
| 5 | Therese A. Hardiman | 51% | 2,976 | |
| 6 | Gerard W. Langan | 50% | 4,071 | |
| 7 | Timothy Wing | 50% | 3,383 | |
| 8 | Mike Oleyar | 48% | 2,455 | |
| 9 | Frank Barletta | 48% | 4,173 | |
| 10 | Jarrod Tranguch | 41% | 3,809 | |
| 11 | Paula Garrety | 40% | 1,856 | |
| 12 | Michelle Wolfe | 28% | 3,738 | |
| 13 | Daniel Balutis | 27% | 3,301 |
How long you'll wait
At Wilkes-barre, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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 will typically last 45 to 60 minutes, with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) presiding. Because the approval rate at this office is 45%, your success hinges on the quality of the evidence you submit before the deadline. Bring updated medical records, a detailed medication list noting side effects, and a daily-activity log to demonstrate your functional limits. A Vocational Expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your profile, and you or your attorney will have the chance to question them. The wait time has been trending upward to 8 months, so use this runway to ensure your file is complete. You will receive the judge's decision by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
When a panel's approval rates span 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. While you wait for your hearing date, you can identify the specific medical evidence needed to satisfy the requirements of the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Wilkes-barre, 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 average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months, which is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your best strategy is to ensure your medical record is complete.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, you can discuss the possibility of a recusal with an attorney who can help you navigate the process.
While you are not required to have a lawyer, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and prepare your evidence.
