Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates for these judges range from 34% to 64%. Because cases are assigned randomly, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of the specific judge assigned to your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David R. Gutierrez | 64% | 5,319 | |
| 2 | Harry L. Williams | 63% | 219 | |
| 3 | Harry L. Williams Jr. | 60% | 1,989 | |
| 4 | D'Lisa Simmons | 56% | 4,761 | |
| 5 | William B. Howard | 51% | 4,291 | |
| 6 | David J. Hebert | 49% | 4,009 | |
| 7 | Gerald L. Meyer | 47% | 4,747 | |
| 8 | Thomas J. Helget | 45% | 5,329 | |
| 9 | Ross Stubblefield | 44% | 5,696 | |
| 10 | Patricia C. Henry | 37% | 707 | |
| 11 | William Sharp | 35% | 4,089 | |
| 12 | Daniel E. Whitney | 34% | 3,766 |
How long you'll wait
At Houston North, 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 at the Houston North office will involve an ALJ and often a Vocational Expert who testifies about the types of jobs available for someone with your specific limitations. Because the wait time is 8 months, you have a runway to update your medical records and document how your impairments limit your daily activities. Bring a current list of medications and any new evidence that was not available during your initial denial. You will have the opportunity to question the vocational expert, and you will receive a written decision by mail after the hearing concludes.
When approval rates span 30 percentage points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. An attorney can anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical records are fully developed. Use your remaining time before the hearing to have a professional review your file for potential weaknesses.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Houston North, 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. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, though wait times have been trending upward recently. An attorney can help you track your status and prepare for your hearing date.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly, and there are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your best strategy is to focus on the quality of your medical documentation. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively to any judge.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you should discuss this with an attorney immediately to understand the formal procedures for requesting a reassignment.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves technical testimony from vocational experts. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the specific questions you will face under oath.
