Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes swing significantly across this panel, as approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record range from 28% to 85%. Because of this wide spread, which judge you draw matters as much as the office average. Cases are assigned randomly, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of the specific ALJ presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M. Thayne Warner | 85% | 1,139 | |
| 2 | Kathleen H. Switzer | 77% | 1,246 | |
| 3 | Robert J. Labrum | 71% | 1,509 | |
| 4 | J. Doug Wolfe | 68% | 3,760 | |
| 5 | Donald R. Jensen | 68% | 101 | |
| 6 | Preston L. Mitchell | 51% | 3,695 | |
| 7 | Gilbert A. Martinez | 44% | 1,255 | |
| 8 | David W. Thompson | 36% | 4,379 | |
| 9 | Gerald R. Bruce | 28% | 3,820 |
How long you'll wait
At Salt Lake City, 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 likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, with an ALJ presiding over the proceedings. You should bring updated medical records, a current medication list noting any side effects, and a daily-activity log to help explain how your condition limits your work capacity. A vocational expert often testifies to identify jobs that might fit your limitations, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Because the approval-rate spread across this panel is wide, your file must be self-sufficient and clearly documented. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A formal decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span 57 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. The 8-month wait between filing and your hearing is preparation time you can use to pressure-test your medical evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony. This period is a critical window for refining your case strategy.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Salt Lake City, 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. While this is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, the wait time has been trending upward recently, making it vital to prepare your evidence early. An attorney can help you manage your timeline and ensure your file is ready for the hearing date.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary significantly across the panel, it is important to be prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the judge assigned to your case so you can better prepare your testimony.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the judge assigned to your case so you can better prepare your testimony.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variance in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare you for the vocational expert's questions.
