Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record since 2016 ranging from 21% to 93%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw matters. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to build a case that is robust enough to succeed regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael C. Blanton | 93% | 1,975 | |
| 2 | Timothy Mangrum | 68% | 3,348 | |
| 3 | Mary Gallagher Dilley | 67% | 1,511 | |
| 4 | Sue Leise | 63% | 2,885 | |
| 5 | Wayne N. Araki | 60% | 1,017 | |
| 6 | C. H. Prinsloo | 55% | 2,758 | |
| 7 | Cheri L. Filion | 54% | 207 | |
| 8 | Laura Valente | 53% | 2,898 | |
| 9 | Gordon W. Griggs | 51% | 451 | |
| 10 | Keith Allred | 49% | 829 | |
| 11 | Malcolm Ross | 47% | 2,786 | |
| 12 | Kimberly Boyce | 42% | 1,438 | |
| 13 | Eric S. Basse | 41% | 1,242 | |
| 14 | Stephanie Martz | 41% | 951 | |
| 15 | Virginia M. Robinson | 40% | 1,502 | |
| 16 | M. J. Adams | 39% | 1,854 | |
| 17 | Glenn G. Meyers | 38% | 2,310 | |
| 18 | Larry Kennedy | 36% | 1,108 | |
| 19 | Ilene Sloan | 35% | 672 | |
| 20 | Allen G. Erickson | 30% | 3,441 | |
| 21 | Cecilia LaCara | 27% | 2,922 | |
| 22 | Tom L. Morris | 21% | 600 |
How long you'll wait
At Seattle, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ evaluates your claim. You should arrive with updated medical records that document your condition since your initial denial, as these are the most important pieces of evidence. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which a vocational expert may testify about jobs that could accommodate your limitations. You and your attorney have the opportunity to question this expert to clarify how your specific impairments prevent you from working. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, you must ensure all documentation is filed well before your date. A decision is not made in the room; you receive a written notice by mail several weeks later.
When a panel's approval rates span such a wide range, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Seattle panel can pressure-test your evidence against the standards of the judges most likely to hear your case. You can have a professional review your file for gaps to ensure you are ready for your hearing.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Seattle, 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 the Seattle office is 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with additional time to gather necessary medical documentation. An attorney can help you use this time to build a stronger case.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle. Because there is a wide spread in approval rates among these judges, an attorney can help you prepare for the evidentiary standards common to this panel. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if there is a conflict of interest or a specific legal reason, an attorney can advise you on the proper procedures for requesting a change. An attorney can help you evaluate if a request is appropriate.
While there is no strict dress code, you should dress in a way that is respectful and professional. The hearing is a formal legal proceeding, and your appearance should reflect the seriousness of your claim. An attorney can help you understand what to expect during the hearing process.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the hearing and ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
