SOUTH-JERSEY, New jersey Odar offices
At the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) in South-jersey, NEW JERSEY, 19 different administrative law judges (ALJ) conduct Social Security Disability (SSD) hearings and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings. Currently, in South-jersey, the average wait time for a SSI or SSD hearing is 11 months. The average case processing time in South-jersey is 460 days. The South-jersey average for winning a SSI or SSD disability hearing is 47%. Click on the name of one of the ALJs below to see detailed information about their hearing results. This information for the South-jersey ODAR office was last updated on 10/01/2021.
AVERAGE STATISTICS
| Office | Judges | Avg. Hearing | Average Processing Time |
Avg. Depositions Per Day Per ALJ |
Cases Dismissed |
Cases Approved |
Cases Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH JERSEY | 19 | 11.0 months | 460 days | 2.1 | 18% | 47% | 35% |
| NEW JERSEY | 11.8 months | 419 days | 2.0 | 18% | 46% | 36% | |
| National Average: | 11.8 months | 418 days | 1.9 | 18% | 44% | 38% | |
AVERAGE TIME
| Hearing Wait Time |
Depositions Per Day Per ALJ |
Average Processing Time |
Cases Pending |
Depositions | New Cases | Hearings In Person |
Video Hearings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| months | days | % | % |
LIST OF JUDGES / 29
| Full Name | Dismissed | Approved | Denied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa Hibner Olson | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| April M Wexler | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| JONATHAN L WESNER | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nycole Watson | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Kimberly Varillo | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Marguerite Toland | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Frederick Timm | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jennifer Spector | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Daniel W Shoemaker | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Karen Shelton | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Daniel N Shellhamer | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jennifer Pustizzi | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Kim Soo Nagle | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Trina Moore | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Louis G Mc Afoos III | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Louis G McAfoos III | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Scott Massengill | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nancy Lisewski | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Elana Hollo | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mark Hockensmith | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Joseph M Hillegas | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Lisa Hibner | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Margaret M Gabell | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Brian H Ferrie | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nicholas Cerulli | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| John Campbell | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Christopher K Bullard | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Kenneth Bossong | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Mark G Barrett | 0% | 0% | 0% |
119 Comments
He is a nice Judge, very professional and fair
I just had a hearing with this ALJ. Even though I don't know how the decision will come out, I can say that he held the hearing in a kindly manner and was not threatening to my client. He was very fair and very thorough.
Very kind Judge and fair!
Just had my hearing with Judge Cerulli today. I don't know the outcome yet but I have to say he made the whole process so easy. He's kind, he listens put me at ease right away.
i was with my Aunt at her hearing and she had nothing but nice things to say about Judge Cerulli. My Aunt has tremors and a very bad speech impairment and the Judge let her take her time so she wasnt overwhelmed. I want to Thank Judge Cerulli for treating my Aunt with respect and compassion not everyone has patience with her so Thank you again.
My name is Jaclyn Jean Baptiste. Judge Gabell heard my case in August 2016. She was very nice & she seems to be very thorough when it comes to her cases. Its been 6 months & i still didnt get an answer yet, but not judge Gabells fault. She had to subpoena for my medical records. I beleive if the place would of given her my records when first initially asked then she would of been able to make her decision. Thank you Judge Gabell.
She seemed to care and the vocational expert answered "No" to every question regarding whether I could hold down employment....... still denied. I hope she lives happily with herself while I debate whether to walk into traffic or check into a psych ward. I can't get benefits and can't work. There's no hope
Happy to say I got denied, deep down I didn't want to be controlled by the governement. I Just pray that those people like myself that are truthful, get the money they worked for. Being stuck in your room more then what you are outside is not easy to deal with. If you get denied dont worry, pray to God and he will hear you. If you follow God the right way he will provide. God spoke to me and told me that if I cant work to learn to live by faith and that is what I will do! GOD WILL PROVIDE
Attended my hearing on2/14/17 judge lisa hibner heard my case, 2 thumbs up was treated with respect plus she was very upbeat sincere. I was on my medication which i think she realized and made me feel very comfortable despite my personal issues i wish her the best.....
A stern, fair, fact-finding Judge. Although the entire claim processing time was long, Judge Hillegas, through patience, careful review of all facts/evidence will without a doubt make an informed, unbiased decision.
Excellent judge, really listens to the claimant and doesn't use the vocational expert if it's not necessary.
This judge is the worst. Horrible how she treated my mother. She should be ashamed of herself as a woman and a judge . Even the VE said my mother couldn't work. My mother suffers every single day. It's beyond upsetting and cruel
This judge is the worst. Horrible how she treated my mother. She should be ashamed of herself as a woman and a judge . Even the VE said my mother couldn't work. My mother suffers every single day. It's beyond upsetting and cruel
Appears to know the file well. Does not request opening statement.
Appears to know the file well. Does not request opening statement.
Appears to know the file well. Does not request opening statement.
Appears to know the file well. Does not request opening statement.
Looks for the legal ways to deny - disregards the person.
Looks for the legal ways to deny - disregards the person.
Looks for the legal ways to deny - disregards the person.
Looks for the legal ways to deny - disregards the person.
Conducts a quick hearing. Lets the representative do most of the questioning. However, she will find any loophole to deny; especially D & A.
Conducts a quick hearing. Lets the representative do most of the questioning. However, she will find any loophole to deny; especially D & A.
Conducts a quick hearing. Lets the representative do most of the questioning. However, she will find any loophole to deny; especially D & A.
Conducts a quick hearing. Lets the representative do most of the questioning. However, she will find any loophole to deny; especially D & A.
Brash, rude, and condescending. She has decided the case before you even walk through the door. Disgrace.
Brash, rude, and condescending. She has decided the case before you even walk through the door. Disgrace.
Brash, rude, and condescending. She has decided the case before you even walk through the door. Disgrace.
Low-class. Should be disbarred. She is disgusting.
Low-class. Should be disbarred. She is disgusting.
Low-class. Should be disbarred. She is disgusting.
Low-class. Should be disbarred. She is disgusting.
I find her to be respectful to the claimant and the representative. She may not approve many cases but she is professional.
I find her to be respectful to the claimant and the representative. She may not approve many cases but she is professional.
I find her to be respectful to the claimant and the representative. She may not approve many cases but she is professional.
I find her to be respectful to the claimant and the representative. She may not approve many cases but she is professional.
IF you want a fair Judge that listens and ask the best questions about your case, she reads and understands, i been threw alot but i kept on because i have worked, and this judge is differant than the other one i had. shes a great judge i will tell anybody that. thank u judge NANCY FOR YOUR FAVORABLE DECISION ON MY CASE. ITS BEEN A LONG AND HARD ROAD FOR ME.
Just had my hearing with her after waiting a long while. She's very professional, nice & respectful. Had my representative do a lot of the questioning. Always be honest! She's a good listener & has decided to keep my case open for another 2 weeks to get some more medical records submitted to her. She seems to be understanding & even wished me good luck! Hoping & praying for a favorable decision! Whether she approves me or not, thank you to her for being my judge & taking the time to hear my case about how my conditions have impacted my life & ability to work.
Very nice judge. Does not ask for opening or closing but will allow for it. Has rep ask all the questions initially. Again, very respectful to both rep and client.
Judge Mc Afoos in a September 2013 hearing was friendly and courteous and smiled.
Judge Mc Afoos in a September 2013 hearing was friendly and courteous and smiled.
Judge Mc Afoos in a September 2013 hearing was friendly and courteous and smiled.
I was very pleased with my outcome after being denied 3 times.he recognized i wasnt treated fairly..
Very kind and fair judge. Not intimidating
Judge Mc Afoos was a very kind and fair man. He thoroughly read my case file before I walked into the room and knew what he was talking about. He made a very scared me, much more comfortable with the whole process.
Racist if you are white you better just go back to work. lied completely about what was said in the hearing and she never even met me she made a decision for another alj she is a lier.
She was a very nice lady. I don't know what her decision is yet- but I'm very hopeful.
ALJ Trina Moore was very professional, pleasant, understanding and knew exactly what she was looking for in assessing my case. I feel that my medical situation was properly analyzed and taken into account by Judge Moore. Very knowledgeable, nice and fair ALJ to be in front of.
Likely the worst ALJ I have been before. She is rude and arrogant. She speaks towards her computer screen and expects the entire room to hear her. If asked to repeat herself, she makes eye contact and speaks to you as if you don't speak English. She does this to Attorneys and claimants alike - as if Attorneys have not gone to law school as she has?!. She should probably rethink her entire career if she cannot be respectful towards people who are disabled and suffering before her. She also totally misses the issue in cases and will have unnecessary supplemental hearings.
Extremely racially bias ALJ. Requires supplemental hearings for missing records - waste of Federal Government funds in a system that is already backed up and running out of funds. Get a grip.
Extremely racially bias ALJ. Requires supplemental hearings for missing records - waste of Federal Government funds in a system that is already backed up and running out of funds.
Very fair judge. She is smart and knowledgeable about Social Security law.
Very fair judge. She is smart and knowledgeable about Social Security law.
Very fair judge. She is smart and knowledgeable about Social Security law.
Very fair judge. She is smart and knowledgeable about Social Security law.
Judge Nagle really seems to understand the disability process. I have appeared before dozens of ALJs in disability cases in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia and I rank her among the top three. I look forward to having cases with her in the future.
Judge Nagle really seems to understand the disability process. I have appeared before dozens of ALJs in disability cases in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia and I rank her among the top three. I look forward to having cases with her in the future.
Judge Nagle really seems to understand the disability process. I have appeared before dozens of ALJs in disability cases in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia and I rank her among the top three. I look forward to having cases with her in the future.
Judge Nagle really seems to understand the disability process. I have appeared before dozens of ALJs in disability cases in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia and I rank her among the top three. I look forward to having cases with her in the future.
Reversed and remanded again! A judge cannot lie and claim evidence does not exist when it clearly does.
Reversed and remanded again! A judge cannot lie and claim evidence does not exist when it clearly does.
Reversed and remanded again! A judge cannot lie and claim evidence does not exist when it clearly does.
Extremely fair judge with a pleasant demeanor. She gets right to the point and does not waste time with unnecessary questions. She is very respectful of the Claimant and can be interactive with counsel. She handles most of the questioning and the hearings last 30-45 minutes.
Even though there labor person said I could not hold a job she denied me anyway gonna lose everything I have very devastating she seemed very nice but that is as far as it goes don't know what to do now
Judge Pustizzi was very professional and courteous. Although it appears she hasn’t been an ALJ for SSA long according to records you would think she’s been doing it for years. She goes right to the heart of your ability to work,past work, etc. My hearing lasted approximately 35 minutes. I don’t know the outcome yet but I’m not righting this review based on whether I’ve won my case or not. What’s important to me is that I was treated with respect,compassion,kindness and professionalism. She doesn’t yuck it up with your attorney in which my case my attorney has been in front of this judge multiple times or her staff during your hearing.. The court reporter was so quiet you wouldn’t have known she was there. Very professional. No matter her ruling I felt she was respectful, kind and above all else fair in her questioning and treatment of myself and my attorney.Thank you your honor! You are a true professional. Note: I wrote this review because everyone that has to go to an ALJ hearing is nervous, anxious, and scared if you’ve never testified before a judge. Fortunately for myself I have been before many judges in my law enforcement career. I’ve seen amazing judges and some I thought were rude, egotistical, and unprofessional. I saw none of those traits with Judge Pustizzi. Tell the TRUTH. Don’t put on a show or exaggerate. These judges have seen and heard it all. Your capacity to work is the judges main concern. Listen to your council and talk to the Judge about your condition just as you would your doctor. Sorry this is so long but I felt it needed to be done as I’ve seen zero reviews on this judge.
Denied.... ALJ jennifer Pustizzi. I don’t blame the judge. I blame my rookie attorney who works for a big box firm. Unprepared... didn’t question much of anything the vocational “expert “ said. I still stand by my previous comments about judge Pustizzi. Very courteous and professional.
I had Jennifer Pustizzi and was extremely nervous! but she made me feel at ease, had an extremely nice demeanor and asked all the right questions. She doesn’t have the best approval ratings BUT she is fair. All I can recommend is make sure you have a long extensive record and be completely 100% honest.
So I'm back to work because I was too young...too educated and had too many skills to be disabled. Didn't find toy stuffing or addresser jobs so I'm back to my field in order to make the same money. The way things are going ill see you again soon. Maybe the bias won't be there next time. Thanks for nothing.
My old lawyer is no longer working for me after the failure they induced. But still wants payment if I'm approved down the road. Yeah right...
Judge Shellhamer was fair and extremely thorough in his review of my case. He was prepared and knew all the facts of the case at the onset of the hearing. I was very impressed with his professionalism and demeanor.
He's a very professional and kind Judge. He is also prepared and reads the file ahead of time. If you have this Judge you are lucky, he has a decent approval rate as well!
He's a very professional and kind Judge. He is also prepared and reads the file ahead of time. If you have this Judge you are lucky, he has a decent approval rate as well!
She is very far and makes you feel at ease she told me yes when ever body told me no
She is an extremely serious Judge, kind of intimidating. I felt like she made up her mind even before the hearing and it was unfair.
I will copy the person below me because I had the same experience. She is an extremely serious Judge, kind of intimidating. I felt like she made up her mind even before the hearing and it was unfair.
Very impatient, appeared confused, power-hungry, and all over the map. A bit rude as well. Wondering how long she's doing this, as it doesn't appear she's learned the ropes just yet.
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Very respectful to claimants and counsel. Fair decisions. It's a pleasure to appear before him.
Judge Toland is a professional of the highest integrity and professional standards. Her anaylasis of cases is meticulous, exacting and expert. She has genuine concern and conducts herself with proper judicial decorum.
Judge Toland is a kind and compassionate judge. She respects claimants.
I just had a hearing with her she was nasty to my lawyer & she would not allow me to explain my past circumstances. I believe she was unfair & I hope who ever gets her they watch out
She is impatient and rude. But heard she's leaving which is good
I had a hearing with her. rude. beware anyone who gets her. it seems like she doesn't know what shes doing. my lawyer said her questions were dumb and not in line with the rules.
I found her to be very rude and unfair. She seems like she is a ALJ just for a power trip and not compassionate at all.
Judge Watson left South Jersey ODAR and moved to Philadelphia ODAR. Instead of deciding her NJ cases first... She just moved on to deciding Philadelphia cases leaving NJ cases languish. There are hurt people waiting for a decision but she is busy deciding her newest cases for her new boss. DISPICAPLE!
She's rude, she should try acting more professional. Also she takes forever to write decisions, like a ridiculous amount of time! My case was in May 2016 and we still have no decision!!! It's really ridiculous, she's an awful
She's rude, she should try acting more professional. Also she takes forever to write decisions, like a ridiculous amount of time! My case was in May 2016 and we still have no decision!!! It's really ridiculous, she's an awful
Beware of this Judge, she's very rude and will either deny you or amend your onset date for no justifiable reason. She wants to prove she is tough but she lacks professionalism and compassion! Honestly doesn't seem like she knows the social security laws that well either.
She's not a nice person and has really low approval rating
If you google her name you find that she wanted to be a civil court judge. She left her job to try and be a civil court judge but she couldn't win the position. Then she sued her former employer for her job back and lost. When you have a hearing with her it's really obvious she has a chip on her shoulder about this and just wanted to be a judge for the power trip. She doesn't care about disabled people at all.
Agree with all the other reviews on her. My experience as not good with her
She's so rude and nasty! She only approves 19% of cases and most likely will not approve your case! She has no compassion or empathy and it's obvious during your hearing. She was nasty to me and my Attorney! I honestly do not know how she is a Judge, she is extremely unprofessional!!!
She's a fair and reasonable Judge
She was rude to my lawyer and to me. she wouldn't allow me to explain things and would cut me off after only a few seconds. This is unprofessional.
Corrupt judge. Doesn’t listen to the person or lawyer in their hearing, makes a decision without looking at the evidence and then cherry picks your file for irrelevant things taken out of context to deny your legit claim. This woman has no business being in a courtroom.
Still waiting I'm in Florida I pray for her to know how my life an grandkids life will change if I am awarded what I am owed
Still waiting I'm in Florida I pray for her to know how my life an grandkids life will change if I am awarded what I am owed
I recently had a case and she was the ALJ. She was late to the hearing and was very unprofessional. Nevertheless, she dismissed the statements and recommendations of all three of my longtime Healthcare providers and denied me disability, which also jeopardizes my current LTD. She needs to find employment elsewhere. Now I see why she is going from state to state, once her cover is blown, she has to leave. She doesn’t understand that majority of the people filing the cases which she oversees, are already at their lowest, and then she pulls the little hope that they have away. Extremely rude! Beware, if she is assigned to you, ask for another Judge.
I recently had a case and she was the ALJ. She was late to the hearing and was very unprofessional. Nevertheless, she dismissed the statements and recommendations of all three of my longtime Healthcare providers and denied me disability, which also jeopardizes my current LTD. She needs to find employment elsewhere. Now I see why she is going from state to state, once her cover is blown, she has to leave. She doesn’t understand that majority of the people filing the cases which she oversees, are already at their lowest, and then she pulls the little hope that they have away. Extremely rude! Beware, if she is assigned to you, ask for another Judge.
Very scary Judge
Very scary Judge
Very scary Judge
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Unfair Judge by faR
This guy is one of the smartest judges in all of ODAR by far. A bit brusque at times, he knows how to get to the heart of the case.
As an attorney who has also appeared before Judge Wesner, I am amused by the earlier comments. They must necessarily have emanated from a claimant or attorney in a case which was unfavorable. That, or possibly from an advocate who was intimidated by the Judge's superior intellect.
Great judge! He knows each file and is able to get to the heart of the matter right away. Very fair and objective. Great sense of humor.
Judge April M. Wexler is a Judge who is definitely not aware of the fact that many people who are applying for disability are actual people who have serious pre existing and continued long term medical issues and medical problems. I believe she looks at the actual person instead of the combined medical evidence, which includes narratives MRI's, and x-rays provided by the Medical Doctors. Furthermore I believe that Judge Wexler is biased with many of her rulings and decisions. In my case her words to me directly were " If you can drive then you are not DISABLE period regardless of your medical conditions"
Judge April M. Wexler is a Judge who is definitely not aware of the fact that many people who are applying for disability are actual people who have serious pre existing and continued long term medical issues and medical problems. I believe she looks at the actual person instead of the combined medical evidence, which includes narratives MRI's, and x-rays provided by the Medical Doctors. Furthermore I believe that Judge Wexler is biased with many of her rulings and decisions. In my case her words to me directly were " If you can drive then you are not DISABLE period regardless of your medical conditions"
Judge April M. Wexler is a Judge who is definitely not aware of the fact that many people who are applying for disability are actual people who have serious pre existing and continued long term medical issues and medical problems. I believe she looks at the actual person instead of the combined medical evidence, which includes narratives MRI's, and x-rays provided by the Medical Doctors. Furthermore I believe that Judge Wexler is biased with many of her rulings and decisions. In my case her words to me directly were " If you can drive then you are not DISABLE period regardless of your medical conditions"
I sincerely feel bad for the other reviewer and hope that he/she has been approved or better yet, healed, I had a different experience. I am a 38 year old male with MRI's that show bad arthritis in multiple places, tile table was positive for severe orthostatic hypotension. BUT, the rest of my illness is an "invisible illness". I did not exaggerate anything, if anything I under-played my illness (stupid pride). Judge Wexler listened to everything I had to say and appeared attentive to my complex issues. I'm not yet sure if she ruled fully or partially favorable, I just received notice from my local SSA, not yet from ODAR. No matter what her decision, I believe she ruled fairly in my case at least. Now, I need to work on getting more tests and trying to find treatment that works so I can get OFF disability! I take off a star on the assumption that the previous commenter was indeed denied based SOLELY on ability to drive.
I'm a 42 which had me worried to begin with. I was quit pleased with Judge Wexler. She listen to what I had to say and treated me fairly. That's all that I ask. I believe she will make a fair ruling based on all the evidence.