When I receive a hearing notice for a Social Security disability claim, the first thing I want to know is the name of the administrative law judge (ALJ) who will hear the case and then decide the claim. It shouldn't matter which judge hears your case, since they all interpret the same regulations and would be looking at the same set of facts. But it really does matter.

Different judges approve claims at different rates. The current statistics for each ALJ are available on Social Security's website. When you look at the allowance/denial rates for the various ALJs, it is remarkable how different they can be. Each judge evaluates a disability claim in a unique way.

It is helpful to know before the disability hearing how a particular judge tends to look at a case. Also, each judge conducts the hearing in a particular way. 

I handle disability and SSI cases in Maine and New Hampshire, so I see the same judges again and again. I am able to prepare a case for hearing in a way tailored to the ALJ who will decide the claim.

You do not get to pick the judge that decides your case. However, you do get to pick the disability lawyer who handles your case. Consider obtaining the assistance of a Social Security disability lawyer who has extensive experience with the judges in your area.