How to Appeal a Decision Made By an Administrative Law Judge
When you've gone through a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ) and the outcome isn't in your favor, it's easy to feel frustrated or defeated. You’ve already invested your time, told your story, and hoped for a fair decision.
It can be overwhelming to think about what happens next, especially if that decision affects your livelihood, benefits, or rights. But there's a next step. You may have the right to appeal, and knowing how to do that effectively can make all the difference.
Whether the ALJ's decision involved Social Security Disability, unemployment benefits, or another administrative issue, I help people just like you fight for what’s fair.
At William Ray Ford Attorney, I guide clients through the appeal process with a clear strategy and personal support every step of the way. If you're unsure where to turn after receiving an ALJ decision, contact me to discuss your options.
What It Means When an ALJ Makes a Decision
Administrative law judges are part of a legal process used by government agencies to resolve disputes. These decisions can involve Social Security Disability benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment appeals, professional licensing issues, and more.
When the administrative law judge issues a decision, it’s based on the hearing you attended, the evidence presented, and the relevant laws or policies. However, just because the judge made a decision doesn’t mean it’s final.
Many people don’t realize that administrative law judge rulings can be appealed. The appeals process gives you the chance to have another authority review the decision—and potentially reverse or modify it.
Common Reasons to Appeal an ALJ Decision
Appeals aren't just for people who disagree with the outcome; they're for situations where something may have gone wrong during the process. Before filing an appeal, it’s important to understand why the decision might be worth challenging.
Some common grounds for appealing include:
Legal error: The administrative law judge misinterpreted or misapplied the law in reaching their decision.
Lack of evidence support: The decision wasn't backed by the facts or evidence presented at the hearing.
Due process violation: You weren’t given a fair chance to present your case or respond to the other side.
Bias or unfair conduct: The judge acted inappropriately or appeared biased during the proceedings.
New evidence: Important information came to light after the hearing that wasn’t previously available.
Even one of these reasons may justify filing an appeal. It’s important to review your decision closely and consider how your case was handled.
Where You Can Appeal an ALJ Decision
Once you've decided to appeal, your next step depends on the agency involved. Each agency has its own process and deadline. The appeal could go to a higher-level board or be filed in court.
Appeal destinations may vary based on your case type:
Social Security Disability: Appeals go to the Appeals Council and then possibly to federal court.
Unemployment benefits (Maryland): Appeals move to the Board of Appeals, and then the Circuit Court.
Workers’ compensation: Appeals can go to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission or Circuit Court.
Professional licensing boards: Appeals often go to a higher board or the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings.
Before moving forward, it’s critical to figure out exactly where and how to appeal. Missing a deadline or sending your appeal to the wrong place can cause your case to be dismissed.
How the Appeals Process Works
Appealing an ALJ decision follows a structured process, but that process depends on the type of case you're involved in. In most situations, your appeal will begin by submitting a written request to the appropriate agency or court.
From there, it may move through several phases, including written briefs, reviews, or even another hearing.
Typical steps in the appeals process include:
Reviewing the ALJ decision: Start by reading the full decision to understand the judge’s reasoning.
Filing a notice of appeal: This written request tells the agency or court you intend to challenge the ruling.
Submitting written arguments or briefs: You’ll have to explain why the decision was wrong and what should happen instead.
Participating in hearings (if required): Some appeals involve new hearings where additional evidence can be presented.
Receiving a final ruling: After review, a final decision will be issued, which could affirm, reverse, or modify the ALJ’s ruling.
The process isn’t always quick. Some appeals take months, especially if they move into the court system. But a strong appeal can lead to a better outcome.
Documents You’ll Need to Appeal
You’ll need certain documents in order to file a complete and persuasive appeal. Gathering everything ahead of time helps keep the process on track.
Some key documents to prepare for your appeal include:
The ALJ decision: This will be the central document under review.
Notice of appeal form: Each agency has a specific form or process for initiating an appeal.
Hearing transcript or audio recording: These help identify what was said and whether errors occurred.
Medical records or evidence (for disability cases): Supporting documents to back your claim.
New evidence (if allowed): Any documentation that wasn’t available at the time of your hearing.
Having these items ready can strengthen your appeal. If you’re not sure what’s relevant, I help clients gather and review everything before filing.
What Makes a Strong Appeal
Filing an appeal isn’t just about saying you disagree—it’s about proving why the decision should be changed. A well-structured appeal needs to be both factual and persuasive.
Elements that contribute to a strong appeal include:
Clear legal arguments: Pointing out errors in how the law was applied.
Strong factual support: Showing that the decision isn’t consistent with the evidence.
Timely filing: Submitting your appeal before the deadline.
Proper formatting: Following the correct format, page limits, and procedures.
Professional tone: Respectful language that supports your case without attacking the judge.
Even if you think your case was obvious, appeals require a very different kind of strategy than your original hearing. I focus on presenting a clear and compelling case so that higher decision-makers can easily understand where things went wrong.
Deadlines Matter
Every appeal has a deadline, and they’re often short. Missing the deadline can mean you lose your right to challenge the decision entirely.
Examples of common appeal deadlines include:
Social Security Disability: You usually have 60 days to file with the Appeals Council, according to the SSA.
Unemployment benefits (Maryland): According to the Maryland Department of Labor, appeals must often be filed within 15 days.
Workers’ compensation: The Workers' Compensation Board reports that appeals typically must be filed within 30 days.
Professional licensing boards: These vary, so it’s important to check the notice you receive.
Even if you're only a day late, you may be out of luck. One of the first things I do with new clients is confirm the exact deadline and get everything filed on time.
Can You Introduce New Evidence?
One of the most common questions I get is whether new evidence can be submitted during the appeal. The answer depends on the rules of the appeal body you're dealing with.
When new evidence may be allowed:
Social Security Disability: The Appeals Council may accept new evidence if it relates to the original hearing period.
Maryland unemployment benefits: New evidence is generally not allowed unless there’s a second hearing.
Workers’ compensation appeals: Some appeals allow for new hearings and additional evidence.
Court appeals: Courts usually review the existing record, not new facts.
If you’ve found something new that could change your case, I can help determine whether and how to present it.
What Happens After You Appeal?
Once your appeal is filed, the process can feel like a waiting game. Depending on the agency, you may receive updates, be asked for more information, or even be scheduled for another hearing.
Possible outcomes of an appeal include:
Affirmed: The original decision stands.
Reversed: The decision is overturned in your favor.
Remanded: The case is sent back to the ALJ for a new hearing.
Modified: The decision is changed in part but not fully reversed.
No one wants to go through the appeals process more than once, so the goal is to get it right the first time. I work closely with clients to prepare for every possibility, from additional hearings to court reviews.
Contact an Experienced Administrative Law Attorney
If you’ve received a decision from an administrative law judge and you’re wondering what to do next, don’t wait. The appeal window is short, and there’s too much at stake to go it alone.
At William Ray Ford Attorney, I’ve helped clients from Clinton, Maryland, as well as the surrounding areas of Calvert County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel, Montgomery County, Howard County, Frederick County, and Queen Anne’s County appeal unfair ALJ decisions and fight for positive outcomes.
Whether your case involves Social Security, unemployment, workers’ compensation, or another issue, I’ll walk you through each step and give you clear, practical advice. You don’t have to accept a decision that feels wrong. Reach out to me today for a consultation and take the first step toward a fair resolution.