Does the administrative law judge render a decision immediately following the hearing?
A. Decisions typically are made after the administrative law judge reviews the entire record, including the transcripts of the hearing, exhibits and written briefs filed by the parties. Transcripts usually are available in two to three weeks after the hearing. Briefs usually are submitted in 30-45 days from the close of the hearing and the administrative law judge issues a decision in most cases in 50-75 days from receipt of the final brief. In exceptional cases, the procedure may take longer.
