Judge London Steverson’s work for the Social Security Administration involves him in the lives of a wide variety of individuals as he makes decisions on whether they will receive disability, Workman’s Comp or other benefits. “My satisfaction comes from helping people get what is due them,” he said, “and in keeping liars and cheats from defrauding the government.”

Steverson and his wife, Sylvia, are members of the Hollydale Community Church in South Gate, and parents of Sarah Mahalia, born July 9, 2003. He hears as many as six cases on an average day, reviewing each case file—which can weigh up to 20 pounds—three to six months in advance of the hearings, and averages about 40 finished decisions per month.

Some interviews are conducted at locations away from his office. On one trip, while waiting to interview individuals, he noticed a young woman in the parking lot with two men. “She was swinging a pair of crutches as she walked, having a good time with her friends. When she came into the hearing room and saw me behind the bench, her expression changed markedly,” he said.

The timing of evidence is not always so fortunate. “In another case, I had decided in favor of a woman claiming disability. Later, I saw her in the supermarket, lifting and bending with no apparent discomfort. When she saw me, she burst into tears and left the store.”

Steverson is in his 14th year as a Federal Administrative Judge. His role represents the third layer of appeal and the first at the federal level for individuals not approved at the state level for benefits.

As the judge weighs the evidence of each case, whether it is a Workman’s Comp claim or harassment or a physical or emotional disability situation, he is to dispassionately review and rule according to regulations applying to the case.

“I pray Solomon’s prayer for wisdom and discernment," explains Steverson. "Because I believe God answers my daily prayer, I act in confidence that my prayer has been heard, and decide each case to the best of my ability, in faith that God supplies wisdom for each decision.

“If my decision is reviewed and a different determination made, I still believe that I have done my best with the Lord’s help. I believe this is possible because mine is not always the final decision; there are two levels of appeal between me and the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Steverson’s stress-management library in his office includes many translations of the Bible and inspirational books. If a walk does not help, he reads and prays. “I compartmentalize to manage stress,” he added. “I have disciplined myself to leave my work at my office.”