Description:
Role Overview:As an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you will be responsible for presiding over standard complexity administrative cases that usually address routine legal issues and center around one or two straightforward factual disputes. Cases are usually resolved through a single evidentiary hearing or routine order (such as an order dismissing the case for failure to appear). To succeed in this position, a candidate should have:
- Independent and proactive work ethic
- Adept use of technology and computer programs, such as case management systems
- Detail-oriented and well-organized case management skills
- Strong understanding of administrative or civil litigation process
- Judicial writing ability (e.g. neutral, well-organized, and concise)
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A day in the life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Serves as an Administrative Law Judge for a variety of case types.
- Hears evidence, rules on the admissibility of evidence, and makes a reasoned decision supported by evidence.
- Most cases handled by the ALJ will usually involve one or two routine legal issues with readily identifiable legal authority and can usually be resolved through a single evidentiary hearing or routine order (e.g. an order of dismissal).
- Complies with all established timelines for proceedings.
- Ensures decisions avoid errors and are not subject to remand on account of (1) failing to address the issues raised by parties; (2) failing to develop the record as required by Indiana Law; (3) failing to adhere to hearing procedures established by law; (4) failing to make findings supported by the evidence; (5) being arbitrary or capricious; (6) being contrary to any constitutional, statutory, or legal principle.
- Conducts hearings in an efficient manner, while still maintaining empathy, understanding, and appropriate decorum as a neutral decision-maker.
- Responsible for the form, preparation and flow of documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
- Maintains legal resources, dockets, all legal files, and official records of proceedings of cases heard by the administrative law judge.
- Recommends and follow established office objectives, policies, and procedures.
- Performs legal research and writing assignments.
- Abides by the code of ethics for administrative law judges.
- Successfully utilizes A Government Entity's case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders.
- Some essential functions of this position may be performed onsite at the agency's worksite or other assigned worksites while some essential functions of this position may be eligible for work from home authorization in accordance with policy. Remote work authorization is not automatic and is dependent upon operational needs and agency approval.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The person in this role must have:
- a Doctor of Jurisprudence with Indiana Bar Admission with a license in good standing
- You must also meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
- Thorough knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including Indiana Administrative Orders and Procedures Act (AOPA), trial rules, and rules of evidence.
- Thorough knowledge of all federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines which relate to subject matter cases.
- Thorough knowledge of federal and state court decisions and of previous administrative hearing decisions.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse people and adversarial parties.
- Possess judicial demeanor reflective of the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct, including impartiality, respectfulness, civility, dignity, and the absence of bias or prejudice.
- Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings in a professional manner.
- Willingness to learn and work with a new case management system, utilizing technology to drive efficiencies.
- Ability to work without interruptions and in a secure location at home.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.
