Closing Date: 14th September, 2026
Description:
Introduction:The Department of Administration's Division of Hearings and Appeals is currently recruiting to fill two Administrative Law Judge vacancies within the Madison Corrections Unit.
These positions are headquartered at the Madison Hill Farms State Office Building, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI.
The Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) is a quasi-judicial, independent entity created to conduct high quality, impartial, independent, and cost and time efficient hearings that serve customer agencies and the citizens of Wisconsin. DHA currently conducts hearings for fifteen state agencies and is also available to do hearings for other agencies when requested. It is a growing agency with a varied caseload which fall under these administrative units: Corrections Unit, General Government Unit, and Public Assistance and Social Services Unit. To learn more about DHA, please click here.
The DHA is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
- Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of paid leave time to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that roll over each year.
- Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $49/month for single plans and $122/month for family plans after two months of employment).
- A casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, and telework options depending on the position's requirements.
- An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
- Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
- A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
- Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
- In addition to our generous employee benefits, we strive for inclusivity and celebrate different religious holidays and cultural observances and provide flexibility for using paid time off for such celebrations.
Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.
As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration are Adaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.
Position Summary:
Under general supervision, the Administrative Law Judge conducts quasi-judicial hearings and status conferences. This position issues decisions that make findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders; rules on procedural motions; manages full caseload with self-direction and maintains a record for appeal purposes. The incumbent must have extensive knowledge of administrative law, rules of evidence and have the ability to maintain decorum in an adversarial proceeding. For more information, please view the complete position description.
Salary Information:
Starting salary for the Attorney position (schedule/range 09-75) will be $99,840 – $123,219.20 annually depending on qualifications. A 12-month probation may be required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.
Job Details:
Due to the nature of the position, DOA will conduct background checks on applicants prior to selection. DOA does not sponsor work visas and is not an eligible OPT (Optional Practical Training) employer for F-1 international students. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form.
All employees are expected to live and work in Wisconsin. After training of up to 6 months, this position may be eligible for a hybrid remote/in-office work schedule, up to 50% remote, as determined by the supervisor based upon the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.
All applicants who are deemed eligible based on the initial resume and cover letter screening as assessed by the posted qualifications, will be required to complete a timed, written assessment. HR will send notifications of eligibility status and invitations to complete the written assessment to those eligible at that time.
This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent and LTE vacancies that occur in the next six months.
Qualifications:
Minimally qualified applicants will currently be licensed to practice law in the state of Wisconsin and be in good standing with the State Bar of Wisconsin prior to the application deadline.
In addition, qualified applicants will have experience performing each of the following:
- Researching, analyzing, and interpreting different areas of law.
- Writing legal documents, including writing motions, briefs, or legal memoranda.
- Speaking publicly or in forum on legal topics.
- Experience conducting legal research, analysis, and/or writing as part of a tribunal. This may include interning or clerking for a tribunal.
- Education or training in administrative law/and or the administration of due process.
- Experience appearing as an attorney or decision-maker in legal proceedings that involve administrative law and/or the administration of due process.
- Experience providing legal advice related to correctional law.
- Experience serving as a legal representative in hearings or disputes involving individuals on probation, parole, extended supervision, etc.
- Experience serving as a decision-maker in a tribunal.
How to Apply:
Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or create a new account if you don't have one. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (https://wisc.jobs/Pages/FAQs.aspx) section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. Please review the instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/about-wisdot/careers/resumetips.pdf). Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated.
Submitted materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.
The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Questions can be directed to Nathan Draeger at nathan2.draeger@wisconsin.gov.
Deadline to Apply:
Application materials are due by 11:59pm September 14, 2026.
