Administrative Law Judge

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Chief Judge and Associate Presiding Judges, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is responsible for conducting hearings in contested cases and appealable agency actions. The ALJ is responsible for the judicial processing of a varied and complex caseload, and effectively and efficiently manages the administration of all assigned cases from initial hearing request through hearing, final order, and appeal. As cases are often highly contested, the ALJ is required to act in accordance with the Arizona Rules of Professional Responsibility and is required to maintain admission and good standing with the State Bar of Arizona. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Arizona Revised Statutes, with more advanced knowledge of Titles 13 and 28
• Knowledge of Arizona Administrative Code sections applicable to Executive Hearing Office administrative hearings, and the Arizona Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Knowledge of Rules of Evidence; administrative hearing procedures; LEAN or other recognized process improvement system.
• Knowledge of Google workspace.
• Skills in maintaining control of all hearings.
• Skills in communicating effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Skills in effectively explaining complex legal situations and rulings to hearing participants.
• Skills in independently editing written work product to ensure written decisions and orders are sufficiently detailed but not overly verbose.
• Substantial litigation and courtroom experience.
• Ability to independently manage a full docket of cases of varying complexity with different legal requirements and deadlines.
• Ability to handle detailed and complex legal work with accuracy and speed.
• Ability to quickly rule on objections during hearings.
• Ability to respond to the public with tact, diplomacy, and timely information.
• Ability to understand, accurately interpret, and appropriately apply relevant state and federal legal requirements.
• Ability to analyze facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to apply legal principles and precedent.
• Ability to preside over hearing proceedings.
• Ability to remain fair and impartial when evaluating evidence and maintain objective and reasoned demeanor.
• Ability to plan and organize work assignments.
• Ability to react professionally and adjust appropriately to changing circumstances.
• Must possess a valid Drivers License.
• Requires current admission, in good standing, to the Arizona State Bar, and the ability to maintain such status to practice law in the State of Arizona.
• Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks.
• The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended.
• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training.
• An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of litigation experience
• Significant legal writing experience
• Experience as a judge, magistrate, administrative law judge, or hearing officer

Responsibilities

• Fairly and impartially preside over contested hearings; enforce appropriate courtroom decorum; promptly rule on motions and objections raised at hearing; administer oaths, question witnesses, and examine evidence; rule on the admissibility of evidence and testimony; issue appropriate oral decisions and rulings during hearings.
• Actively manage all assigned cases in your docket to ensure all matters progress in a timely manner; review and rule on pending motions within required time frames; make final determinations regarding jurisdiction and timeliness; rule on pre-hearing motions.
• Write sufficiently detailed and legally supported written decisions; conduct summary reviews in accordance with Arizona law; conduct legal research.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed