ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

State of Arkansas•North Little Rock, AR

3d•$114,390 - $169,298•Onsite

About The Position

This job posting is for the position that functions as a Revocation Hearing Judge (RHJ) for the state’s paroling authority. In addition to other functions listed in the job description listing, the RHJ position serves as a specialized Administrative Law Judge for the Post-Prison Transfer Board (PPTB) with jurisdictional focus on revocation of parole and post-release supervision and presides over probable cause hearings, revocation hearings, rules on evidentiary matters, evaluates testimony and documentary evidence, and makes findings of fact. Acting independently and impartially, the RHJ issues binding decisions by applying the appropriate burden of proof—subject only to appellate review. This role safeguards individual liberty and due-process interests while promoting public safety through fair and timely adjudication of parole revocation matters statewide. The RHJ role also serves as the legal staff for the Post-Prison Transfer Board; drafts, interprets, implements, and revises administrative rules, legislative proposals, directives, and operational guidance; and conducts training with other state agencies and outside stakeholders. The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders. All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Requirements

Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus five years of experience in conducting administrative law hearings.
Must be licensed as an Attorney in the State of Arkansas.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of Arkansas administrative law, agency regulations, and constitutional principles.
Proficiency in statutory interpretation, legal research, and drafting judicial opinions.
Strong understanding of evidence rules, hearing procedures, and appellate processes.
Experience in government law, regulatory enforcement, or administrative litigation.
Excellent legal writing skills for rulings, decisions, and procedural guidance; clear oral communication for hearings and stakeholder discussions.
Ability to mediate disputes, facilitate settlements, and de-escalate confrontations in high-stakes cases.
Ability to prioritize caseloads, manage multiple hearings, and meet deadlines for decisions.

Responsibilities

Preside over administrative hearings and adjudications involving state laws, agency regulations, and public disputes.
Ensure fair and impartial proceedings by maintaining order, managing testimony, and ruling on evidentiary matters.
Review case files, pleadings, and legal briefs, ensuring that parties have an equal opportunity to present evidence and arguments.
Evaluate legal issues, apply statutes, regulations, and judicial precedents, and issue rulings in accordance with Arkansas law.
Conduct comprehensive legal research to support rulings and determinations.
Prepare written decisions, orders, and recommendations that are clear, legally sound, and well-reasoned.
Provide guidance and recommendations on procedural rule changes to state agencies.
Ensure adherence to state ethics laws, public transparency requirements, and judicial conduct standards.
Explain legal procedures, rules of evidence, and hearing protocols to non-attorney participants.
Conduct mediations, settlement conferences, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings, when applicable.