Administrative Law Judge

State of Montana • Helena, MT

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Administrative Law Judge conducts complex administrative hearings and issues legally sound decisions that determine the rights, duties, and privileges of parties. This role is part of the Office of Administrative Hearings and supports the agency by ensuring proceedings are fair, efficient, and consistent with applicable laws and procedures. The position manages cases from pre-hearing through final order, including ruling on motions and developing the evidentiary record. This is a meaningful public service role where you will play a direct role in ensuring fair, impartial resolution of disputes that impact Montana workers, businesses, and communities. You will deepen your expertise in administrative law and expand your experience across a variety of legal areas and agencies. This role allows you to exercise sound judgment and legal reasoning in a role that values objectivity, integrity, and well-supported decision-making. You will work alongside experienced legal professionals in a mission-driven organization committed to fairness, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Demonstrated experience practicing law or applying legal principles in areas such as administrative law, employment law, labor relations, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, or policies in complex or contested matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting legal documents and explaining complex concepts to varied audiences.
• Experience managing multiple cases or priorities while maintaining attention to detail and timeliness.
• Proficiency with standard office software and the ability to learn case management or electronic records systems.
• Must reside within Montana.

Nice To Haves

• Background in discrimination, labor relations, occupational licensing, wage and hour law, or administrative proceedings under the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.

Responsibilities

• Preside over hearings: Conduct administrative hearings to adjudicate contested cases, ensuring proceedings are fair, orderly, and consistent with due process requirements.
• Manage case proceedings: Direct all phases of assigned cases, including pre-hearing conferences, scheduling, and ruling on motions to ensure efficient case progression.
• Issue written decisions: Prepare clear, well-reasoned orders that include findings of fact, conclusions of law, and appropriate relief, subject to judicial or agency review.
• Conduct legal research: Analyze statutes, regulations, case law, and agency rules to support hearing preparation and decision-making.
• Evaluate evidence and testimony: Assess the credibility of witnesses, weigh conflicting evidence, and draw reasonable inferences based on the record.
• Explain processes and expectations: Clearly communicate legal procedures, hearing expectations, and applicable standards to parties at the outset and throughout proceedings.

Benefits

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
• This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior