Administrative Magistrate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Malden, MA

17h

About The Position

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent adjudicatory agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It provides an impartial, due-process forum for individuals and entities appealing decisions made by state agencies, conducting hearings for approximately twenty agencies. The Administrative Magistrate exercises substantial independent judgment, legal expertise, discretion, creativity, and advanced problem-solving skills, and represents the Commonwealth in contested administrative proceedings. The role is responsible for ensuring proceedings are fair, efficient, and consistent with applicable law. Magistrates independently manage substantial caseloads and produce high-quality written decisions with limited administrative and clerical support. The work may involve pressure from opposing parties, requiring the Magistrate to maintain impartiality and professionalism. Depending on assignment, the position may also oversee and manage one or more jurisdictional practice areas within the Division.

Requirements

At least five years of experience practicing law in a position requiring independent judgment and professional legal performance.
At least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience practicing law or working in a position requiring Bar membership.
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Admission to the Massachusetts Bar and membership in good standing.
Superior legal writing ability, demonstrated by an independently prepared substantive legal brief or memorandum of law.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and ability to independently prepare written materials with minimal administrative support.
Strong analytical and legal reasoning skills.
Ability to conduct hearings fairly, impartially, and efficiently.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume caseload under time constraints.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and ability to produce professional written decisions with limited administrative assistance.

Nice To Haves

Administrative hearing experience.
Civil litigation and trial experience.
A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License may be required based on assignment.

Responsibilities

Manage a full caseload of matters assigned by the First Administrative Magistrate.
Conduct pre-hearing conferences and manage pre-hearing procedural activities.
Preside over live or remote trial-type adjudicatory hearings under formal and informal administrative procedure rules.
Rule on motions and evidentiary issues.
Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on the record.
Conduct legal research and analysis to resolve complex statutory and regulatory issues.
Prepare substantive decisions, recommended decisions, and procedural orders in a clear, well-reasoned written format.
Work independently with limited administrative support to produce timely and legally sound decisions.
Perform additional duties assigned by the Chief Administrative Magistrate, including oversight and management of one or more jurisdictional practice areas.
Maintain compliance with legal ethical standards, agency policies, and Commonwealth regulations.