Workers' Compensation District Judge

State of Louisiana • Monroe, LA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) in Louisiana oversees the enforcement and administration of workers’ compensation laws, aiming to support early return-to-work efforts and improve workplace safety. The department manages disputed claims, conducts hearings, reviews medical treatment disputes, and investigates fraud through collaborative efforts like the GAME ON task force. The Workers’ Compensation District Judge will conduct judicial hearings in an assigned district (region of the state) by presiding over disputed workers’ compensation claims in a judicial capacity rendering final appealable judgments in these claims and has full administrative responsibility in his/her assigned district in the State.

Requirements

• Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law
• Six years of experience as a practicing attorney
• Two years of experience practicing Workers' Compensation law or as a mediator in the Office of Workers' Compensation; OR
• Two years of experience in conducting hearings in a field related to the law being adjudicated; OR
• Two years of experience in personal injury litigation which involved evaluating medical evidence and information concerning disability.
• Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application.
• Applications may be rejected if incomplete.
• All applicants selected for employment must submit to drug screening and a background check.

Responsibilities

• Conducts judicial hearings in an assigned district by presiding over disputed workers’ compensation claims in a judicial capacity rendering final appealable judgments in these claims.
• Has full administrative responsibility in his/her assigned district in the State.
• Decides entitlement and level of workers' compensation benefits to be paid in disputed claims, and determines the percentage of workers' disabilities according to the Workers' Compensation Act.
• Conducts trials on the merits concerning entitlement to benefits as defined by state or federal law or regulation and ensures that proceedings guarantee due process to all parties.
• Determines whether the jurisdiction to hear the claim is properly in state or federal court.
• Analyzes pleadings in preparation for trials and other hearings.
• Determines appropriate action to be taken in connections with motions, evidentiary objections and legal procedural matters either informally (prior to trial or hearing) or formally (at the trial or hearing.)
• Prepares for trials or hearings by reading files, depositions, interrogatories and other pre-filed exhibits, and by reviewing investigative reports and surveillance and audio/visual media.
• Renders judgments by considering judgments and reasons of other Workers' Compensation Judges. Appellate court and Louisiana Supreme Court decisions and authoritative texts.

What This Job Offers

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