Administrative Law Judge Adjudicators and Hearing Officer Job Description

Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicators and Hearing Officer Job Profile and Description

Administrative law judges, also known as hearing officers or adjudicators, are employed by government agencies to make legal decisions or administrative agencies. These judges decide on, for instance, (1) employment discrimination, (2) eligibility for various Social Security or workers’ compensation benefits, (3) enforcement of health and safety regulations, (4) protection of the environment, and (5) compliance with economic regulatory requirements.

Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicators and Hearing Officer Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and finalize written opinions and decisions.
• Review and evaluate legal documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, and medical or employer records.
• Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements.
• Monitor and direct trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly.
• Ensure the administration of justice while safeguarding the rights of all involved parties.
• Approve payment of validated claims and verify method of payment.
• Perform hearings to review and make a decision regarding issues such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, and enforcement of health and safety regulations.
• Rule on motions, exceptions, pleadings and admissibility of evidence.

Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicators and Hearing Officer Skills and Specifications

• Must exhibit the highest moral, ethical and character integrity
• Must have excellent knowledge of jurisprudence
• Must have high analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Must have excellent leadership skills
• Must have excellent persuasive oral and written communication skills

Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicators and Hearing Officer Education and Qualifications

• Most judges are lawyers, though the minimum is a bachelor’s degree with work experience as 40 states allow non-lawyers to hold limited judgeships, but you lose out on any career movement in the judiciary.
• A Bachelor of Laws degree with BAR credentiation

Administrative Judge, Adjudicators and Hearing Officer Salary

Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers earned an annual median salary of $77,000 in 2008.  Salary depends on state, city or municipality location.