Administrative Law Judge

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=26141697&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

Looking to put your legal experience to work in a role that truly matters? If you have a background in discrimination, labor relations, occupational licensing, wage and hour law, or administrative proceedings under the Montana Administrative Procedure Act, we want to hear from you.

At the Office of Administrative Hearings, you will handle meaningful cases that directly impact Montana’s workers, businesses, and licensed professionals. This is your chance to build your expertise, take on diverse and challenging work, and be part of a team that values fairness, integrity, and sound decision-making. If you are seeking a role where your skills are respected, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real difference, this is the opportunity for you.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

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. 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Meaningful public service: Play a direct role in ensuring fair, impartial resolution of disputes that impact Montana workers, businesses, and communities.
• Professional growth and mastery: Deepen your expertise in administrative law and expand your experience across a variety of legal areas and agencies.
• Independent and impactful work: Exercise sound judgment and legal reasoning in a role that values objectivity, integrity, and well-supported decision-making.
• Collaborative environment: Work alongside experienced legal professionals in a mission-driven organization committed to fairness, consistency, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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.