SOAH | Admin Law Judge III

Job Description

Performs advanced senior level administrative hearing work. Work involves presiding over contested case hearings and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. May supervise the work of others.  

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts hearings involving legal, procedural, and technical issues.
• Schedules and presides over hearings.
• Administers oaths, examines witnesses, and rules on evidence.
• Rules on discovery disputes, scheduling requests, prehearing matters and motions.
• Analyzes testimony and documentary evidence.
• Prepares written proposals for decisions or final orders.
• Researches statutes, regulations, rules, and case law thoroughly and accurately.
• Prepares reports and legal documents using Microsoft products on a daily basis.
• Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule.
• Properly compiles and maintains evidence.
• Ensures security and confidentiality of all sensitive and/or protected information.
• Complies with all agency's policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school
• Minimum of seven years of litigation, presiding, or administrative law experience (or a combination of these areas).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with the statutes and agency rules regulating electric, water, sewer, and telecommunication services in Texas.
• Prior experience with the statutes and agency rules regulating water and/or other natural resources in Texas.
• Progressively responsible experience in administrative, criminal, or civil law.
• Prior experience in presiding over contested cases.

Registration, Certification, Or Licensure

• Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and in good standing at time of application. 

• Valid Driver'S License.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal principles, and practices related to Texas administrative process, including, but not limited to, trial and administrative hearing procedures, applicable laws, government regulations.
• Skill in listening to and evaluating testimony of parties involved in hearings.
• Skill in conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Skill in using reasoning and logic to identify means for resolving conflict, and in using judgment to make rulings in assigned cases.
• Skill in using a computer for word processing, data entry and other tasks, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, and Adobe Professional.
• Skill in the use of technology used to produce audio/video record of hearings.
• Skill in legal research and analysis.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Robust writing and editing skills.
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making.
• Ability to resolve disputes impartially and to treat all counsel and witnesses with respect.
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment.
• Ability to determine and apply relevant rules and statutes, to comply with ethical standards, to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to use an automated case tracking system to independently manage assigned caseload.
• Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Veterans

·         Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Please visit the Texas Workforce Commission's Skills to Work page at https://texasskillstowork.com/ to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Additional military crosswalk information may be found on the Texas State Auditor's website at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf.

Additional Information

• Selected applicant must reside in Texas.
• Professional references may be requested following the interview.
• Applicants contacted for interviews who need special accommodations should notify Human Resources prior to the interview.
• Applicants must be able to certify their ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure and information systems.
• The State Office of Administrative Hearings is an equal opportunity employer. Any form of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation that affects any aspect of employment and participation in the workplace environment is strictly prohibited.
• The State Office of Administrative Hearings participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Criminal background checks, driving history, and reference checks are conducted on all applicants selected for hire.
• Men aged 18 through 25 must be registered with the Federal Selective Service System or have an exemption from registration.

Benefits

Positions with the State Office of Administrative Hearings may offer the following benefits:

• State-paid health insurance (a 60-day waiting period will apply if not currently employed by the State of Texas)
• State-paid life insurance for the employee

• Retirement Plan

• Monthly annual and sick leave accruals
• An average of 13 paid holidays per fiscal year (September 1st through August 31st)
• Participation in agency-sponsored work alternative programs
• Participation in agency Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Dependent Health Insurance

• Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 programs
• TexFlex healthcare and dependent care reimbursement accounts

• Dental Insurance

• Term Life Insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage