Overview
This position presides over appeals filed with the State Tax Commission and serves as a hearing officer in administrative ad valorem property tax proceedings. Duties include conducting prehearing conferences, ruling on discovery disputes, presiding over formal evidentiary hearings, drafting decisions and orders, and participating in the review process for draft decisions and orders prior to publication. The role involves interpreting and applying procedural and substantive statutes, rules, policies, and case law related to ad valorem property taxation.
Within the administrative agency framework, the position compiles and maintains the record of evidence and ensures proper handling of appeal matters, including confidentiality and other required considerations. Some work is performed under minimal supervision with latitude for independent judgment. The position handles the full range of cases, including complex and multi-party proceedings.
Responsibilities
- Preside as hearing officer in administrative ad valorem tax appeal proceedings and draft proposed decisions and orders
- Schedule and conduct hearings involving varied and complex legal, procedural, and technical issues
- Administer oaths, examine witnesses, rule on evidence, and issue orders relating to discovery and other prehearing matters
- Analyze testimony and other evidence
- Apply all relevant law to cases
- Conform to agency policies regarding:
- Ex parte communications and ethics matters
- Administration of appeals and scheduling proceedings
- Review process for drafts of proposed decisions and orders
- Perform related work as assigned
- Occasionally travel throughout the State of Missouri; some overnight lodging may be required
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate
- Judicial law clerk, litigation, or hearing officer experience
- Excellent research and writing skills (writing sample required at time of submission of application)
- Excellent organizational skills
- Proficiency in technology to perform work, including:
- Data management software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe
- Video conferencing or audio conferencing software such as WebEx
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in state and/or local government
- Education or experience related to real estate, appraisal, or finance
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of administrative law and procedure in the State of Missouri
- Skill using electronic data to manage cases and/or word processing software
- Skill using technology to conduct proceedings from a remote location
- Ability to administer cases according to requirements of law; determine and apply relevant rules and statutes; and preside impartially and justly over cases
- Ability to manage high volume cases involving complex, multi-party matters in a collaborative and professional manner
- Ability to engage with colleagues in exchange of ideas and academic debate of legal issues
- Ability to perform high-quality work with minimal supervision
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to impartially evaluate evidence, question witnesses, and control proceedings
- Ability to work effectively, tactfully, and demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior, even in stressful situations
Registration, Certification, or Licensure
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $72,000-$79,380 depending on experience
Location
- State of Missouri (remote work from home/remote office with high-speed Internet access plus some travel within the state)