Law Judge

Overview

This role is a remote work opportunity within the Director’s Office, for an attorney to join the Administrative Law Office as a Law Judge. The position involves presiding over administrative hearings and issuing legally sound, defensible decisions.

Responsibilities

• Preside over administrative hearings/interviews virtually or in-person.
• Adjudicate disputes between licensees and the Department under Title 46 RCW.
• Consider evidence; rule on motions and objections.
• Provide procedural protocol for hearings.
• Research case law and cite appropriately in written orders.
• Write decisions that uphold or rescind the Department’s sanctions against driving privileges.
• Monitor and resolve scheduling conflicts to ensure hearings are timely held.
• Attend continuing legal education (CLE) classes and provide input on agency trainings.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Five (5) years of experience.
• Active or judicial membership and in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association.
• Five (5) years of experience in computer use, including:
  • Generalized typing
  • Microsoft Word
  • PowerPoint
  • Legal search engines
  • Use of PDF documents
  • Uploading
  • Case file management
  • Internet searches
• Two (2) years of experience in writing original legal briefs, rulings, and decisions, and communicating official legal opinions and procedures in a clear and concise manner.
• One (1) year of experience in conducting legal research using electronic research tools, analyzing relevant law, and determining application of the law to the facts.
• One (1) year using computers, utilizing software programs such as Microsoft Word, and legal research tools.
• Ability to:
  • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • Take action to learn and grow.
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience prosecuting and defending Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases, including conducting trials and presenting legal arguments.
• Proficiency using spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel, to compile, analyze, and maintain statistical or operational data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience examining and cross-examining witnesses during administrative or judicial proceedings to develop a complete and accurate factual record.
• Demonstrated interviewing and investigative skills, including the ability to obtain relevant information from witnesses and hearing participants while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and maintain professional, respectful working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public.
• Experience collaborating on cross-functional teams, workgroups, committees, or organizational initiatives to improve processes or achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated flexibility in managing competing priorities and adjusting schedules to accommodate changing operational needs, including accepting short-notice assignments when appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a high-volume workload, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy and quality with minimal supervision.

Additional Requirements of Employment

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Background check information will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining suitability and competence.
• The employer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
• Work authorization is required and must not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Compensation & Benefits

• Benefits information provided for full-time employees expected to work more than six months includes medical (including vision), dental, basic life insurance, retirement through Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) with options for employer-contributed retirement programs, Social Security and Medicare coverage, paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year, sick leave accrual, vacation (annual leave) accrual, and other leave provisions (including bereavement leave and military leave).

Location

Remote work opportunity with proceedings held virtually or in-person.

How to Apply

• Submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.
• Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility.

Additional Information

• Continuing legal education (CLE) is expected.
• The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.
• The employer does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, it is not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice: If eligible, attach documentation of eligibility to the application.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.