Senior Administrative Law Judge
THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT ADOT EMPLOYEES ONLY
Job Location:
HEARING OFFICE ADM
3838 N Central Ave,
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Posting Details:
Salary: $102,000 - $110,000
Anticipated Salary: $107,000
Grade: 25
Closing Date: 05/11/2026
Job Summary:
Under the general direction of the Chief Judge and Associate Presiding Judges, the Administrative Law Judge (AU) is responsible for conducting hearings in contested cases and appealable agency actions. The AU is responsible for the judicial processing of a varied and complex caseload, and effectively and efficiently manages the administration of all assigned cases from initial hearing request through hearing, final order, and appeal. As cases are often highly contested, the position requires substantial litigation and courtroom experience. The AU is required to act in accordance with the Arizona Rules of Professional Responsibility and is required to maintain admission and good standing with the State Bar of Arizona. In addition to these duties, and working under the supervision of the Associate Presiding Judges, the Senior AU is responsible for additional ministerial and administrative tasks, as assigned, to otherwise assist the Associate Presiding Judges in maximizing the efficient resolution of cases before, and the judicial functions of, the Executive Hearing Office. The senior AU must have extensive experience as an AU to allow for assignment of, and resolution of, highly complex specialty matters and stakeholder interactions.
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.
Job Duties:
Fairly and impartially preside over contested hearings; enforce appropriate courtroom decorum; promptly rule on motions and objections raised at hearing; administer oaths, questions witnesses, and examine evidence; rule on the admissibility of evidence and testimony; issue appropriate oral decisions and rulings during hearings.
Write sufficiently detailed and legally supported written decisions; conduct summary reviews in accordance with Arizona law; conduct legal research.
Actively manage all assigned cases, including complex specialty matters, in your docket to ensure all matters progress in a timely manner; review and rule on pending motions within required time frames; make final determinations regarding jurisdiction and timeliness; rule on pre-hearing motions.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
• Arizona Revised Statutes, with more advanced knowledge of Titles 13 and 28
• Arizona Administrative Code sections applicable to EHO administrative hearings, and the Arizona Rules of Professional Responsibility
• Rules of Evidence
• Administrative hearing procedures
•LEAN or other recognized process improvement system
Skill in:
• Maintain control of all hearings
• Communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Effectively explain complex legal situations and rulings to hearing participants
• Independently edit written work product to ensure written decisions and orders are sufficiently detailed but not overly verbose
• Conducting complex administrative hearings
• Advanced legal research skills
• Advanced knowledge in working effectively with automated office and case management systems
• Google Workspace
Ability to:
• Independently manage a full docket of cases of varying complexity with different legal requirements and deadlines
• Handle detailed and complex legal work with accuracy and speed
• Quickly and rule on objections during hearings
• Respond to the public with tact, diplomacy, and timely information
• Understand, accurately interpret, and appropriately apply relevant state and federal legal requirements
• Analyze facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions
• Apply legal principles and precedent
• Preside over hearing proceedings
• Remain fair and impartial when evaluating evidence
• Maintain objective and reasoned demeanor
• Plan and organize work assignments
• React professionally and adjust appropriately to changing circumstances
Selective Preference(s):
At least five years of litigation experience; significant legal writing experience; experience as a judge, magistrate, administrative law judge, or hearing officer.
This position requires at least 3 years in the role of Administrative Law Judge.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Requires possession of, and ability to maintain, a current, valid license to practice law in the state of Arizona.
This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
Mandatory participation in the Arizona Retirement System (ASRS) is required.
Contact Us:
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact ADOT Human Resources Recruitment via email at srecruitment@azdot.gov or phone call at (602) 712-8188 option 2.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 712-8188 option 3. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
