Administrative Law Judge - Workers' Compensation

Overview

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations seeks a seasoned attorney to serve as a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge within the Division of Workers’ Compensation in Missouri. The candidate will oversee hearings related to workers’ compensation claims, ensuring decisions align with Missouri statutes, regulations, and procedures.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct hearings on workers' compensation claims, managing evidence review, motion rulings, and legal determinations.
• Issue timely, legally sound rulings that adhere to applicable statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Organize and facilitate conferences, prehearing sessions, mediations, and dismissal hearings.
• Approve settlements and requests for hearing settings in accordance with legal requirements.
• Analyze and research relevant laws and precedents to support decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with fellow judges and division leadership to maintain consistent legal applications.
• Effectively manage caseloads to guarantee prompt hearings and rulings.
• Maintain comprehensive and precise case documentation.
• Uphold Missouri's Code of Judicial Conduct and meet established performance standards for Administrative Law Judges.
• Work a 40-hour onsite week at the assigned office or relevant adjudication venues in the region, with potential assignments elsewhere statewide.
• Engage with legal and management teams to facilitate the workers' compensation adjudication process.
• Provide presentations to stakeholder groups as needed.
• Perform additional duties as mandated by law or directed by leadership.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the Missouri Bar, or eligible for timely admission.
• A minimum of five years of legal experience, ideally in administrative or workers' compensation law.
• Strong skills in legal analysis, writing, and decision-making.
• Competence in managing caseloads and meeting deadlines with impartial judgment.
• Ability to commit to a full-time, in-person schedule and travel within adjudication offices as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of workers' compensation experience before administrative bodies or equivalent expertise.
• Deep knowledge of Missouri workers' compensation laws, regulations, and adjudication procedures.
• Understanding of administrative functions within the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
• Proficient legal research abilities.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and treatment methods related to workers' compensation.
• Expertise in alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
• High professionalism, sound judgment, and adherence to ethical standards.
• Trustworthy with confidential information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal capabilities.
• Comfortable with communication platforms like Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Zoom.
• Technologically adept and flexible.
• Experience assessing organizational needs for improvements and advancing operational efficiency.

Additional Information

The State of Missouri offers a comprehensive benefits package including a defined pension plan, generous leave and holiday provisions, and health insurance options. Total compensation extends beyond salary and is detailed through an interactive compensation tool.

Compensation

Annual salary: $147,060

Contact

For inquiries, contact Ben Qualls at 573-751-1585 or Benjamin.Qualls@labor.mo.gov.