Occupation

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Human Advantage 76%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Also Known As: Adjudications Specialist, Adjudicator, Administrative Hearings Officer, Administrative Judge, Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Examiner, Appeals Officer, Appeals Referee +24 more

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Core Tasks

  1. Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence.
  2. Monitor and direct the activities of trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly and that courts administer justice while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties.
  3. Prepare written opinions and decisions.
  4. Authorize payment of valid claims and determine method of payment.
  5. Conduct hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues, such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, or enforcement of health and safety regulations.
  6. Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions.
  7. Review and evaluate data on documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records.
  8. Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions.
  9. Rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence.
  10. Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them.
  11. Confer with individuals or organizations involved in cases to obtain relevant information.
  12. Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings.

Supplemental Tasks (2)

  1. Schedule hearings.
  2. Conduct studies of appeals procedures in field agencies to ensure adherence to legal requirements and to facilitate determination of cases.

Education & Training

Job Zone 5 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Doctoral Degree
37%
Bachelor's Degree
20%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
14%
Some College Courses
11%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
11%
Post-Doctoral Training
5%
Master's Degree
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Software (18)

  • Courtroom scheduling software
  • Email software
  • Instant messaging software
  • LexisNexis
  • Online databases
  • Thomson Reuters Westlaw
  • Videoconferencing software
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (13)

  • Computer laser printers
  • Courtroom microphones
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital audio recorders
  • Digital video players
  • Gavels
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Multiline telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Tablet computers
  • Teleconferencing equipment
  • Videoconferencing equipment

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Judicial Systems Education

Zone 5
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers You are here

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