ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

This job posting is for the position that functions as a Revocation Hearing Judge (RHJ) for the state's paroling authority. In addition to other functions listed in the job description listing, the RHJ position serves as a specialized Administrative Law Judge for the Post-Prison Transfer Board (PPTB) with jurisdictional focus on revocation of parole and post-release supervision and presides over probable cause hearings, revocation hearings, rules on evidentiary matters, evaluates testimony and documentary evidence, and makes findings of fact. Acting independently and impartially, the RHJ issues binding decisions by applying the appropriate burden of proof—subject only to appellate review. This role safeguards individual liberty and due-process interests while promoting public safety through fair and timely adjudication of parole revocation matters statewide. The RHJ role also serves as the legal staff for the Post-Prison Transfer Board; drafts, interprets, implements, and revises administrative rules, legislative proposals, directives, and operational guidance; and conducts training with other state agencies and outside stakeholders.

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) serves as an impartial decision-maker in administrative hearings, overseeing disputes between government agencies, businesses, and individuals. This role requires strong legal acumen, judicial temperament, and the ability to interpret and apply Arkansas statutes, administrative regulations, and case law. The ALJ conducts fair and unbiased hearings, issues well-reasoned decisions, and ensures compliance with due process standards and state laws.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Preside over administrative hearings and adjudications involving state laws, agency regulations, and public disputes.
• Ensure fair and impartial proceedings by maintaining order, managing testimony, and ruling on evidentiary matters.
• Review case files, pleadings, and legal briefs, ensuring that parties have an equal opportunity to present evidence and arguments.
• Evaluate legal issues, apply statutes, regulations, and judicial precedents, and issue rulings in accordance with Arkansas law.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research to support rulings and determinations.
• Prepare written decisions, orders, and recommendations that are clear, legally sound, and well-reasoned.
• Provide guidance and recommendations on procedural rule changes to state agencies.
• Ensure adherence to state ethics laws, public transparency requirements, and judicial conduct standards.
• Explain legal procedures, rules of evidence, and hearing protocols to non-attorney participants.
• Conduct mediations, settlement conferences, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings, when applicable.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of Arkansas administrative law, agency regulations, and constitutional principles.
• Proficiency in statutory interpretation, legal research, and drafting judicial opinions.
• Strong understanding of evidence rules, hearing procedures, and appellate processes.
• Experience in government law, regulatory enforcement, or administrative litigation.
• Excellent legal writing skills for rulings, decisions, and procedural guidance; clear oral communication for hearings and stakeholder discussions.
• Ability to mediate disputes, facilitate settlements, and de-escalate confrontations in high-stakes cases.
• Ability to prioritize caseloads, manage multiple hearings, and meet deadlines for decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus five years of experience in conducting administrative law hearings.
• Must be licensed as an Attorney in the State of Arkansas.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.