Chief Administrative Law Judge

The California Department of Insurance (CDI), Administrative Hearing Bureau, is looking for a C.E.A, Level B, to serve as our Chief Administrative Law Judge!

Under the general direction of the Deputy Commissioner, Special Counsel to the Commissioner Branch of the California Department of Insurance (CDI), the Career Executive Assignment (CEA, B) will serve as the Chief Administrative Law Judge and administratively oversees the Administrative Hearing Bureau (AHB), which consists of quasi-judicial, legal, and clerical staff. The incumbent will be responsible for planning, organizing, and providing strategic leadership through a subordinate supervisor, the Supervising Administrative Law Judge. The incumbent will be responsible for the critical policy implementation, strategic planning, and management of the AHB. The incumbent encompasses critical functions, including overseeing the implementation of key policies, driving strategic planning initiatives, and ensuring the effective management and operational success of the AHB. The incumbent will guide the development and execution of AHB objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and statutory mandates while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.


These policies include first and foremost, supporting the Insurance Commissioner's responsibility to protect California consumers from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. The incumbent is responsible for oversight of rate hearings, which can be technical and require insurance expertise. Secondly, the creation of the AHB by the Legislature in 2001 was to support the Insurance Commissioner's enforcement of insurance violations under Insurance Code section 790.03 which involve unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts or practices in the business of insurance. The incumbent is charged with having the knowledge and expertise to hear and decide such matters in support of the above policies, as well as identify emerging trends that need to be raised to the level of executive management for further decision-making. This position is responsible for ensuring that duplication of efforts and contradictory results are avoided if such matters were otherwise sent to the Office of Administrative Hearings.


Occasional travel may be required within and/or outside the state of California via private or public transportation (i.e., automobile, airplane, etc.). Travel may include overnight stay(s).


This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 and related Pay Differential 386. PLP 2025 requires employees to receive a reduction in pay in exchange for monthly hours of PLP 2025 leave credits. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay. For more information, visit the CalHR website ( ).

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This position is located in Oakland.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


• Eligible for telework in accordance with CDIs telework policy. Teleworking employees may be required to report to their headquarters office location on designated telework days. Travel expenses are not reimbursed, however other authorized transit subsidies do exist for those who qualify.

• Work in a high-rise office building in an open space environment (e.g., artificial lighting, controlled temperature).

• Daily use of computer keyboard, mouse, camera for virtual meetings, standard office equipment, telephone, and related software applications at a workstation.


Minimum Requirements This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-516829


Position #(s):
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Working Title:
Chief Administrative Law Judge


Classification:
C. E. A. $12,131.00 - $21,370.00 B
-Please note that CDI has the discretion to negotiate the salary on this bulletin depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and background.


New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Alameda County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time


Facility:
CDI Examinations


Department Information
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) was created in 1868 as part of a national system of state-based insurance regulation. The insurance market place has changed dramatically over time, but consumer protection continues to be the core of CDI's mission.

Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state's consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. All of CDI's functions, including overseeing insurer solvency, licensing agents and brokers, conducting market conduct reviews, resolving consumer complaints, and investigating and prosecuting insurance fraud, are to protect consumers.

Our nearly 1,400 dedicated employees work diligently to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud.

CDI's shared core values of Integrity, Dedication, Accountability, Adaptability, and Teamwork serve as our foundation. They embody who we are as an organization, what we believe in, and where we are going. As public servants, we strive to adhere to these core principles and reflect them in our interactions with each other, our stakeholders, and all Californians.

Office of the Special Counsel

Administrative Hearing Bureau


This position is headquartered in Oakland.


Department Website:


Special Requirements The Chief Administrative Law Judge must adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and be a member of the State Bar of California.



Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Insurance
CDI Examinations
Attn: Exam Unit-CEA B, Chief Administrative Law Judge, AHB
Human Resources Management Division
300 Capitol Mall, 13th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Insurance
CDI Examinations
Exam Unit-CEA B, Chief Administrative Law Judge, AHB
Human Resources Management Division
300 Capitol Mall, 13th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and serves as the examination for this CEA recruitment and must be included with your application. Please see the Examination Information section below for further instruction.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Examination Qualification Requirements All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.


Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.


General Qualifications
State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy - influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):


CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:


• Knowledge of administrative law, due process requirements, and applicable state and federal laws governing administrative hearings and adjudications.

• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of Administrative Law Judges through subordinate supervisors, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines, legal standards, and departmental expectations.

• Experience reviewing complex proposed decisions and legal findings for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

• Ability to analyze legal, operational, and administrative issues, make sound decisions, and take appropriate action in high-impact and sensitive matters.

• Strong leadership and management experience demonstrating the ability to set priorities, manage through subordinate supervisors, coach and mentor staff, and foster a high-performing and accountable work environment.

• Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of adjudicatory operations.

• Ability to establish performance expectations, monitor workload and productivity metrics, and address performance gaps to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, fiscal, and human resources management, including labor relations and performance management.

Examination Information


A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and serves as the examination for this CEA recruitment. It identifies the critical factors required in job success for this CEA position. In addition, the SOQ serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Cover letters and resumes will not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ must be submitted along with a completed State Application STD 678 Form.

Instructions for responses to the individual SOQ factors listed below are as follows:

• The SOQ document must be titled as "Statement of Qualifications" or "SOQ"
• Responses must be numbered in the same order as outlined below
• You must use specific examples of your education, training and experience
• You must specify years of experience
• The SOQ must be typed, single-spaced, Arial 12-point font, and no more than three (3) single-sided pages in length
• Your SOQ must include your name and JC# in the upper right corner

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who do not follow these instructions or do not submit the SOQ will be disqualified from this examination.

SOQ Factors:

• Knowledge of administrative law, due process requirements, and applicable state and federal laws governing administrative hearings and adjudications. Please provide the time period(s) for performing such work as well as specific examples of the issues you addressed.

• Experience reviewing complex proposed decisions and legal findings for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Please provide the time period(s) for performing such work as well as specific examples of the issues you addressed.

• Strong leadership and management experience demonstrating the ability to set priorities, manage through subordinate supervisors, coach and mentor staff, and foster a high-performing and accountable work environment. Please provide the time period(s) for performing such work as well as specific examples of the issues you addressed.

• Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of adjudicatory operations. Please provide the time period(s) for performing such work as well as specific examples of the issues you addressed.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.


A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.


The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.


Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.


The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.


Special Testing Arrangements If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.


Benefits
Please note that CDI has the discretion to negotiate the salary on this bulletin depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and background.


CEA benefit information can be found on CalHR's website at: CEA Benefits


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.