Administrative Law Judge

Overview

This position is located in the Division of Judges of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The primary function of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the NLRB is to hear and initially decide unfair labor practice cases and other cases involving the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), as amended (29 USC Sec. 151). Hearings are conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the applicable case law and rules and regulations of the NLRB.

Major Duties

As anAdministrative Law Judge, GS-0935-3, your typical work assignments may include: Presiding at hearings and issuing decisions in cases that are often complex and sensitive and involve hotly contested and controversial issues. All hearings are adversarial, with parties usually represented by counsel. Conducting pre-trial conferences to simplify the issues in a case, petitions to revoke subpoenas, and ruling on other motions both before and during the hearing. Conducting hearings involving contested issues, regulating the course of hearings, governing the conduct of attorneys and witnesses, and controlling the questioning of witnesses. Receiving and ruling on admissibility of evidence and, as necessary, examining witnesses; determining when the record is complete and requiring the production of additional evidence as necessary to establish an adequate record. Analyzing and evaluating the evidence, determining the credibility of witnesses, and resolving disputed issues of fact and conflicts in testimony; considering all arguments and briefs and rendering a written decision that defines the issues, resolves conflicts and makes findings of fact and conclusions of law, applying the relevant legal principles under the NLRA and decisions of the NLRB. Writing and issuing decisions in a timely manner without the assistance of a full-time law clerk, and achieving a reasonable number of dispositions, including both settlements and decisions issued. Traveling to sites throughout the United States and its territories. Travel is required and may be considerable. The ALJ may be required to remain in travel status for a week at a time. On occasion, particularly at the beginning of their tenure, an ALJ may be required to travel for several consecutive weeks.

Qualifications

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS To qualify for an Administrative Law Judge, AL-0935-03, position, an applicant must be a judge or attorney with at least 10 years of experience, at least 7 years of which are litigation experience. Must also have substantial experience litigating NLRB cases as counsel for the General Counsel, Respondent, and/or Charging Parties. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Experience and knowledge of the substantive law, rules, regulations, and procedures of the NLRA, as well as general litigation and administrative law principles. Experience in litigating adversarial cases is strongly preferred. Through experience as a practicing lawyer or judge, demonstrated ability to preside over and manage an adversarial hearing in which parties are generally represented by counsel. Through experience as a practicing lawyer or judge, demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze applicable facts and law, and write and issue timely, logical, and comprehensive decisions without law clerk or supervisory assistance. Through experience as a practicing lawyer or judge, demonstrated ability to: settle or mediate disputes involving adversarial parties; maintain proper judicial temperament and demeanor; and communicate and cooperate with counsel, witnesses, chief judges responsible for assigning cases, administrative support staff, court reporters, interpreters, as well as other agency and government officials. Experience with using a computer to communicate, write decisions, and perform research through electronic means, such as Lexis and/or Westlaw. This experience must be fully supported and articulated in your resume to receive consideration. BAR MEMBERSHIP AND CERTIFICATION Applicants must have a J.D. or its equivalent from an accredited law school; licensure and authorization to practice law under the laws of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territorial court established under the U.S. Constitution. An "active" bar status and/or membership in "good standing" for at least ten years total in at least one jurisdiction in which the applicant is admitted (an active "judicial" Bar membership is acceptable). Your active Bar license must reference Bar number and indicate the status of good standing. Agency's Internal Self-Certification Forms are not acceptable for verification. This requirement is for applicants that are not currently serving as an Administrative Law Judge.

Education

An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (J.D. OR LL.B.). All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. You must meet all qualification requirements. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, please click here. Special Instructions for Foreign Education If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualifcation requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information regarding Foreign Education, please click here.