Administrative Law Judge

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement SDRS

Paid holidays & leave

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation seeks an experienced Administrative Law Judge to serve as a hearing officer for contested reemployment assistance benefits and tax matters.

The role requires a JD, SD Bar admission (or eligibility) and a track record in administrative law. This is a statewide position with in-person, remote, or hybrid options within South Dakota, offering a comprehensive benefits package and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the South Dakota Bar or eligibility for admission.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• 5+ years of administrative law, regulatory matters, or litigation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle administrative appeal hearings with rulings on admissibility of evidence and fair hearing process.
• Research, analyze, and interpret questions of law in hearings.
• Draft notices of hearing and other hearing documents.
• Prepare and issue high-quality hearing decisions in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Job ID: 37087

Agency: Department of Labor & Regulation - Labor & Management Division

Location: Statewide (in-person at a DLR office, remote, or hybrid options considered; within the state of South Dakota)

Salary: $90,000 - $105,000/annually, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: L2

Closing Date: 09/01/2026

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney to join our team as an Administrative Law Judge . This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the public while handling meaningful legal matters that impact citizens throughout the state.

Position Overview

The Administrative Law Judge position serves as an administrative hearing officer in administrative hearings on contested reemployment assistance benefits and tax matters. The position may, on occasion, be asked to handle hearings for other types of contested case matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Respectfully and effectively handle administrative appeal hearings, including ruling on the admissibility of evidence, ensuring a complete and accurate record, and providing for a fair hearing process;
• Research, analyze, and interpret questions of law presented in the hearing;
• Ensure notices of hearing and other hearing documents are properly drafted;
• Prepare and issue high-quality hearing decisions in a timely manner; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school;
• Admission to the South Dakota Bar, or eligibility for admission;
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; and
• Significant experience (5+ years) in administrative law, regulatory matters, or litigation preferred.

Why Join Us?

As part of the State of South Dakota, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through public service. Our offerings include:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options;
• Participation in the SDRS Retirement System and supplemental retirement plans;
• Generous leave policies and paid holidays;
• A supportive work environment that values work-life balance; and
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Join a team committed to serving South Dakota with integrity, professionalism, and purpose.

This is a full-time position with the Department of Labor & Regulation. For more information on the Department of Labor & Regulation, please visit https://dlr.sd.gov/.

Licenses and Certifications:

Current admission to practice with the State Bar of South Dakota or current admission in another jurisdiction with the ability to obtain admission within six months of start date .

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A strong work ethic, self-starter, and significant (5+ years) experience in administrative hearings, administrative law, and/or litigation practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• in statutes applicable to administrative hearings, procedures, and due process;
• in rules of evidence and procedure;
• in preparing and analyzing legal documents and writing;
• in making sound judgments;
• in communicating and interacting clearly and fairly with other staff and third parties;
• in identifying and applying legal principles;
• in state and federal labor law, including unemployment insurance;
• in expressing oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Additional Requirements:

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'