Administrative Law Judge - Equal Rights

State of Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Wisconsin seeks an Administrative Law Judge to adjudicate and mediate cases arising under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act and other statutes enforced by the Equal Rights Division. The role offers a generous benefits package and a hybrid remote work arrangement within Wisconsin.

The position requires an active license to practice law in Wisconsin, courtroom experience, and the ability to travel for hearings.

Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in Wisconsin.
• Experience as law clerk, clinical program participant, student attorney, or professional attorney with exposure to hearings.
• Experience in trials, administrative hearings, or litigation; knowledge of discovery rules.

Responsibilities

• Adjudicate and mediate cases under Wisconsin civil rights and related laws.
• Travel to hearings and meetings; occasional overnight stays.
• Contribute to the legal analysis and drafting of decisions; ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Skills

Active law license

Lawyer experience

Litigation/trial experience

Administrative hearings

Job description

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Use your legal expertise to adjudicate and mediate equal opportunity and civil rights cases. We offer a wealth of learning opportunities, interesting work, and work/life balance.

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

Position Summary

The Administrative Law Judge will adjudicate and mediate cases arising under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the Wisconsin Open Housing Law, the Wisconsin Public Accommodations Law, the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act, and other statutes enforced by the Equal Rights Division.

Generous paid time off , including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.

Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).

A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.

A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

The classification title for this position is Attorney (schedule 09, range 75). A 12-month probationary period will be required. This position is represented by the Wisconsin State Attorneys Association and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Travel: this position requires the ability to travel to hearings and meetings; occasional overnight stays will be required.

Remote work: This position offers a hybrid remote work schedule. Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin.High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories: W e also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Active license (in good standing) to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.

• Experience as a law clerk, clinical program participant, student attorney, or professional attorney related all of the following:
• Participating in trials, administrative hearings, or litigation.
• Applying knowledge of state or federal Rules of Discovery (civil or criminal).
• Developing a variety of written legal documents.

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• Providing legal representation, counsel, or legal analysis relating to Wisconsin civil rights or equal opportunity laws (e.g., fair employment, open housing, public accommodations, family/medical leave, etc.).
• Serving as an Administrative Law Judge (or similar adjudication role).
• Serving as a mediator or arbitrator in any area of law.

Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps of the selection process.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Monday, September 21 st , 2026.