Administrative Law Judge - Worker's Compensation

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Wisconsin’s Worker's Compensation Division seeks Administrative Law Judges to conduct hearings and preside over pre-hearing and settlement conferences in Wisconsin. Two vacancies may be filled from this recruitment, with a hybrid work arrangement in Madison.

The role requires an active Wisconsin law license and prior tribunal experience, with a strong emphasis on research, writing, and issuing formal findings and orders. Employment includes excellent benefits and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Conduct legal research, analysis, and writing to administer due process for a tribunal.
• Experience as an administrative law judge or hearing officer is a plus.
• Experience in Labor Law, Federal Disability Law, Personal Injury, Civil Law, Administrative Law, or Workers’ Compensation Law is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quasi-judicial hearings and issue findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders.
• Preside at pre-hearing and settlement conferences to narrow issues and resolve disputes.
• Draft orders defining the rights and responsibilities of the parties.
• Provide answers and opinions to legal questions by phone, in person, and by correspondence.
• Conduct mediations.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Due process

Tribunal experience

Education

Active Wisconsin law license

Job description

Introduction

The Worker's Compensation Division is hiring Administrative Law Judges to conduct worker's compensation hearings as well as pre-hearing and settlement conferences within Wisconsin. We anticipate filling two vacancies from this recruitment.

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.

It is anticipated that these positions will work a blend of remote and in-office work at our downtown Madison location (201 E. Washington Ave.). Our office is located near a variety of restaurants and food carts, live music and events, the farmer's market, B-cycle rentals, lakefront parks, the Capital City bike path, and multiple bus routes.

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

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities For These Positions Include

• Conducting quasi-judicial hearings and issues findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders.
• Presiding at pre-hearing and settlement conferences to narrow issues and resolve disputes.
• Drafting orders that define the rights and responsibilities of the parties.
• Providing answers and opinions to legal questions by phone, in-person, and by correspondence.
• Conducting mediations.

To learn more, please review the full position description.

Salary Information

Starting pay is between $102,000 and $108,000 per year, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package:

• 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.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2027 rates start at $52 per month for single and $128 per month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• 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.

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!

The classification title for these positions is Attorney (schedule 09, range 75). A 12-month probationary period will be required. These positions are represented by the Wisconsin State Attorneys Association and are 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.

Job Details

Travel

travel to hearings within the state will be required.

Remote work

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

We 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. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required.

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.

Qualifications

Licensure Requirement

an active license in good standing to practice law in Wisconsin will be required prior to appointment.

Additional Qualifications

The qualifications listed below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process and should be clearly described in your resume/letter of qualifications.

You Need To Have The Following Experience

• Conducting legal research, research analysis, and writing for the purpose of administering due process for a tribunal. This may include appearing before, clerking for, or acting as a decision-maker in a tribunal.

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• Experience serving as an administrative law judge or hearing officer.
• Experience with at least two of the following:
• Labor Law
• Federal Disability Law
• Personal Injury
• Civil Law
• Administrative Law
• Workers Compensation Law

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

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Monday, November 2nd, 2026.