Attorney (Administrative Law Judge)

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin is seeking an Administrative Law Judge to conduct hearings and issue decisions for unemployment cases. This role offers a balance of interesting work and flexibility, with opportunities for remote work. Ideal candidates will have an active Wisconsin law license and relevant legal experience.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Affordable health insurance options

Retirement program

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting administrative hearings.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships.
• Organizational skills to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative hearings for the Unemployment Insurance program.
• Write legal decisions based on hearings.
• Supervise under a Senior Administrative Law Judge.

Skills

Legal representation

Written legal documents

Communication skills

Education

Active license to practice law in Wisconsin

Job description

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Introduction

The Division of Unemployment Insurance, Bureau of Legal Affairs is seeking an Administrative Law Judge to conduct hearings and issue legal decisions related to complex unemployment cases. If you are seeking an opportunity to use your litigation experience in a role that offers interesting work and work/life balance, apply now!

The person hired into this position may request to work remotely for the majority of their work schedule, but will need to report in person to our downtown Madison office, sometimes on short notice. Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. Remote work options are subject to change.

Occasional in-state travel is required, including some overnights.

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

Position Summary

This position reports to a Senior Administrative Law Judge (supervising attorney). The position is responsible for conducting administrative hearings and writing decisions for the state Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, and various federal wage insurance programs. This position functions under general supervision.

This position requires an active license, in good standing, to practice law in Wisconsin OR the eligibility to obtain licensure, to practice law in Wisconsin, by the time of appointment. The anticipated start date for this position will be in July 2025.

View The Full Position Description For Additional Information.

Salary Information

Starting pay is between $81,120 and $95,680 per year, 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 (starting at $39/month for single and $97/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.
  
  

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

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

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

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

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 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. This position will have access to sensitive federal tax information and FBI fingerprinting will 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

• Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.
  
  

You Need To Have The Following Experience

• *Providing legal representation or conducting/presiding over trials, administrative hearings, or litigation
• *Developing a variety of written legal documents
• *Developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external customers
• Organizing and prioritizing work effectively to meet deadlines
• Applying procedures & managing/controlling multiple parties
• Conflict resolution strategies
• Excellent communication skills
  
  

Any of the following experience would be nice to have:

• *Applying and interpreting Wisconsin Unemployment Law
• *Applying knowledge of Wisconsin Rules of Evidence
• Effectively managing change in a dynamic work environment
  
  

How To Apply

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search Job ID 17836) to complete your application.

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at [e-mail] or call [phone] (Monday - Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Terra at [e-mail].
  
  

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

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 an 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.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Government Administration

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