BSEA Hearing Officer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Oak Grove (MA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a BSEA Hearing Officer to adjudicate special education matters with independence and sound judgment. You will manage a full caseload, conduct hearings, rule on motions, and issue detailed orders applying state and federal law.

Ideal candidates hold a JD, MA Bar admission, and have three years of practice in law, preferably in administrative or special education contexts. Hybrid work may be available, with focus on fairness and timely resolutions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and Massachusetts Bar admission.
• At least three years of full-time (or equivalent) professional legal experience.
• Excellent legal writing ability demonstrated by a sample brief or memorandum.
• Ability to perform legal research using automated research tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage a full caseload of due process hearings and schedule adjudicatory hearings.
• Conduct hearings, rule on motions, and issue orders with detailed findings.
• Report statistics on caseload and participate in training sessions.
• Maintain neutrality, uphold ethical standards, and ensure fair proceedings.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Legal writing

Verbal communication

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Legal research databases

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - BSEA Hearing Officer (260006CT)

Job Description

BSEA Hearing Officer - ( 260006CT )

Description

Official Title: Hearing Officer - Counsel II
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Malden-14 Summer Street
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA)
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Number of Openings: 1

AGENCY OVERVIEW:

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent adjudicatory agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that conducts impartial, due process hearings for state administrative agencies. DALA provides a neutral forum for individuals and entities exercising their statutory right to appeal decisions made by other Massachusetts state agencies. Through its quasi-judicial functions, DALA ensures fairness, transparency, and consistency in administrative decision-making, safeguarding the procedural rights of appellants while supporting agencies in the lawful administration of their programs.

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) conducts adjudicatory hearings for other Massachusetts state agencies. Within DALA, the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) provides a comprehensive range of dispute resolution services related to eligibility, evaluation, placement, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), special education services, and procedural protections for students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law.

BSEA services include mediations, due process hearings, settlement conferences, and facilitation of IEP team meetings. Parties to these proceedings may include parents, students, school districts, private schools, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and other state agencies.

The BSEA Hearing Officer position requires independence, sound judgment, strong organizational and analytical skills, legal research and writing proficiency, and the ability to maintain neutrality and professional demeanor in often highly emotional disputes. The Hearing Officer is a visible representative of the Commonwealth, entrusted with ensuring all parties a fair, impartial, and timely resolution of their disputes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a full caseload of due process hearing requests assigned by the Bureau Director.
• Oversee pre-hearing matters and schedule adjudicatory hearings in compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Conduct hearings, rule on motions, manage proceedings, and ensure hearings are conducted fairly, impartially, and efficiently.
• Issue substantive and procedural orders, including written decisions with detailed findings of fact supported by the hearing record and correct application of relevant state and federal law.
• Rule on post‑hearing compliance motions.
• Report statistical data relating to caseload and case management.
• Conduct settlement conferences as directed by the BSEA Director.
• Participate in training sessions for constituent groups and the legal community.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director.
• Maintain compliance with ethical standards of the Bar, agency, and Commonwealth.

Qualifications

• Administrative hearing and/or civil litigation trial experience preferred.
• Experience in special education law is preferred.
• Excellent legal writing ability, demonstrated through a sample legal brief or memorandum.
• Facility in performing legal research using automated research tools.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and legal reasoning skills.
• Ability to conduct hearings in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume caseload under time constraints.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and the ability to produce professional written decisions with limited administrative assistance.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Counsel II

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Malden-14 Summer Street

Job

Legal Services

Agency

Administrative Law Appeals

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 17, 2026, 8:34:48 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

92,081.60 - 134,338.36 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affimative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Thomas E. Bocian - 7813974700

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes