Law Judge

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Remote; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option

Job summary

State of Washington's Department of Licensing seeks a Law Judge for the Administrative Law Office. You will preside over hearings, rule on motions, and issue legally sound decisions upholding or rescinding sanctions on driving privileges.

Requires a JD, active WA Bar membership, and 5+ years of legal experience with strong research and writing skills. Remote work option available; strong commitment to equity and due process is expected.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required with active Washington Bar membership in good standing.
• Five years of legal experience and five years of computer use (Word, PDFs, internet).
• Two years writing original briefs, rulings, and decisions with clear opinions.

Responsibilities

• Preside over administrative hearings virtually or in‑person.
• Adjudicate disputes under Title 46 RCW with defensible written orders.
• Research case law and cite appropriately in orders.
• Monitor scheduling and ensure timely hearings; attend trainings.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral and written communication

Legal research

Case analysis

Judicial reasoning

Education

Juris Doctorate

Active Washington State Bar Association member in good standing

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Legal search engines

PDF documents

Case file management

Internet searches

Job description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity.

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

Our Director's Office has a unique remote work opportunity for an attorney with excellent interpersonal communication skills both orally and in writing to join our team as a Law Judge within the Administrative Law Office.

As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.

As one of our Law Judges, you will preside over administrative hearings to adjudicate disputes between licensees and the Department. Working under tight deadlines, you will consider evidence, rule on motions and objections, and write legally sound decisions to uphold or rescind the Department’s sanctions against driving privileges. You will have the authority to make final decisions after considering all evidence and legal arguments. In this role, you are instrumental in providing the due process infrastructure that is necessary for us to help every Washington resident live, work, drive, and thrive.

Some of what you will do:

• Preside over administrative hearings/interviews virtually or in-person.
• Adjudicate disputes between licensees and the Department, under Title 46 RCW.
• Consider evidence, rule on motions and objections, provide procedural protocol for hearings and write legally sound and defensible decisions based on applicable law to uphold or rescind the Department's sanctions against driving privileges.
• Research case law and cite appropriately in written orders.
• Monitor and resolve scheduling conflicts to ensure hearings are timely held.
• Attend continuing legal educations classes. Provide input on agency trainings.

What you will bring:

• Juris Doctorate
• Five (5) years of experience.
• Active or judicial membership and in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association.
• Five (5) years of experience in computer use, including generalized typing, use of Microsoft word, Power Point, Legal Search engines, use of PDF documents, uploading, case file management, and internet searches.
• Two (2) years of experience in writing original legal briefs, rulings, and decisions and communicating official legal opinions and procedures in a clear and concise manner.
• One (1) year of experience in conducting legal research by using electronic research tools, analyzing relevant law, and determining application of the law to the facts.
• One (1) year using computers, utilizing software programs such as Microsoft Word, and legal research tools.
• The ability to:
  • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • Take action to learn and grow.
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.

What may set you apart:

• Experience prosecuting and defending Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases, including conducting trials and presenting legal arguments.
• Proficiency using spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel, to compile, analyze, and maintain statistical or operational data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience examining and cross-examining witnesses during administrative or judicial proceedings to develop a complete and accurate factual record.
• Demonstrated interviewing and investigative skills, including the ability to obtain relevant information from witnesses and hearing participants while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and maintain professional, respectful working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public.
• Experience collaborating on cross-functional teams, workgroups, committees, or organizational initiatives to improve processes or achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated flexibility in managing competing priorities and adjusting schedules to accommodate changing operational needs, including accepting short-notice assignments when appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a high-volume workload, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy and quality with minimal supervision.

Additional Requirements of Employment:

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

For information about this position, available accommodation, or the interview process, contact Nicole Walters

Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!

Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.

Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice

To take advantage of your veteran / military spouse preference please attach documentation of eligibility to your application.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.

The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.

We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.