Admin Law Judge

Job Details

Working Title: Administrative Law Judge
Job Class: Administrative Law Judge
Agency: Administrative Hearings

• Job ID: 89534
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/10/2025
• Closing Date: 10/31/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administrative Hearings/ Admin. Hrgs-Excluded Oth
• Division/Unit: Court of Admin. Hearings/ Administrative Law Division
• Appointment Type: Unlimited
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - in state up to 25%
• Salary Range: $89.70 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 221 - Excluded All Others/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Court of Administrative Hearings (CAH) is seeking applicants to serve as an Administrative Law Judge in our St. Paul office. CAH is the largest of three Executive Branch Courts with over 75 full-time equivalents located in St. Paul and Duluth. CAH, with 34 judges, is comparable in size to the Ramsey County District Court with 32 judges. CAH has exclusive, bench trial-level jurisdiction in hearings for over 250 state agencies and local units of government in over 200 unique areas of administrative law and is Minnesota's workers' compensation trial court. CAH renders justice through fair, timely and impartial hearings and high-quality dispute resolution services. Administrative Law Judges preside over cases involving challenges to state and local government action, including:

• Utility rates and routes
• Professional licenses, from medical practice to childcare and foster care
• Veterans' preference
• Occupational safety and health
• Nursing home regulatory compliance
• Environmental permits
• Human rights
• Personnel disputes involving government employees
• Fair campaign practices complaints
• Data practices complaints
• Municipal boundary adjustment matters

Administrative Law Judges also review the need for and reasonableness of all rules proposed by state agencies, and provide mediation services across Minnesota, including for disputes not pending before CAH. The core responsibilities of the role are to:

• Serve as an administrative law judge.
• Act in accordance with the Code of Judicial Conduct and other applicable codes of ethics.
• Research, understand, interpret, apply, and explain relevant law in complex legal and factual settings.
• Conduct fair and impartial bench-trial hearings in complex, adversarial cases in accordance with governing laws and rules.
• Resolve issues of law and fact based upon the application of sound, supported legal reasoning to facts based upon evidence in the hearing record.
• Engage in clear, respectful oral communication.
• Prepare clear, concise, and easily understandable written decisions and orders.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and respectful relationships with diverse people.
• Maintain license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Complete the online application available at http ://www.mn.gov/careers or in Self-Service for internal candidates.
• Upload a cover letter and resume that:

• Describe the nature of your law practice.
• List any awards or other recognitions you have received.
• Describe any pro bono legal activities.
• List current and past memberships/activities in law and/or professional associations.
• Describe any specialized training in or subject matter expertise in administrative law, alternative dispute resolution, and intercultural competency.
• Describe any teaching you have done in law school, continuing legal education, or other professional education programs.
• List any articles or publications you have written after law school.
• List any significant community activities.

3. Submit a writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages). Writing samples must be submitted via email to heidi.henry@state.mn.us. All documents must be received no later than the close of this posting.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.).
• Current licensure in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative procedures and related laws.
• Demonstrated legal writing skills.
• Intercultural competency. Ability to relate and communicate effectively with individuals who do not share the same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to uphold judicial temperament, which requires compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias, and commitment to equal justice under the law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Litigation experience.
• Mediator or arbitrator experience.
• Experience as a judge in an administrative setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to community and public service.
• Knowledge of rulemaking procedures under the Minnesota Administrative Procedures Act.

Physical Requirements

This is a sedentary position. It requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and laptops or accounting boxes. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Court of Administrative Hearings that all employees submit to a background and investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Driver’s License Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Court Records Check

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Heidi Henry at Heidi.Henry@state.mn.us or 651-361-7890.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tara Hengtgen at tara.hengtgen@state.mn.us.

About the Court of Administrative Hearings

The Court of Administrative Hearings is the largest of three Executive Branch Courts with over 75 full-time equivalents located in St. Paul and Duluth. CAH, with 34 judges, is comparable in size to the Ramsey County District Court with 32 judges. CAH has exclusive, bench trial-level jurisdiction in hearings for over 250 state agencies and local units of government in over 200 unique areas of administrative law and is Minnesota's workers' compensation trial court. CAH renders justice through fair, timely and impartial hearings and high-quality dispute resolution services.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Other Information

Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.