Administrative LAW Judge

Position Number: 22185670

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: 9/9/2026

Anticipated Starting Salary: $114,390.02

Location: Post Prison Transfer Board- DOC Headquarters- North Little Rock

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.

All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Position Information

Job Series: Attorneys- Competitive

Classification: Administrative Law Judge

Class Code: LAT01C

Pay Grade: SPC08

Salary Range: $114,390 - $169,298

Job Summary

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) serves as an impartial decision-maker in administrative hearings, overseeing disputes between government agencies, businesses, and individuals. This role requires strong legal acumen, judicial temperament, and the ability to interpret and apply Arkansas statutes, administrative regulations, and case law. The ALJ conducts fair and unbiased hearings, issues well-reasoned decisions, and ensures compliance with due process standards and state laws.

Primary Responsibilities

Preside over administrative hearings and adjudications involving state laws, agency regulations, and public disputes. Ensure fair and impartial proceedings by maintaining order, managing testimony, and ruling on evidentiary matters. Review case files, pleadings, and legal briefs, ensuring that parties have an equal opportunity to present evidence and arguments. Evaluate legal issues, apply statutes, regulations, and judicial precedents, and issue rulings in accordance with Arkansas law. Conduct comprehensive legal research to support rulings and determinations. Prepare written decisions, orders, and recommendations that are clear, legally sound, and well-reasoned. Provide guidance and recommendations on procedural rule changes to state agencies. Ensure adherence to state ethics laws, public transparency requirements, and judicial conduct standards. Explain legal procedures, rules of evidence, and hearing protocols to non-attorney participants. Conduct mediations, settlement conferences, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings, when applicable.

Knowledge and Skills

Extensive knowledge of Arkansas administrative law, agency regulations, and constitutional principles. Proficiency in statutory interpretation, legal research, and drafting judicial opinions. Strong understanding of evidence rules, hearing procedures, and appellate processes. Experience in government law, regulatory enforcement, or administrative litigation. Excellent legal writing skills for rulings, decisions, and procedural guidance; clear oral communication for hearings and stakeholder discussions. Ability to mediate disputes, facilitate settlements, and de-escalate confrontations in high-stakes cases. Ability to prioritize caseloads, manage multiple hearings, and meet deadlines for decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, plus five years of experience in conducting administrative law hearings.

Licensure/Certifications

Must be licensed as an Attorney in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock