ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

About the Agency

The Illinois Human Rights Commission provides a neutral forum for resolving complaints of discrimination filed under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Our primary responsibility is to make impartial determinations of, whether there has been unlawful discrimination, as defined by the Act. We strive to provide professional, competent, and considerate service to everyone who seeks information from us or who has a case before the Commission.The Illinois Human Rights Commission provides a neutral forum for resolving complaints of discrimination filed under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Our primary responsibility is to make impartial determinations of, whether there has been unlawful discrimination, as defined by the Act. We strive to provide professional, competent, and considerate service to everyone who seeks information from us or who has a case before the Commission.

• The Illinois Human Rights Commission is strongly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from under-represented group members, including, but not limited to people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, veterans, women and persons with disabilities.

Essential Functions

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Law Judge, oversees the adjudication of complaints issued under the Illinois Human Rights Act from the date of issuance until completion of an order recommending final disposition thereof to the Human Rights Commission

• Preside over pre-hearing phases of cases as they progress to public hearing, settlement or other resolution including: setting initial and supplemental schedules governing case progression; receiving, scheduling briefs and argument and ruling on routine, discovery and substantive motions; and, conducting settlement, evidentiary and pre-hearing conferences as appropriate. Avoid appearance of unfairness and violations of due process.
• Prepare formal, well analyzed, final orders after public hearing or other dispositive events  ("Recommended Order and Decision" or ROD) recommending Commission action with regard to the disposition on the merits of specific complaints following careful review of  the transcripts, exhibits and post-hearing briefs, and application of applicable legal principles, including performing any necessary legal research.
• Preside at formal public hearings on individual complaints, consistent with the standards set in the Human Rights Act ("Act") and Commission Procedural Rules, compiling a concise evidentiary record based on proper application of formal rules of evidence and maintenance of an orderly and impartial atmosphere during the hearings.
• Monitor post-hearing cases to ensure timely preparation of the transcript and submission of post-hearing briefs, followed by prompt drafting and submission of RODs.

Essential Functions Cont.

• Review, on a regular basis, developments in relevant law, both state and federal; conduct legal research into more complex issues as required to ensure accurate and just decisions; assist in updating and maintaining internal research files and resources. Participate in initial and continuing training as mandated by the Act.
• Check all orders and other work carefully to eliminate technical errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other elements of clear and concise writing.
• Assist the Chief Administrative Law Judge and the Commission's legal counsel in formulating procedures pertaining to the Administrative Law Section and maintain a good relationship with fellow professionals and the public with whom the ALJ comes in contact on behalf of the Commission.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Licensed to practice law for a minimum of three (3) years.
• A minimum of three (3) years litigation experience as an advocate, hearing officer or judge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to write clearly and analyze complex legal Issues.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the substantive law relevant to the Illinois Human Rights Act.
• Ability to handle a varied, high volume workload.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with hearing disputants, attorneys, and members of the public.
• Experience dealing with a diverse population of complainants and respondents, including Pro Se litigants.

Employment Conditions

• Must be willing and able to travel.

Benefit Statement

As a State of Illinois employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

• Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options)
• Health, life, vision and dental insurance
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
• Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
• Paid state holidays 13-14 days annually
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
• For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx