The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has posted an examination for multiple Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge (ALJ/WCJ) positions on the CalCareers website (https://calcareers.ca.gov/).  The WCJ independently researches and evaluates cases pending before the WCAB for the purpose of conducting hearings, including status conferences, mediations, settlement conferences, and disciplinary proceedings. The WCJ also writes and researches legal decisions; provides guidance to the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners and substantive training to attorneys at the WCAB on workers' compensation law and relevant areas outside of workers' compensation law, as well as trial procedures at the district offices; and participates in team / leads team in rule-making.

WCJs are expected to work with broad discretion and independence to perform the most complex, novel, difficult and sensitive legal work of the unit, and to have a high level of experience, strong technical lawyering and judicial skills, and subject matter expertise in one or more areas of the WCAB's responsibility. WCJs may serve as practice team members or leads who use their expertise to train less experienced attorneys and to support the delivery of high quality legal services to the WCAB. Essential functions of this position are to perform competently and with strong technical skills as a WCJ in the specific job duties identified below; to accomplish assigned legal work with minimal supervision and exercising broad discretion, while also taking and following direction from the Deputy Commissioners; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, as required for the specific job duties, including by consistently producing well-written and compelling legal decisions and other written work product; to appear and perform competently and with a high degree of expertise and professionalism in civil or administrative courts; to communicate in a professional, respectful and productive manner with colleagues and the Commissioners; and to demonstrate good judgment and act with high ethical standards. The role of providing guidance to the WCAB necessitates an in-depth knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Labor Code (and other relevant areas of statutory and decisional law) and regulations pertaining to workers’ compensation proceedings, as well as experience in conducting training. This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong legal research and writing skills, problem resolution skills and a strong ability to reconcile differences amongst disputing parties.

The complete posting can be found at https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=472874

The final filing date is 5/1/2025