Administrative Magistrate

AGENCY OVERVIEW:

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent adjudicatory agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that conducts impartial, due process hearings for state administrative agencies. DALA provides a neutral forum for individuals and entities exercising their statutory right to appeal decisions made by other Massachusetts state agencies. Through its quasi-judicial functions, DALA ensures fairness, transparency, and consistency in administrative decision-making, safeguarding the procedural rights of appellants while supporting agencies in the lawful administration of their programs.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW & POSITION SUMMARY:

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (“DALA”) conducts adjudicatory hearings for approximately twenty Massachusetts state agencies. A full description of its jurisdiction is available at www.mass.gov/dala

This position serves as an Administrative Magistrate and requires the exercise of substantial independent judgment, legal expertise, discretion, creativity, and advanced problem-solving skills. The Magistrate is highly visible to the public as a representative of the Commonwealth and is entrusted with ensuring that contested administrative proceedings are conducted fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable law.

Because DALA operates with limited administrative support resources, Magistrates must work independently, manage substantial caseloads, and produce high-quality written decisions with minimal clerical assistance. The position frequently involves working under pressure from opposing parties in contested proceedings while maintaining impartiality and professionalism.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Adjudicatory Functions

• Serve as an Administrative Magistrate managing a full caseload of matters assigned by the First Administrative Magistrate.
• Conduct pre-hearing conferences and manage all pre-hearing procedural activities.
• Preside over trial-type adjudicatory hearings, conducted either live or remotely, pursuant to formal and informal rules of administrative procedure.
• Rule on motions and evidentiary issues.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on the record.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to resolve complex statutory and regulatory issues.
• Prepare substantive decisions, recommended decisions, and procedural orders in clear, well-reasoned written format.
• Work independently with limited administrative support to produce timely and legally sound decisions.

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Magistrate, including oversight and management of one or more jurisdictional practice areas within the Division.
• Maintain compliance with ethical standards of the legal profession, agency policies, and Commonwealth regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law in a position requiring independent judgment and professional legal performance.
• Administrative hearing experience and/or civil litigation and trial experience preferred.
• Demonstrated superior legal writing ability, evidenced by a substantive legal brief or memorandum of law prepared independently by the applicant.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and the ability to independently prepare written materials with minimal administrative support.
• At least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law or in a position requiring membership in the Bar.
• Membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar is required.
• Based on assignment, possession of a valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License may be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong analytical and legal reasoning skills.

• Ability to conduct hearings in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume caseload under time constraints.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and the ability to produce professional written decisions with limited administrative assistance.
  

AGENCY OVERVIEW:

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent adjudicatory agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that conducts impartial, due process hearings for state administrative agencies. DALA provides a neutral forum for individuals and entities exercising their statutory right to appeal decisions made by other Massachusetts state agencies. Through its quasi-judicial functions, DALA ensures fairness, transparency, and consistency in administrative decision-making, safeguarding the procedural rights of appellants while supporting agencies in the lawful administration of their programs.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW & POSITION SUMMARY:

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (“DALA”) conducts adjudicatory hearings for approximately twenty Massachusetts state agencies. A full description of its jurisdiction is available at www.mass.gov/dala

This position serves as an Administrative Magistrate and requires the exercise of substantial independent judgment, legal expertise, discretion, creativity, and advanced problem-solving skills. The Magistrate is highly visible to the public as a representative of the Commonwealth and is entrusted with ensuring that contested administrative proceedings are conducted fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable law.

Because DALA operates with limited administrative support resources, Magistrates must work independently, manage substantial caseloads, and produce high-quality written decisions with minimal clerical assistance. The position frequently involves working under pressure from opposing parties in contested proceedings while maintaining impartiality and professionalism.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Adjudicatory Functions

• Serve as an Administrative Magistrate managing a full caseload of matters assigned by the First Administrative Magistrate.
• Conduct pre-hearing conferences and manage all pre-hearing procedural activities.
• Preside over trial-type adjudicatory hearings, conducted either live or remotely, pursuant to formal and informal rules of administrative procedure.
• Rule on motions and evidentiary issues.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on the record.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to resolve complex statutory and regulatory issues.
• Prepare substantive decisions, recommended decisions, and procedural orders in clear, well-reasoned written format.
• Work independently with limited administrative support to produce timely and legally sound decisions.

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Magistrate, including oversight and management of one or more jurisdictional practice areas within the Division.
• Maintain compliance with ethical standards of the legal profession, agency policies, and Commonwealth regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law in a position requiring independent judgment and professional legal performance.
• Administrative hearing experience and/or civil litigation and trial experience preferred.
• Demonstrated superior legal writing ability, evidenced by a substantive legal brief or memorandum of law prepared independently by the applicant.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and the ability to independently prepare written materials with minimal administrative support.
• At least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law or in a position requiring membership in the Bar.
• Membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar is required.
• Based on assignment, possession of a valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License may be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong analytical and legal reasoning skills.

• Ability to conduct hearings in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume caseload under time constraints.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and the ability to produce professional written decisions with limited administrative assistance.
  

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.