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New Mexico
Sept 14, 2013 17:45:43 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 14, 2013 17:45:43 GMT -5
Hi - new here.
Does anyone have experience with NM ALJ process? It appears different than other states. Namely, it does not require one to be a licensed JD with seven years of experience. Any information is helpful - thanks.
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 14, 2013 18:44:01 GMT -5
Hi - new here. Does anyone have experience with NM ALJ process? It appears different than other states. Namely, it does not require one to be a licensed JD with seven years of experience. Any information is helpful - thanks. A Google search got me this regarding qualifications for ALJs in the atate of NM: agency.governmentjobs.com/newmexico/default.cfm?action=viewclassspec&ClassSpecID=823271You are correct. Those specs don't require one to be a lawyer or to have a law degree. Other states, including mine, had similar specs decades ago. Not any more.
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New Mexico
Sept 14, 2013 19:52:37 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 14, 2013 19:52:37 GMT -5
Thanks - needed the confirmation. Do you know a list if all other states with similar requirements? Any tips on the interview process too?
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New Mexico
Sept 14, 2013 20:05:02 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 14, 2013 20:05:02 GMT -5
Hypothetically, if one were to work as an ALJ in NM and later wish to transfer to another state, could they count those years toward the seven year requirement?
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 14, 2013 20:18:45 GMT -5
I don't think there is a single source for all the state requirements. I suspect that those like NM's are a small minority these days.
What each state counts as prior experience would probably depend on each state, but I'd think that in a state with minimum qualifications like New Mexico's (if there is another such state) prior ALJ experience would count.
But, what seven year requirement are you talking about? OPM's?
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New Mexico
Sept 14, 2013 20:49:55 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 14, 2013 20:49:55 GMT -5
Thanks - I think some states asked for litigating experience, some asked for practicing experience...not sure...
I would like to know the exit opportunities available after ALJ. Also, do you know where I can find a list or the number of prospective applicants for a NM ALJ position? Also, why NM ALJs make significantly less than others in other states and what can be done about that?
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Post by grassgreener on Sept 14, 2013 21:38:38 GMT -5
Thanks - I think some states asked for litigating experience, some asked for practicing experience...not sure... I would like to know the exit opportunities available after ALJ. Also, do you know where I can find a list or the number of prospective applicants for a NM ALJ position? Also, why NM ALJs make significantly less than others in other states and what can be done about that? OPM makes salary determinations based upon average salaries in that area, not necessarily cost of living I.e. Hawaii is an expensive place to live, however salaries tend to be lower, whereas Houston is relatively reasonable place to live, but lot of high salaries, which results in higher salaries for ALJ.
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Post by trekker on Sept 14, 2013 22:06:17 GMT -5
Maybe I'm missing something here on this thread. This was a link to a state ALJ requirements. This is a federal ALJ process. Different rules, different hiring process, etc. The federal ALJ position allowed state ALJ's to use their experience to meet requirements at phase 1 and 2. A state ALJ as I understand this process doesn't have hiring preferences (unless vet, etc). The NM ALJ hiring process is totally separate and different from what we are doing. All. The 50 states and DC/PR/Pacific Island Territories (and probably Virgin Islands) have unique and different hiring processes and requirements that are irrevelvant to the federal ALJ testing and register process. IMHO.
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New Mexico
Sept 14, 2013 22:28:54 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 14, 2013 22:28:54 GMT -5
Maybe I'm missing something here on this thread. This was a link to a stats ALJ requirements. This is a federal ALJ process. Different rules, different hiring process, etc. The federal ALJ position allowed state ALJ's to use their experience to meet requirements at phase 1 and 2. A state ALJ as I understand this process doesn't have hiring preferences (unless vet, etc). The NM ALJ hiring process is totally separate and different from what we are doing. All. The 50 states and DC/PR/Pacific Island Territories (and probably Virgin Islands) have unique and different hiring processes and requirements that are irrevelvant to the federal ALJ testing and register process. IMHO. Please elaborate - I don't follow your post. So state requirements are more lax? They don't have the same requirements? This boards is only for fed ALJs?
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New Mexico
Sept 14, 2013 22:45:59 GMT -5
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Post by funkyodar on Sept 14, 2013 22:45:59 GMT -5
Yes justice. this board is dedicated to provide a community and information to those seeking a federal alj job. All the app info, job info, benefits info etc relates to the federal alj position.
Your questions about any particular state alj position will likely go unanswered unless some member happens to know the info and shares it.
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 15, 2013 1:34:13 GMT -5
Maybe I'm missing something here on this thread. This was a link to a stats ALJ requirements. This is a federal ALJ process. Different rules, different hiring process, etc. The federal ALJ position allowed state ALJ's to use their experience to meet requirements at phase 1 and 2. A state ALJ as I understand this process doesn't have hiring preferences (unless vet, etc). The NM ALJ hiring process is totally separate and different from what we are doing. All. The 50 states and DC/PR/Pacific Island Territories (and probably Virgin Islands) have unique and different hiring processes and requirements that are irrevelvant to the federal ALJ testing and register process. IMHO. Please elaborate - I don't follow your post. So state requirements are more lax? They don't have the same requirements? This boards is only for fed ALJs? This board was designed and intended only those seeking and holding federal ALJ jobs. I don't know of any similar source of info for state ALJ jobs-- you just have to do your own research, state by state. As far as the pay for NM ALJs, many states don't pay their ALJ's particularly well... but NM's pay scale doesn't surprise me, if the job doesn't even require a law degree or other advanced degree. They could justify raising the pay scale if they raised the requirements. But, if you qualify to apply for an ALJ position in NM, or anywhere else, go for it. They are rewarding positions, perhaps not as financially rewarding as we'd like (I am a state ALJ) but in other ways.
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New Mexico
Sept 15, 2013 2:07:23 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 15, 2013 2:07:23 GMT -5
Please elaborate - I don't follow your post. So state requirements are more lax? They don't have the same requirements? This boards is only for fed ALJs? This board was designed and intended only those seeking and holding federal ALJ jobs. I don't know of any similar source of info for state ALJ jobs-- you just have to do your own research, state by state. As far as the pay for NM ALJs, many states don't pay their ALJ's particularly well... but NM's pay scale doesn't surprise me, if the job doesn't even require a law degree or other advanced degree. They could justify raising the pay scale if they raised the requirements. But, if you qualify to apply for an ALJ position in NM, or anywhere else, go for it. They are rewarding positions, perhaps not as financially rewarding as we'd like (I am a state ALJ) but in other ways. Thank you! Can you tell me on what ways you find the position rewarding? Any books or articles to read on the position?
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 15, 2013 2:27:24 GMT -5
I'll be happy to talk to you using the direct message system here.
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New Mexico
Sept 15, 2013 2:34:07 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 15, 2013 2:34:07 GMT -5
I'll be happy to talk to you using the direct message system here. Great - can you please tell me how state ALJs differ than Feds?
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 15, 2013 2:38:18 GMT -5
Will DM you about that.
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New Mexico
Sept 15, 2013 3:54:25 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 15, 2013 3:54:25 GMT -5
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Post by privateatty on Sept 15, 2013 11:46:27 GMT -5
I'll be happy to talk to you using the direct message system here. Great - can you please tell me how state ALJs differ than Feds? Every State is different. The differences are legion, but easily the most important consideration after salary is going to be the level of judicial independence accorded to you. Being pressured to achieve a desired result can have a deleterious effect upon your ethics, feelings of self-worth and overall mental health.
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 15, 2013 14:03:03 GMT -5
Great - can you please tell me how state ALJs differ than Feds? Every State is different. The differences are legion, but easily the most important consideration after salary is going to be the level of judicial independence accorded to you. Being pressured to achieve a desired result can have a deleterious effect upon your ethics, feelings of self-worth and overall mental health. It can, indeed. I have been fortunate to have never felt that pressure, in almost 25 years as a state ALJ. But, I'm sure it does happen.
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Post by lildavey on Sept 16, 2013 18:51:35 GMT -5
Hi - new here. Does anyone have experience with NM ALJ process? It appears different than other states. Namely, it does not require one to be a licensed JD with seven years of experience. Any information is helpful - thanks. I am a New Mexico state ALJ and was a practicing litigator in state and federal courts for 10 years before I joined the Fair Hearings Bureau. This is one of the best jobs I've ever had in my life, but I have a number of reasons for wanting to make the jump to the feds, which don't need to be covered here. There's a long history in New Mexico of magistrates who sat without the benefit of a law degree or license going back to the Spanish. In some respects it is still the Wild West out here. In rural counties here there are magistrate and municipal courts in which the judges are not lawyers, but an appeal from their decisions is a de novo trial, not a whole record review as it is with Metropolitan and District Court judges, who must be attorneys for a set period of time before they can occupy the bench. Every year there is a push in the legislature to require new magistrates to be licensed attorneys and every year it fails. Most magistrates here are retired state cops and out in the rural counties and in certain corners of Santa FE they have a lot of political influence.
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New Mexico
Sept 17, 2013 12:20:01 GMT -5
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Post by aljustice on Sept 17, 2013 12:20:01 GMT -5
Thanks.
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