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Post by fingerscrossed on Feb 5, 2016 10:14:03 GMT -5
Thanks, Funky. This one of the best posts I've seen on what life is really like as an ALJ.
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Post by mamaru on Feb 5, 2016 12:33:59 GMT -5
BA, I did not mean to suggest that the ALJ job is easy, compared to large firm practice, only that the hours are not as demanding and the work environment not quite as stressful as I experienced. If you interpreted my post to mean that I think the ALJ job is easier, I apologize. I certainly did not mean that those are the only two things that matter and am sorry if I left that impression. I agree with what Funky said - being an ALJ is a lot of responsibility but it has compensating features. That's not saying it's easier - that's saying it's different.
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Post by ba on Feb 5, 2016 19:35:43 GMT -5
BA, I did not mean to suggest that the ALJ job is easy, compared to large firm practice, only that the hours are not as demanding and the work environment not quite as stressful as I experienced. If you interpreted my post to mean that I think the ALJ job is easier, I apologize. I certainly did not mean that those are the only two things that matter and am sorry if I left that impression. I agree with what Funky said - being an ALJ is a lot of responsibility but it has compensating features. That's not saying it's easier - that's saying it's different. No apology necessary. Saul Goodman.
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Post by minny on Feb 5, 2016 20:30:51 GMT -5
My observation is that the ALJs have an easier schedule and less pressure than I had as a litigator. I was in big law. While there were more of us to share the fun, the hours were brutal and the work environment not pleasant. My firm had "nap rooms" so that we did not have to go home to sleep. I am unaware of ODAR hearing offices equipped with that amenity. When I had my own firm I had a couch in my office and the intended purpose was to have a place to sleep when I couldn't afford to go all the way home for the night. I can't believe I ever lived like that.
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Post by blondswede on Feb 5, 2016 21:03:18 GMT -5
My observation is that the ALJs have an easier schedule and less pressure than I had as a litigator. I was in big law. While there were more of us to share the fun, the hours were brutal and the work environment not pleasant. My firm had "nap rooms" so that we did not have to go home to sleep. I am unaware of ODAR hearing offices equipped with that amenity. When I had my own firm I had a couch in my office and the intended purpose was to have a place to sleep when I couldn't afford to go all the way home for the night. I can't believe I ever lived like that. I've had a couch in a couple of firms I've worked for. Unfortunately, they ended up being covered (actually buried) with files. I don't think I ever got a nap, except when I was pregnant. But even then, I felt guilty, and the phones didn't stop, nor did the knocks on my door. I don't know of a single lawyer, at least not one who has any integrity, who doesn't work more than eight hours per day, and at least some time over the weekends. Currently, I work seven days a week, but I'm a sole practitioner. Also, I have no life, so I might as well work.
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Post by pumpkin on Feb 5, 2016 22:24:10 GMT -5
Okay, FC Class of March 2016: medical terminology charades on the lido deck in the lobby Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
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Post by phoenixrakkasan on Feb 5, 2016 23:08:50 GMT -5
Okay, FC Class of March 2016: medical terminology charades on the lido deck in the lobby Tuesday and Thursday evenings. How should I respond? Count me out! That is too crazy!
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Post by quesera on Feb 6, 2016 9:07:40 GMT -5
It's really good to hear the warnings about the unexpected pressures of being an ALJ after being an AA or SAA. Those of us wanting to make the leap need to take it to heart.
Funky, I love hearing how you and your wife juggle the day to day. Sheryl Sandberg would be proud. I too have school-aged children and a spouse with a career, so I have come to the conclusion that hiring more help would be essential.
Pumpkin, are you going to start a YouTube channel with the medical terminology charade sessions? Pretty please! For learning purposes, of course.
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Post by pumpkin on Feb 6, 2016 10:04:25 GMT -5
Okay, FC Class of March 2016: medical terminology charades on the lido deck in the lobby Tuesday and Thursday evenings. How should I respond? Count me out! That is too crazy! Well, if you're not there when I take attendance for charades, how will I know if you've made curfew?
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Post by lizdarcy on Feb 6, 2016 10:18:34 GMT -5
Okay, FC Class of March 2016: medical terminology charades on the lido deck in the lobby Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If I recall correctly, the medical terminology quiz show was on the morning of Day 3 of new ALJ training. It helps if you have a former writer on your team. AS a new (less than one year) ALJ I make a mistake in almost every set of instructions I write. I have the utmost respect for the decision writers, who I think have the most difficult job in ODAR. I learn something from every writer on every decision. Being an ALJ, though, requires skills other than decision-writing. An ALJ has to be very good at handling people. The ALJ has to manage the hearing, dealing with the reps, claimants, VEs, MEs and hearing reporters. The job requires a very good knowledge of how a hearing is run and how to examine witnesses. The ALJ has to feel and project authority and independence in a way that does not alienate others, as well as having a certain gravitas and judicial demeanor. Back in the office, the ALJ has to multi-task, managing a docket and working with the case techs, schedulers and many other team members. I am sure I am one of the new ALJs who exasperate the writers. However, I will learn the nuances the law soon. I think the other kinds of experience are equally valuable. It seems to me that OPM has recognized this in the requirements for the ALJ position.
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Post by phoenixrakkasan on Feb 6, 2016 11:41:45 GMT -5
How should I respond? Count me out! That is too crazy! Well, if you're not there when I take attendance for charades, how will I know if you've made curfew? [ First AOL, followed by charade, now curfew! U R out of order. We will train together to change your perspective.
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Post by pumpkin on Feb 6, 2016 11:58:12 GMT -5
Well, if you're not there when I take attendance for charades, how will I know if you've made curfew? [ First AOL, followed by charade, now curfew! U R out of order. We will train together to change your perspective. Grasshopper is ready, Master.
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Post by mamaru on Feb 7, 2016 12:10:39 GMT -5
Blondswede, if you are a DW for SSA you work 8 hours a day - they are very strict about that. Unless you are authorized for OT (which is by no means a guarantee) or credit (which is limited) you do not work weekends or more than 8 hours per day.
It was an adjustment to be sure, but I have never once felt that my integrity has been compromised.
If you join the ALJ corps, please be conscious of the fact that the writers generally cannot stay late to finish something for you or chat about a decision. It's not that we lack integrity or are slackers, but we play by the rules or risk discipline.
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Post by blondswede on Feb 7, 2016 16:21:53 GMT -5
Blondswede, if you are a DW for SSA you work 8 hours a day - they are very strict about that. Unless you are authorized for OT (which is by no means a guarantee) or credit (which is limited) you do not work weekends or more than 8 hours per day. It was an adjustment to be sure, but I have never once felt that my integrity has been compromised. If you join the ALJ corps, please be conscious of the fact that the writers generally cannot stay late to finish something for you or chat about a decision. It's not that we lack integrity or are slackers, but we play by the rules or risk discipline. It did not occur to me that my post (2-5-16) might be seen as a bold statement that anyone who does not work more than 40 hours per week has lost her integrity. My statement was based on my personal experience, that of a workers' compensation lawyer in law firms. The caseload is always much, much more than an attorney can competently deal with in a 40 – hour week. I have no idea what the caseloads are for anyone practicing outside private, or for that matter, in-house law firms, nor would I deign to suppose. I have always wished, as has every lawyer I know, that the caseload would be such that I could get all of my work done within a 40 – hour, Monday through Friday, workweek, and also have my private life in the evenings and on the weekends. The culture in law firms is very different from (what I am learning) is the federal ALJ system. As for your caveat, in my many years as a litigator, I don't remember a single time where I required anyone on the staff to stay past 5 p.m. I truly believe the statement that says, "My failure to plan does not constitute your emergency." I learned very early on to do the work, not only of a lawyer, but of paralegals and secretaries. I have respect for other people's lives. But, I have worked with people who were "slackers," both within the judicial system and in law firms, and I have little tolerance for them. If I am fortunate enough to get into the ALJ corps, I will remember and understand the strict policies about working hours.
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Post by droboy on Feb 8, 2016 9:00:29 GMT -5
This study does not address the law that you will administer as an SSA ALJ. It does, however, very accurately describe how you will do the job. drive.google.com/file/d/0B2kAAfgH45ClZjRGejdwSkwyNXc/view?pli=1As a bonus, it documents some of the frustrations sitting SSA ALJs have voiced with their positions. Have fun. And be careful. You may get what you wish for.
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Post by sealaw90 on Feb 8, 2016 9:34:56 GMT -5
This study does not address the law that you will administer as an SSA ALJ. It does, however, very accurately describe how you will do the job. drive.google.com/file/d/0B2kAAfgH45ClZjRGejdwSkwyNXc/view?pli=1As a bonus, it documents some of the frustrations sitting SSA ALJs have voiced with their positions. Have fun. And be careful. You may get what you wish for. This study was paid for by the AALJ. Not sure of the value of union dues going to this study, but just so folks understand the real purpose of this paper is to push the AALJ agenda, so take it with a grain of salt.
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Post by droboy on Feb 8, 2016 9:58:33 GMT -5
I anticipated that disclaimer would be forthcoming. I am no longer a member of AALJ, and have some serious reservations regarding strategies they have employed recently. That said, I also worked with HumRRO when I was employed by a federal agency (not SSA) and found them to be very professional in their investigatory and research methods. I think they are a pretty reputable outfit. So- yes, take it with a grain of salt considering who commissioned the study. I think it will be interesting to see if any sitting SSA ALjs (which I no longer am) seriously dispute the accuracy of any of the findings in the study.
Good luck to all who aspire to be an ALJ. I found the work to be very satisfying, Working for SSA- not quite as much.
And with that, from where the sun now stands, droboy will speak no more on this board.
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Post by Propmaster on Feb 8, 2016 10:14:38 GMT -5
I anticipated that disclaimer would be forthcoming. I am no longer a member of AALJ, and have some serious reservations regarding strategies they have employed recently. That said, I also worked with HumRRO when I was employed by a federal agency (not SSA) and found them to be very professional in their investigatory and research methods. I think they are a pretty reputable outfit. So- yes, take it with a grain of salt considering who commissioned the study. I think it will be interesting to see if any sitting SSA ALjs (which I no longer am) seriously dispute the accuracy of any of the findings in the study. Good luck to all who aspire to be an ALJ. I found the work to be very satisfying, Working for SSA- not quite as much. And with that, from where the sun now stands, droboy will speak no more on this board. Wait - why will you speak no more? I feel like your post contributed to this discussion.
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Post by alj on Feb 8, 2016 12:35:36 GMT -5
I didn't think he would be away for very long. Welcome back, TL.
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Post by blondswede on Feb 8, 2016 21:32:19 GMT -5
40 hours a day? You're an amazing woman!
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