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Post by coleslawyer on Feb 28, 2024 14:04:21 GMT -5
Since we were in here fielding questions about the application process, here's something I've been chewing on since the last posting went up and down: As a claimant rep hoping to transition into an ALJ and with the seemingly perpetual use of online video and telephonic hearing, what's the best way to really build a relationship with judges well enough to cite them as judicial references on the application? Maybe I shot myself in the foot a bit by moving to a different region shortly before COVID, but I've found it's a lot harder to build relationships with ALJs nowadays.
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Post by ssaogc on Feb 28, 2024 16:16:45 GMT -5
Since we were in here fielding questions about the application process, here's something I've been chewing on since the last posting went up and down: As a claimant rep hoping to transition into an ALJ and with the seemingly perpetual use of online video and telephonic hearing, what's the best way to really build a relationship with judges well enough to cite them as judicial references on the application? Maybe I shot myself in the foot a bit by moving to a different region shortly before COVID, but I've found it's a lot harder to build relationships with ALJs nowadays. Do In Person Hearings. There are some of us that do not mind going to the office and having live human contact. I personally feel that the in person hearings are best as they add a different perspective that is missing in telephonic and MS Teams hearings (most do not happen because claimants cannot figure out MSTeams, or their mike/camera does not work.
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Post by nylawyer on Feb 28, 2024 20:24:31 GMT -5
Since we were in here fielding questions about the application process, here's something I've been chewing on since the last posting went up and down: As a claimant rep hoping to transition into an ALJ and with the seemingly perpetual use of online video and telephonic hearing, what's the best way to really build a relationship with judges well enough to cite them as judicial references on the application? Maybe I shot myself in the foot a bit by moving to a different region shortly before COVID, but I've found it's a lot harder to build relationships with ALJs nowadays. Honestly? Be prepared for your hearing, and have your client prepared. Be pleasant (but zealous) in your advocacy. Efficiently and competently cross the VE without just harranguing. You'll be noticed, on the phone or in person. And I for one have no problem speaking with the rep off the record prior to the hearing if there are challenges they want to let me know about.
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Post by coleslawyer on Mar 1, 2024 11:15:44 GMT -5
Thank you both for the replies! I'll keep that all in mind, particularly when it comes to knowing that I may be a known entity even when it's not apparent during remote hearings. I'd love to do more in person hearings, of course, but I do find that - at least with the claimants I typically serve - the benefits of at-home hearings far outweigh the benefits of live hearings. I suppose I'm also lucky that, at least in my little sliver of anecdotal experience, I haven't seen more than a small handful of technical issues caused by at-home hearings. I guess that's the difference between one rep's hearing load and the much higher numbers on the Administration's side.
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Post by hal3000 on Mar 24, 2024 16:44:23 GMT -5
I've heard there was a very large hire in 2019 to address a large backlog, and if there is a RIF, it would be last in first out, so there may be a significant # of OMHA ALJs on an OPM priority referral RIF list.
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ducky
Full Member
Blowing in the wind
Posts: 107
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Post by ducky on Mar 26, 2024 1:12:16 GMT -5
Because of the budget status, we were told there’s not likely to be an ALJ class this FY.
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Post by neufenland on Mar 26, 2024 11:12:44 GMT -5
Not for nothing, but it’d be nice for them to go ahead and close out the 2022 announcement on USAJOBS. I mean, I know there’s no chance of a hire off of it at this point, but for finality’s sake, the official FOAD from OPM would be nice. Especially for those of us who interviewed.
Also, it puts folks on official notice that the next go-around will require new applications. FY 25 starts in around six months, right? No way there will be a budget, though.
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Post by OhNoOHO on Mar 29, 2024 11:00:38 GMT -5
As someone who was not eligible to apply before, what are the things you need to apply for an ALJ position, if one opens?
Things such as resume (how detailed/any specific format?), transcripts (official or unofficial?), proof of bar (is a screenshot good enough?), SSA 45 (needed, not needed, better to have even if not needed?), writing samples, number of references, etc?
Thanks!
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Post by badger on Mar 29, 2024 20:23:21 GMT -5
As someone who was not eligible to apply before, what are the things you need to apply for an ALJ position, if one opens? Things such as resume (how detailed/any specific format?), transcripts (official or unofficial?), proof of bar (is a screenshot good enough?), SSA 45 (needed, not needed, better to have even if not needed?), writing samples, number of references, etc? Thanks! The job posting with all the specifics is still up. www.usajobs.gov/job/651261700/
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