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Post by neufenland on Jan 9, 2024 11:50:23 GMT -5
Talked it over with the spouse…she was a hard no. Significant pay cut, moving (she is willing to move for similar or greater pay, and maybe even a bit less, but not this much), the uncertainty of it paying off career-wise (not to mention changes in insurance coverage and services for my kid, who has special needs).
All for the “judge” title…
Made me realize that there are bigger things than having someone call me “judge.” I knew that before, of course, but every now and then, I need a reminder.
Maybe one day I’ll get the feds to look at me again for ALJ/IJ. One can hope.
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tdout
New Member
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Post by tdout on Feb 1, 2024 15:18:33 GMT -5
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Post by arkstfan on Feb 1, 2024 23:43:58 GMT -5
Adding to this — when you look at the resumes of every person hired as ALJ during the 2 most recent hirings, very very few were former State ALJs The only form state ALJs hired as SSA ALJs that I know also had significant former SSA experience, if that fits you, well maybe its worth it. But the move and pay cut would give me pause. If you are seeing the position only as a stepping stone to something else, I would be highly cautious about the position. If the position is an area of the law that you are interested in, if you are seriously tired of what you are currently doing and want out, or the area of the country is someplace you were already seriously interested in, well then maybe. But you have to also be willing to think that the position may be where you will remain for the rest of your carrier. If you can do that, consider it. If you can't, put it back in the hat and walk away. Used to be really common to see state ALJs hired with no Social Security experience but that pipeline seems to have dried up. |
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Post by fowlfinder on Feb 2, 2024 7:43:46 GMT -5
The only form state ALJs hired as SSA ALJs that I know also had significant former SSA experience, if that fits you, well maybe its worth it. But the move and pay cut would give me pause. If you are seeing the position only as a stepping stone to something else, I would be highly cautious about the position. If the position is an area of the law that you are interested in, if you are seriously tired of what you are currently doing and want out, or the area of the country is someplace you were already seriously interested in, well then maybe. But you have to also be willing to think that the position may be where you will remain for the rest of your carrier. If you can do that, consider it. If you can't, put it back in the hat and walk away. Used to be really common to see state ALJs hired with no Social Security experience but that pipeline seems to have dried up. I am going to correct myself, but because of the small sample size (30+) of this last hire wont be too specific. After rechecking my notes--I was wrong. State ALJs without agency experience were represented in the last hire, but it was very uncommon. |
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coop
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Post by coop on Feb 4, 2024 16:44:10 GMT -5
Talked it over with the spouse…she was a hard no. Significant pay cut, moving (she is willing to move for similar or greater pay, and maybe even a bit less, but not this much), the uncertainty of it paying off career-wise (not to mention changes in insurance coverage and services for my kid, who has special needs). All for the “judge” title… Made me realize that there are bigger things than having someone call me “judge.” I knew that before, of course, but every now and then, I need a reminder. Maybe one day I’ll get the feds to look at me again for ALJ/IJ. One can hope. This. Recently applied for state ALJ job. Was offered a position and told I would be making as much as the highest-paid ALJ in the state (minus the department head). It would have been a 30% pay cut (from my state attorney job). Came to the realization I am objectively overqualified for the job I used to want. |
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Post by redbird on Feb 9, 2024 14:13:29 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity—why are state ALJ jobs generally lower paid than federal ALJ jobs, and more surprisingly, even many state attorney jobs?
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coop
New Member
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Post by coop on Feb 19, 2024 13:31:37 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity—why are state ALJ jobs generally lower paid than federal ALJ jobs, and more surprisingly, even many state attorney jobs? They are essentially considered entry-level positions or at most mid-level bureaucrats. They often only require knowing one narrow area of law (which can be learned quickly if not known already). And they usually don't require knowing much about evidence rules, because rules of evidence are typically very lax in administrative proceedings. Some states don't even require a law degree, as with some justice of the peace and municipal judge positions. |
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Post by meglos on Feb 19, 2024 13:58:13 GMT -5
It depends from state to state. In the state where I was an ALJ they required a law license in good standing and at least 5 years legal experience. Most of those hired had much more than that. The pay was above what state AAG's made but not much. Definitely not as much as the federal sector. Some states have what are known as central panels. So ALJs can do a variety of case types, not just one. In other states an ALJ will only cover a niche area.
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Post by intothewild on Feb 20, 2024 14:24:49 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity—why are state ALJ jobs generally lower paid than federal ALJ jobs, and more surprisingly, even many state attorney jobs? It’s sad seeing how little many state ALJs make. Leaving federal service for a state ALJ job seems like a bad choice. Unless you absolutely need to be called a judge. A 25 year old coming out of nursing school makes more than many State ALJs. |
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Post by natethegreat on Feb 21, 2024 18:14:48 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity—why are state ALJ jobs generally lower paid than federal ALJ jobs, and more surprisingly, even many state attorney jobs? It’s sad seeing how little many state ALJs make. Leaving federal service for a state ALJ job seems like a bad choice. Unless you absolutely need to be called a judge. A 25 year old coming out of nursing school makes more than many State ALJs. Agreed. When I left state employment for Federal work, a big reason I made the jump was seeing our chief hearing officer made less than an entry level SSA attorney. |
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Post by arkstfan on Feb 24, 2024 17:16:31 GMT -5
Just out of curiousity—why are state ALJ jobs generally lower paid than federal ALJ jobs, and more surprisingly, even many state attorney jobs? Depends on the state. My attorney position with my state paid $15,000 less than equivalent experience and tenure attorney advisor position with Social Security. My chief counsel position managing lawyers and support staff paid about $3000 less than GS12 step 1. |
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