Workers’ Compensation Judge

The Workers’ Compensation Judge (Administrative Law Judge) serves with the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers’ Compensation, and is responsible for hearing and deciding disputes arising under California workers’ compensation law. In this role, judges conduct hearings, evaluate testimony and medical evidence, apply legal principles, and issue written decisions, findings, and orders. This position plays a critical role in ensuring fair, timely, and impartial resolution of workers’ compensation cases for injured workers and employers. The role is based in Bakersfield (Kern County), offers a hybrid telework schedule, and provides long-term career stability, competitive pay, and full State of California benefits.

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), is seeking a Workers’ Compensation Judge (Administrative Law Judge) to hear and decide judicial matters arising under the California Labor Code and California Code of Regulations related to workers’ compensation.

Under the general direction of the Supervising Administrative Law Judge, the incumbent conducts hearings, evaluates evidence, applies legal principles, and issues decisions, findings, awards, and orders. This position plays a critical role in ensuring fair, timely, and impartial resolution of workers’ compensation disputes.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Required Knowledge

• California Labor Code and workers’ compensation regulations

• California workers’ compensation case law and legal precedent

• Rules of evidence and court procedures

• Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) and Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) processes

• Legal research methods

• California Code of Judicial Ethics

Required Skills & Abilities

• Conducting hearings and managing courtroom proceedings

• Analyzing complex legal and factual issues

• Making impartial, well-reasoned decisions

• Drafting clear, accurate, and timely written decisions, findings, and orders

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Effective time management and case prioritization

• Ability to work professionally in a high-volume, sometimes contentious environment

Experience (Highly Desirable)

• Practicing California workers’ compensation law

• Conducting or participating in hearings or trials

• Legal research and legal writing

• Evaluating medical and legal evidence

• Preparing legal summaries, findings, and formal decisions

• Using standard computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office)

Ethical & Professional Standards

• Ability to adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics

• Demonstrated integrity, impartiality, and professionalism

• Applicants must be members of the State Bar of California and must adhere to the California Code of Judicial Ethics.

• Applicants must meet State employment eligibility requirements, including list, transfer, reinstatement, SROA, or surplus eligibility.

• If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, transcripts must be submitted with the application.

  • Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the application stage.

• Applicants must submit only one application for this job posting.

• Applications must be received or postmarked by the final filing date. Late applications will not be considered.

• Electronic submission through CalCareers is highly encouraged and will be processed faster than hard-copy applications.

• Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the interview process must request them at the time interviews are scheduled.

• This position may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with applicable regulations. 

• Applicants must have State employment eligibility, including being reachable on an employment list, having transfer or reinstatement eligibility, or qualifying through another approved eligibility pathway.

• Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications, and only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process.

• If you do not hear from us within 4–6 weeks after the final filing date, you may assume the position has been filled. However, additional vacancies that become available may be filled using this recruitment.

• Once an application is withdrawn in the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS), it cannot be resubmitted. Applicants with updates to their application should contact the Personnel, Recruitment & Hiring Unit.

• Applicants selected for hire may be required to provide official transcripts if education is used to meet minimum qualifications.

• This position may be used to fill future vacancies within the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

• The State of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and drug-free workplace.

• California Department of Industrial Relations

• (916) 662-9200