Taking the Bench: An Interactive, Online Course for New Administrative Law Judges

As newly elected or appointed ALJs, the participants will likely have many questions about transitioning from their current jobs to their new roles. Week one focuses on what it means to be an ALJ. Further, it addresses the ethical requirements in transitioning from the bar to the ALJ bench. Week two focuses on what new ALJs can expect to experience in their hearing rooms. Week three concentrates on what judges do in their offices that even trial lawyers wouldn’t necessarily be aware of. Week four addresses what ALJs should (and should not) do ethically in both their professional and personal lives.

Who should attend?
ALJs who have been recently appointed or hired.

Who are the members of the faculty?
Faculty are highly experienced judges and experts who bring a wealth of personal experience to their teaching. 2021 faculty includes Judge Jennifer Gee (Ret.) (CA); Judge Melissa Jones (DC); Judge Daniel Jurkowitz (Ret.) (AZ); and Judge Jack Weil (PA).

How is this course taught?
Discussion assignments, writing assignments, readings, video, comprehension checks, and weekly live webinars with faculty ensure this course is highly interactive, demanding, and educational. NJC anticipates that ALJs will spend between six and eight hours on lessons per week, with a total of four weeks of instruction (week three is a break week). On Friday of each week of the course, the faculty will deliver a live hour-long web conference.

Whom should I contact for more information?
For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.