Obtaining a law degree is the first step toward becoming a hearing examiner, a quasi-judicial position. When a government agency hires a hearing examiner, it usually looks for someone who has worked in a particular field, such as land use planning or education. Hearing examiners in some jurisdictions are required to have a license. To work as a government hearing examiner, you may need a few years of experience in economics, environmental science, or land use.
To become a hearing examiner, a candidate must typically demonstrate the ability to objectively evaluate and decide each case. Any conflict of interest that could influence the final outcome of a hearing must be avoided by the examiner. As a condition of becoming a hearing examiner, this professional may be barred from holding any public office or outside job, especially in politically charged areas.
Hearing examiners are frequently employed by planning departments, where they adjudicate formal hearings on development applications and appeals of previous decisions. Public hearings for development in environmentally sensitive areas, rezoning requests, and special use permit applications may be required by regional law. An applicant for a position as a hearing examiner for land use issues should be familiar with the area’s development regulations. He or she may also be asked to show previous ruling samples.
A hearing officer is used by some government agencies to handle civil violations or ethics complaints filed against elected officials. The officer may also be in charge of nuisance complaints and drug forfeiture appeals. In some cases, a hearing officer’s decision is final. In other areas, the hearing officer compiles a report summarizing the evidence and makes a recommendation to a body that is elected or appointed.
Some public agencies, such as school districts, may require employment law knowledge to become hearing examiners. Employee grievances or discrimination claims may be the subject of hearings. They could also include disagreements over termination or the failure to renew employment contracts. If an attorney wants to work as a hearing officer for a specific government agency, he or she may need to have experience with employment law specific to that branch of government.
The duties of a hearing examiner are usually defined by ordinance in most cities and counties. The types of cases that the examiner can hear and the length of his or her appointment are usually set by law. An ordinance might also specify the minimum requirements for becoming a hearing examiner, as well as the authority granted to the position. The examiner may work as a staff member or as an independent contractor as an administrative law judge.