See Law Judge.

The Law Judge Senior works on high-profile, highly complex cases that often involve multi-faceted issues including issues of first impression, numerous witnesses, and a voluminous documentary record. Positions utilize an astute understanding of the applicable administrative law practice area, the industry discipline and regulation framework and application of that knowledge and expertise, and makes decisions on complicated and high-risk cases.

This is the expert level and/or supervisory level of the Law Judge series. Positions work under administrative direction and preside over the most complex cases, certificate of need applications, and brief adjudicative proceedings. Cases tend to be highly visible and garner significant public and media attention or present great public safety repercussions if decided erroneously. As a result, these cases often require proactive intervention and have wide or precedent setting impact.

Positions apply expert guidance, advice, interpretation, and counsel to Law Judges and professional support staff and others regarding applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the areas of that discipline, regulation, and administrative law procedure.

Oversees board and commission panel deliberations and instructs them as to the applicable law;

Assists the Chief Law Judge with the development of internal policies and procedures, strategic planning, and other management projects as assigned;

Trains new Law Judges and support staff throughout prehearing, hearing, and post-hearing processes to ensure conformity with policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations; and judicial conduct, best practices concerning courtroom and/or adjudicative decorum and the application of the Washington Rules of Evidence, Administrative Procedures Act, and the disciplinary rules; existing, new or emerging areas of the law; issue spotting; and interplay between criminal, civil, and administrative law;

Reviews written work for Law Judges to ensure fluency and the correct application of the law to the facts; identifies areas for improvement related to others’ writing to align Law Judges with necessary resources and information for correction; provides direct and concise, real-time feedback to Law Judges concerning areas for improvement or conduct consistent with resource manuals or standing practices and procedures; recommends additional training needs and tools for Law Judges and Legal Assistants;

Updates resource manuals as necessary;

Represents division on inter-agency workgroups to analyze and revise the procedural rules;

Works on special projects and legislative tasks, and participates in procedural administration focus groups;

May serve as a lead worker;

Performs the work of the Law Judge;

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of: the administrative procedures act, the uniform disciplinary act, model rules for boards and commissions, the model rules for secretary professions, other rules and statutes pertaining to the healthcare regulation and discipline and relevant case law; administrative per se and implied consent statute; financial responsibility proceedings; habitual traffic offender statute; medical cancellations cases; commercial drivers positive test proceedings; fraud cases; unsatisfied collision judgments and statutes; social security mismatch cancellation proceedings; techniques of supervision.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Juris Doctorate, and active or judicial membership in the Washington State Bar Association, in good standing;


Seven years of experience to include a combination of litigation, trial practice, and/or presiding over cases following the rules of evidence.


One year of experience as a Law Judge.

Equivalent education/experience.

New classification: Law Judge Senior, class code: 422Y, 41 Professionals, 80148588, range 73; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.