Adjudicator

Many people forget that, despite their job title, Judges in legal courts don’t actually decide the verdict in their cases. The juries do. As an Adjudicator, however, you are a one-person courtroom. Using your detailed knowledge of the legal system, government policies, and judicial decisions, you decide the validity of claims submitted to the government, determine the existence of or amount of liability, and rule on whether or not the terms of a settlement are acceptable and reasonable.

Being an Adjudicator is like walking a tightrope. Every day, you come face to face with looming legal issues where people’s lives and even the planet’s wellbeing can hang in the balance. Most Adjudicators are assigned to one area at a time, such as immigration, Social Security and worker’s compensation, or environmental protection. But as you progress through your career, you may find yourself (by accident or design) working in many different areas.

You work standard hours during days in an office and, sometimes, a courtroom. Reviewing evidence and hearing cases are your most important duties, so sometimes overtime will be part of the job when you need to read up on an important case. Be prepared to coordinate your activities with Supervisors, Department Heads, and your support staff.

Managing research duties and keeping abreast of the latest legal developments are vital to keeping your own decisions valid and fair. If you value equality before the law, and want to see everyone get what’s right and due them, then being an Adjudicator is one way you can make that a reality.