Office of Administrative Law Judges

The Office of Administrative Law Judges conducts independent and impartial hearings on behalf of this agency consistent with authorizing statutes and Departmental regulations. The judges are appointed pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (5 USC 551), and are independent of agency influence in their proceedings and decisions.

The administrative law judges hear and decide cases under certain sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. The administrative law judges also have jurisdiction to hear and decide certain cases involving interstate land sales, Departmental sanctions, and community block grants.

The Office of Administrative Law Judges encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures, and favors the most suitable location for a hearing in order to accommodate small businesses and pro se litigants while providing the most convenient and economical forum for witnesses.