Careers and Employment

Questions regarding employment opportunities may be directed to Jill Melzarek at (651) 361-7935 or jill.s.melzarek@state.mn.us.

In addition to this website, OAH uses a variety of methods to advertise vacant positions, including, but not limited to, email announcements, professional trade publications, and the State of Minnesota Careers website. Periodically, OAH solicits Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for Professional, Technical and Consulting contract work. RFPs are advertised on this site as well as in the Minnesota State Register. The State Register is published every Monday, except holidays.

Open Positions

No positions are currently open. Check back for future openings.

Equal Opportunity

OAH is an equal opportunity employer. No one will be denied the opportunity to participate in OAH's programs, employment, or promotion, based on race, color, creed, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, sex, or membership in a local human rights commission. 

OAH's Affirmative Action Plan explains how OAH works to achieve equal opportunity for all.

Reasonable Accommodations 

In accordance with state and federal laws, reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be provided to ensure access to services and employment. To request an accommodation for a disability, please complete OAH's Accommodation Request Form.

Grievance Procedure

Download a copy of OAH's Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Grievance Procedure.

Summer Law Student Externships

The Office of Administrative Hearings offers summer judicial externships for Minnesota law students. OAH accepts up to one student from each of Minnesota’s three law schools each summer.

About OAH externships

Externs assist judges and staff attorneys with matters brought under Minnesota’s Administrative Procedure Act and workers’ compensation laws. Externs observe hearings and conduct legal research and writing assignments for judges across the court. Past assignments have included:

• Conducting legal research and analysis on the burden of proof in a contested environmental permitting matter;
• Observing a workers' compensation hearing and drafting findings based on expert witness testimony;
• Drafting a memorandum based on written pleadings in an election law complaint matter;
• Researching case law on violations of the Fair Campaign Practices Act;
• Drafting findings of fact and conclusions of law in a Department of Human Services license revocation matter;
• Summarizing prior OAH decisions in line of duty disability cases.

Externs are supervised by OAH’s Staff Attorney Supervisor and work with a team of staff attorneys.

Benefits

• Externs earn credit toward their law degree
• This is a paid opportunity; extern pay starts at $17 per hour. Additionally, students may apply for the George Beck Fellowship (more information below)
• Hybrid work environment; externs are expected to work in the office 4 days per 2-week pay period
• Opportunity to connect and network with judges and staff attorneys

George Beck Fellowship

The Administrative Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association offers the George Beck Fellowship to law students who complete a judicial externship with the Office of Administrative Hearings. Students who complete a judicial externship may apply for an award of up to $2,000, in addition to their hourly rate.

This fellowship honors retired Administrative Law Judge George Beck. Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Beck provided an unparalleled level of service and dedication to the state of Minnesota and the practice of administrative law. He also understood the importance of bringing new attorneys and legal professionals into the practice of administrative law.

Testimonials

• “The administrative law judges were extremely welcoming and always included me in discussions related to the cases and hearings." - 2021 Extern
• “By the end of the externship, I had gained practice in researching and writing on administrative law issues, and further appreciated how that broad area of law affects the lives of most all Minnesotans.” - 2019 Extern
• “My experience at OAH was incredibly positive. The administrative law judges encouraged me to attend hearings, assist with research projects, and draft findings and orders. Through the externship, my interest in workers’ compensation law was solidified. I am now an associate attorney and I represent dozens of clients who were injured at work.” - 2018 Extern
• “I was able to see many facets of administrative law, including agency rulemaking, licensure, and policy statements. I primarily conducted research and hearing transcript review, but was given the freedom to observe any hearing on the docket, through which I got to watch attorneys in action. I learned how agency decisions touch the lives of Minnesotans every day. I would recommend this externship to any law student interested in public service.” - 2018 Extern
• “My time at OAH remains a highlight of my legal education and early career. I would encourage any law student to work at OAH, made accessible through the Beck Fellowship.” - 2017 Extern

How to apply

To apply for a summer 2023 externship, email the following application materials to Jill Melzarek:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Law school transcript
• Brief writing sample (1-5 pages)