What is a hearing officer?

A hearing officer is an employee of a local, state or federal executive department or administrative agency who oversees general adjudication, legal cases, and other claims between agencies, departments, and citizens. In this job, your responsibilities include presiding over hearings, overseeing clerks, and resolving claims on behalf of the government. It is a job which requires large amounts of research and extensive experience in law, regulations, and local policies. A hearing officer typically needs an extensive background in legal interpretation, and some positions require that you are a practicing lawyer, have a current law license, and experience in litigation.