Tips
While representing yourself in an administrative hearing might be intimidating, remember that good preparation will make your hearing go much smoother. Here are some other helpful tips:
- If this is an in-person hearing (that is, a hearing conducted in a hearing room rather than over the telephone or by video), get there a few minutes early so that you can collect your thoughts and have enough time to set up.
- Make sure your witnesses are available at the time and place set for hearing.
- If your hearing is by telephone or video, make sure you read your notice carefully as it will state a certain phone number or internet address with an access code that you must use at the designated time.
- Also, if your hearing is by telephone or video, check before the hearing that you have a good connection so that your call (or video feed) isn’t interrupted.
- Make sure you have all exhibits you intend to use at that hearing; remember, too, that the agency will be using its own exhibits as well, so you’ll want to make sure you have a copy of all of the documents you received from the agency.
- Have a checklist of the major points you wish to bring up in the hearing and the questions you want to ask of both your witnesses and those of the other party.
- Remember that administrative hearings are usually governed by their own set of rules: the Idaho Rules of Administrative Procedure, a copy of which can be found here.
- Always be courteous to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), witnesses, and your opponent.
- Speak simply, clearly, and concisely.
- Focus on the key issues in the case.
- If you need a break to gather your thoughts, just request one from the ALJ; they will do their best to allow for a break, as long as it does not disrupt the hearing, so you may have to wait a bit before the ALJ starts the break.
Video Help
Although created by similar administrative hearings offices in other states, the following videos may also be worth a short watch to help you understand the administrative contested case process:
Georgia, “Office Of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH)”:
Minnesota, “Minnesota OAH Video Guide to Hearings”: