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, which govern most administrative hearings, can be found here. Remember, however, that specific agencies may have their own unique statutes or rules which also govern how hearings are to be conducted; some of those statutes/rules may 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”: