OALJ attempts to handle all cases in an expeditious manner. Some case types are required by
statute or regulation to be handled on an expedited basis, and they will generally be accorded
first priority.
Litigants should keep in mind that judges have many duties in addition to deciding cases. Judges
have a large number of newly filed cases to contend with each year. In addition to presiding at hearings,
judges conduct prehearing conferences, assist in settlement conferences, conduct motions hearings, write orders
and opinions, and consider other court matters both in the hearing room and in their chambers.
Cases may be delayed for a variety of reasons. For example, attorneys and/or litigants request
continuances, settlement negotiations may be in progress, a litigant may become subject to
bankruptcy proceedings, or a stay may be ordered by a federal court. Some case loads are heavier
than the number of available judges. Finally, DOL judges generally travel to conduct hearings in
a suitable location. If the location is not in an area where judge's frequently appear, the
scheduling of a hearing may be delayed.
