Robert Harris, Executive Assistant, Illinois Industrial Commission quetions and answers Arbitrators have the power of a trial level judge. To be a trial level judge in the Illinois civil system they must first be a lawyer. It takes three years to complete law school if you attend full time. The state then gives you a license to practice law. Injured workers of this state deserve, publicly elected, trial level judges in the workers compensation system.
Arbitrators are subject to employee performance evaluations.
An extensive process has been established and implemented to review their performance. Evaluations consist of senior commissions personnel visiting each Arbitrator and observing him or her during a hearing and status calls. A report is produced. Commissioners are also assigned to review and evaluate their work product. Finally lengthy questionnaires are sent to practicing attorneys who have had cases tried before each arbitrator subject to evaluation.