Thus, hearings locations are selected with due regard for the convenience of the parties and the witnesses. Moreover, some statutes and regulations provide specific requirements for locations of hearings near the claimant's or complainant's residence. 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 hearings, judges conduct prehearing conferences, settlement conferences, 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. 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.