SPBR conducts administrative hearings to resolve factual and legal disputes arising from appeals filed with the Board. Cases are generally heard by one of the Board’s Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), who are attorneys licensed to practice law in Ohio and are highly experienced in personnel law issues. The ALJ may subpoena witnesses and documents, administer oaths or affirmations, receive or exclude evidence for cause, and submit written recommendations, with supporting findings of fact and conclusions of law, to the Board. ALJs are not bound by the Ohio Rules of Evidence when conducting hearings. Administrative Law Judges also preside over settlement conferences and conduct mediations as requested by the parties to an appeal.