# 29 C.F.R. § 18.15 (2026): Substitution of administrative law judge

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_15

## Section

- **Citation:** 29 C.F.R. § 18.15 (2026)
- **Heading:** Substitution of administrative law judge
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 29 CFR: Labor / Part 18: RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS BEFORE THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES / Subpart A: General / § 18.15: § 18.15   Substitution of administrative law judge.

## Text

(a)
Substitution during hearing.
If the judge is unable to complete a hearing, a successor judge designated pursuant to § 18.12 may proceed upon certifying familiarity with the record and determining that the case may be completed without prejudice to the parties. The successor judge must, at a party's request, recall any witness whose testimony is material and disputed and who is available to testify again without undue burden. The successor judge may also recall any other witness.
(b)
Substitution following hearing.
If the judge is unable to proceed after the hearing is concluded, the successor judge appointed pursuant to § 18.12 may issue a decision and order based upon the existing record after notifying the parties and giving them an opportunity to respond. Within 14 days of receipt of the judge's notice, a party may file an objection to the judge issuing a decision based on the existing record. If no objection is filed, the objection is considered waived. Upon good cause shown, the judge may order supplemental proceedings.

## Nearby sections

- [29 C.F.R. § 18.10 (2026) § 18.10   Scope and purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_10.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.11 (2026) § 18.11   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_11.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.12 (2026) § 18.12   Proceedings before administrative law judge.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_12.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.13 (2026) § 18.13   Settlement judge procedure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_13.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.14 (2026) § 18.14   Ex parte communication.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_14.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.15 (2026) § 18.15   Substitution of administrative law judge.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_15.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.16 (2026) § 18.16   Disqualification.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_16.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.17 (2026) § 18.17   Legal assistance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_17.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.20 (2026) § 18.20   Parties to a proceeding.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_20.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.21 (2026) § 18.21   Party appearance and participation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_21.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.22 (2026) § 18.22   Representatives.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_22.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.23 (2026) § 18.23   Disqualification of representatives.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_23.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.24 (2026) § 18.24   Briefs from amicus curiae.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_24.md)
- [29 C.F.R. § 18.30 (2026) § 18.30   Service and filing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_30.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T29_P18_S18_15. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.