State cuts five ALJ positions

The state has laid off four administrative law judges, including Henry Herschel (pictured), and declined to fill a fifth vacancy, in what workers' compensation lawyers say may be an unprecedented move. Peter Lyskowski, acting director of the Division of Workers' Compensation, confirmed this morning that Herschel and June Doughty from the Jefferson City office; John Tackes from the St. Louis office; and Matthew Murphy from the Cape Girardeau office have been terminated effective July 1. A fifth ALJ, Ron Harris, is retiring from the Jefferson City office on June 30 and will not be replaced. News of the terminations shocked lawyers in the workers' comp field.