Senior Admin Law Judge Attorney

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) was established as a new state agency in 2020 to provide a central and independent hearings process for administrative cases with different Indiana State agencies. OALP has a staff of administrative law judges (ALJs) who hear disputes between certain state agencies and persons aggrieved by that agency’s action, as well as a team of Legal Assistants (LAs) who assist our ALJs with case management and data. Some of the state agencies for which OALP hears cases include the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the Department of Child Services (DCS), and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The mission of OALP is to provide efficient, effective, and impartial adjudicatory processes for Indiana’s citizens and agencies.

Requirements

5+ years of legal experience including complex litigation, administrative law, etc.
Independent and proactive work ethic.
Adept use of technology and computer programs, such as case management systems.
Detail-oriented and well-organized case management skills.
Strong understanding of administrative or civil litigation process.
Proficient learner and effective legal researcher.
Judicial writing ability (e.g. neutral, well-organized, and concise).
Thorough knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including Indiana Administrative Orders and Procedures Act (AOPA), trial rules, and rules of evidence.
Thorough knowledge of all federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines which relate to subject matter cases.
Thorough knowledge of federal and state court decisions and of previous administrative hearing decisions.
Possess judicial demeanor reflective of the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct, including impartiality, respectfulness, civility, dignity, and the absence of bias or prejudice.
Effective communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse people and adversarial parties.
Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings in a professional manner.
Ability to serve as a mediator.
Willingness to learn and work with a new case management system, utilizing technology to drive efficiencies.
Ability to work without interruptions and in a secure location at home.
A Doctor of Jurisprudence with Indiana Bar Admission with a license in good standing.
At least 5 years of experience as a licensed attorney, practicing in administrative law, government law, and/or civil or criminal litigation.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a judicial officer, magistrate, or pro-tempore is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serves as an Administrative Law Judge for a myriad of case types.
Hears evidence, rules on the admissibility of evidence, and makes a reasoned decision supported by evidence.
Adeptly handles complex factual and legal issues in administrative cases, including but not limited to: complex discovery disputes, dispositive and substantive motions, legal issues that lack established legal authority, and in-depth statutory interpretation.
Efficiently manages docket, case schedule and party behavior to avoid undue delay of hearings or resolution.
Complies with all established timelines for proceedings.
Drafts clear, concise, and easily understandable written decisions and orders.
Ensures decisions avoid errors and are not subject to remand on account of (1) failing to address the issues raised by parties; (2) failing to develop the record as required by Indiana Law; (3) failing to adhere to hearing procedures established by law; (4) failing to make findings supported by the evidence; (5) being arbitrary or capricious; (6) being contrary to any constitutional, statutory, or legal principle.
Conducts hearings in an efficient manner, while still maintaining empathy, understanding, and appropriate decorum as a neutral decision-maker.
Responsible for the form, preparation and flow of documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
Maintains up-to-date and complete legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records of proceedings of cases heard by the administrative law judge.
Recommends and follow established office objectives, policies, and procedures.
Performs legal research and writing assignments.
Conducts legal training for Administrative Law Judges and others.
Serves as a mediator as requested.
Abides by and uphold the code of ethics for administrative law judges.
Successfully understands and utilizes OALP’s case management systems to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access