Deputy Attorney General - Capital & Habeas Appeals

Office of the Indiana Attorney General • Indianapolis, IN

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About The Position

The Appeals Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General represents the State, its agencies, officers, employees, and interests before state and federal appellate courts in civil and criminal cases. It also represents the State in capital and select post-conviction actions and state habeas corpus proceedings before state trial courts, and in habeas corpus proceedings before federal district courts.

The Deputy Attorney General assigned to the Capital and Habeas Litigation Section will handle cases across the Appeals Division. The Section develops a hybrid civil and criminal practice focused on state and federal post-conviction litigation, including federal habeas challenges to convictions and state habeas corpus and post-conviction challenges involving parole revocations and sentence calculations. The caseload may also include criminal direct appeals, child services appeals, and other civil appeals. Although the Capital Litigation Team is housed within the Section, involvement in death-penalty litigation is neither required nor expected unless the Deputy is fully willing and already has significant experience in that area.

The position involves researching and writing appellate briefs, presenting oral arguments, consulting with agencies, supporting colleagues’ oral-argument preparation, and managing a caseload with changing deadlines. Some travel within and outside Indiana may be required. Salary depends on years of legal practice: Deputy Attorney General I (0–2 years), $84,000–$90,000; II (2–5 years), $90,000–$96,000; III (5–8 years), $96,000–$104,000; and IV (8+ years), $104,000–$115,000+.

Requirements

• Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Familiarity with Indiana criminal law and some aspects of civil law.
• Knowledge of state and federal rules of procedure.
• Ability to manage a caseload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively.
• Strong commitment to public service.
• Licensed to practice law in Indiana or federal courts, or eligible for Indiana and federal licensure.

Nice To Haves

• Prior litigation experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Write appellate briefs in Indiana appellate courts after reviewing trial-court records and conducting legal research.
• Appear and argue for the State or a state agency before Indiana appellate courts or the Seventh Circuit.
• Develop a robust knowledge of Indiana criminal law and criminal procedure, from criminal charging through federal habeas review.
• Consult with agencies in civil appeals.
• Assist colleagues with oral-argument preparation through moot courts.
• Manage and maintain a caseload with changing due dates.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the Assistant Section Chief or Section Chief.
• Travel within and outside Indiana as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree