Deputy General Counsel

State of Indiana•Bargersville, IN

2d•$93,002•Onsite

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Agriculture (ISDA) advocates for Indiana agriculture at the local, state, and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development, and supporting agricultural innovation. This role directs and oversees all Legal Division staff members and division workflow and projects. It involves preparing and rendering legal opinions to agency leadership, providing legal assistance in drafting legal documents, agency policy, rules and regulations, resolutions, and other legal or related papers. The position also assists in drafting legislation impacting the agency, works with the Legislative Director on legislative matters, and advises staff concerning agency matters. Additionally, it involves conducting legal research, reviewing contracts, managing agency litigation, coordinating legal matters with outside counsel, monitoring legal services provided by outside counsel, and assisting the Ethics Officer. The Deputy General Counsel also assists the General Counsel in keeping the agency informed of significant matters and provides reports on matters appropriate for public discussion. This position is exempt from overtime compensation and may require working more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures and precedents.
Thorough knowledge of agency and/or organizational program(s) and business practices.
Thorough knowledge of State programs and resources, public policy, and program evaluation.
Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.
Thorough knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of budget management.
Ability to supervise others by assigning/directing work, conducting employee evaluations, staff training and development, taking appropriate disciplinary/corrective actions, making hiring/termination recommendations.
Excellent writing and communication skills and be able to present ideas and opinions clearly in verbal, written and electronic form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow agency employees.
Ability to treat all state employees with courtesy and respect.
Ability to create, maintain and improve the culture of teamwork, excellent customer service and cost-effective use of the people’s resources.
Ability to discharge all job responsibilities with integrity.
Doctorate of Jurisprudence and 5+ years of experience with Admission to the Indiana State Bar.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee all Legal Division staff members and division workflow and projects.
Prepare and render legal opinions to the agency’s leadership and management teams, as requested.
Provide legal assistance in the drafting of legal documents, agency policy, rules and regulations, resolutions, and other legal or related papers upon request.
Provide legal assistance in drafting of legislation impacting the agency.
Work with the Legislative Director on legislative matters as directed, including providing legal analysis of pending legislation.
Advise staff concerning agency matters.
Conduct legal research and prepares reports of various topics as requested by the Commissioner and management team.
Review contracts as requested.
Manage agency litigation and coordinates legal matters with outside counsel.
Monitor legal services provided to the agency by outside counsel.
Assist Ethics Officer for the agency.
Assist the General Counsel to keep assigned agency informed and up to date regarding any matters that are likely to have a significant impact upon the agency.
Provide reports regarding matters within the responsibilities that are appropriate for public discussion.

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
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