Senior Attorney

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Education is hiring a Senior Attorney to support two state-law processes for the eight agencies reporting to the Secretary of Education: administrative rulemaking and public records/access. The position’s practice areas include administrative rulemaking, public records law, and Open Door Law matters. The attorney will provide legal advice and support to agency staff and translate policy concepts into clear, accessible legal work product. The role calls for attention to detail, organization, initiative, and the ability to counsel both executives and front-line staff. The Senior Attorney may lead or supervise legal support staff and attorneys, oversee legal work, and contribute to employee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development. The role may also involve contracts, legislation, administrative rules, hearings, litigation, and appeals, depending on agency needs. This is an exempt position. Employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report at least 75 hours of work and/or paid leave per pay period to receive their base biweekly salary. The salary traditionally starts at $85,020.00 and may be commensurate with education and work experience.

Requirements

Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
At least 5 years of legal experience as a practicing attorney.
Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing.
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to use a case management system to manage a docket, case information, and party information, and to serve orders.
Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
Ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Advise and provide legal support to agency staff on program and legal matters.
Research, interpret, and advise on laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions related to agency operations.
Work on administrative rulemaking and public records/access processes, including public records law and Open Door Law matters.
Draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
Oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice regarding contracts, as needed.
Use legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records related to legal procedures.
Create, prepare, and distribute documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
May train, manage, delegate to, or support legal support staff.
Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees; clarify role responsibilities and expectations and support professional development.
Set expectations, measure progress, provide feedback, and evaluate employee performance while ensuring quality, deadlines, and proper procedures.
May handle administrative matters and hearings, hear evidence, rule on admissibility, and make reasoned decisions supported by evidence.
May use litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations.
Organize and manage caseloads in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
May review pleadings, motions, and discovery.
May draft appeals or briefs and perform other legal writing assignments.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, and vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with a bi-weekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including paid New Parent Leave, Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers, community service leave, vacation, personal and sick leave, and paid holidays.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as an employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.