Senior Admin Law Judge Attorney

The Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) provides a central and independent hearings process for administrative cases across various Indiana State agencies. OALP employs administrative law judges (ALJs) to hear disputes between state agencies and aggrieved parties, supported by a team of Legal Assistants. Agencies include the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Department of Child Services (DCS), and Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The mission of OALP is to deliver efficient, effective, and impartial adjudicatory processes for Indiana’s citizens and agencies.

About the role

As an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) - Senior, you will preside over medium or high-complexity administrative cases requiring in-depth analysis of complex legal and factual issues, such as statutory interpretation. This role involves significant pre-hearing case management, including discovery and dispositive motions practice. You will also provide training and support to other ALJs and serve as a leader in administrative law.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an Administrative Law Judge for a variety of case types.
• Hear evidence, rule on admissibility, and issue reasoned decisions supported by evidence.
• Handle complex factual and legal issues, including discovery disputes, dispositive motions, unresolved legal questions, and statutory interpretation.
• Manage docket, case schedules, and party behavior to prevent undue delays and comply with established timelines.
• Draft clear, concise, and legally sound written decisions and orders, ensuring they are free from errors and not subject to remand.
• Conduct hearings efficiently while maintaining empathy, understanding, and appropriate decorum as a neutral decision-maker.
• Prepare and manage documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
• Maintain up-to-date legal resources, dockets, files, and official records of proceedings.
• Recommend and adhere to office objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Perform legal research and writing assignments.
• Conduct legal training for Administrative Law Judges and others.
• Serve as a mediator when requested.
• Uphold the code of ethics for administrative law judges.
• Utilize OALP’s case management systems to manage dockets, case information, and serve orders.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional pay and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period to receive their base biweekly salary.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including the Indiana Administrative Orders and Procedures Act (AOPA), trial rules, and rules of evidence.
• Comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines relevant to case subject matter.
• Familiarity with federal and state court decisions and prior administrative hearing decisions.
• Judicial demeanor reflective of the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct, including impartiality, respectfulness, civility, dignity, and absence of bias or prejudice.
• Effective communication skills and ability to engage with diverse individuals and adversarial parties.
• Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings professionally.
• Willingness to learn and use new case management systems and technology to drive efficiencies.
• Ability to work without interruptions in a secure home location.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) with Indiana Bar Admission and 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.
• Experience as a judicial officer, magistrate, or pro-tempore is a plus.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options (including prescription coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Earn gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
• Health savings account with bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
• Two fully-funded pension plan options.
• Comprehensive leave policies, including:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave.
  • 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.
  • 12 paid holidays (14 on election years).
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program covering behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Pay

The salary for this position starts at $85,020.00 and may vary based on education and work experience.