Senior Litigation Attorney

The Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC) provides legal services to the City and County through its three main divisions: representing the City, County agencies, and employees in litigation; offering legal advice to ensure compliance, safeguard public funds, and promote efficient government; and litigating violations of City-County ordinances. OCC also oversees the Office of Equal Opportunity, which administers the City’s human rights ordinance.

About the role

The senior litigation attorney will handle a wide range of civil litigation matters for City-County agencies, focusing on complex or high-stakes cases requiring significant experience or subject-matter expertise. Responsibilities include representing the City-County in state and federal court across diverse matters such as federal civil rights suits, tort claims, contract disputes, prisoner litigation, appeals, and administrative/regulatory issues.

Attorneys in this role may serve as the primary attorney on cases, handling pleadings, motions, discovery, depositions, hearings, settlement negotiations, and trial advocacy. They may also act as "second chair," providing strategic guidance to junior attorneys or assisting other senior attorneys with discrete tasks, such as legal research, client communications, or drafting court filings. The position offers opportunities to develop areas of specialization while maintaining a diverse caseload.

Responsibilities

• Represent the City-County in all facets of civil litigation, including preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, and handling discovery, hearings, and trials.
• Serve as primary attorney or second chair on complex, high-stakes, or sensitive litigation matters.
• Provide strategic litigation advice and guidance to client agencies, including senior staff and elected officials.
• Advise clients and colleagues on legal compliance and litigation risk mitigation.
• Draft advisory opinions and memos on litigation-related issues for the Corporation Counsel or client agencies.
• Represent City-County agencies in administrative hearings or similar proceedings.
• Stay updated on relevant state and federal legal developments.
• Oversee and mentor junior attorneys, including reviewing legal writing and providing guidance.
• Manage the work of litigation support staff, including paralegals, investigators, and office assistants.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Litigation Counsel or Corporation Counsel.

Requirements

• Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Valid license to practice law in Indiana; admission to the Southern District of Indiana.
• Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw) and familiarity with electronic filing/records management systems.
• Minimum of five years’ experience as a licensed attorney (may include a judicial clerkship) or at least two years’ experience as a litigation attorney with the Office of Corporation Counsel.
• Subject-matter expertise or significant experience in one or more litigation areas: appeals, federal civil rights defense, tort claims, tax litigation, or contract litigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years’ experience as a practicing litigator in Indiana.
• Professional experience (as an attorney or non-attorney) in local government, law enforcement, or administrative procedure.
• Significant experience conducting complex discovery, authoring dispositive motions, oral advocacy, or trials.
• Substantial practice experience in federal court.

Skills

• Independent judgment: Ability to make weighty decisions affecting public interests with confidence and sound judgment.
• Litigation expertise: Proficiency in all aspects of litigation, including legal writing, discovery, mediation, civil procedure, and substantive areas like constitutional law, torts, and contract law.
• Leadership: Capacity to manage junior attorneys and staff, delegate responsibilities, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Analytical ability: Aptitude for rapidly digesting new legal issues, integrating knowledge, and conducting thorough legal research.
• Written communication: Skill in drafting formal legal documents (e.g., briefs, motions) and informal communications (e.g., client updates, opposing counsel correspondence).
• Oral advocacy: Ability to present arguments effectively in hearings, trials, and other proceedings, adapting to diverse audiences.
• Zealous advocacy: Commitment to representing the public’s interests with diligence and seriousness.
• Time management: Efficiency in handling substantial caseloads and prioritizing critical tasks.
• Ethics and professionalism: Adherence to the highest standards of professional conduct and responsible advocacy as a public servant.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or courtroom environment. Occasional travel to outside locations may be required. Opportunities for scheduled remote work may be available at the discretion of supervisors.