Staff Attorney - Investigator/Litigator

Location: Indianapolis, IN 46204

Salary: Starts at $95,000, may vary based on education and/or experience.

About the Role

The Office of Judicial and Attorney Regulation (OJAR) has an immediate opening for an Investigation and Litigation Senior Staff Attorney. OJAR represents three agencies of the Indiana Supreme Court:

• the Judicial Qualifications Commission,
• the Judicial Nomination Commission, and
• the Disciplinary Commission.

The successful candidate will investigate allegations of attorney and judicial misconduct, report to the Judicial Qualifications and Disciplinary Commissions, and litigate matters to resolution. This position requires a highly motivated and experienced trial lawyer with a minimum of ten years of civil or criminal litigation experience, including handling disputed evidentiary matters before a jury, court, or administrative body. A juris doctorate and an active Indiana law license are required. The role demands extensive writing, attention to detail, keen analysis, and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of professional misconduct.
• Collaborate and strategize with investigative and litigation staff on matters docketed for additional investigation.
• Draft legal memoranda, conduct legal research using online tools, and navigate internal databases.
• Report to the appropriate Commissions and recommend which matters warrant filing public disciplinary charges or other resolutions.
• Participate in discovery, prehearing practice, depositions, and litigation of filed disciplinary matters.
• Represent the Commissions in evidentiary hearings before a Hearing Officer or panel of Masters appointed by the Supreme Court.
• Report to and receive direction from the Executive Director and Deputy Director of Litigation.
• Prepare continuing legal education ethics trainings as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate and an active Indiana law license (required).
• Member in good standing with the Indiana Bar.
• Minimum of ten years of civil or criminal litigation experience, including experience with disputed evidentiary matters before a jury, court, or administrative body.

Skills

• Integrity: Exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials. Maintain personal and business affairs to ensure public confidence in the integrity, competence, impartiality, and independence of the judiciary. Avoid conflicts or appearances of conflicts.
• Decision-Making: Use critical thinking and logic to evaluate alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches. Understand the implications of new information for problem-solving. Assess costs and benefits of potential actions. Willingness to take direction and make decisions for the agency’s greater good. Engage in collaborative decision-making aligned with the agency’s vision.
• Professionalism: Interact respectfully with all individuals, maintain a business-like appearance, and promote workplace harmony. Engage with executive branch agencies, federal agencies, and judicial officers in a manner that fosters confidence and respect.
• Communication: Communicate effectively and respectfully with team members, supervisors, and staff across the Office of Judicial Administration. Write clearly and appropriately for the audience.
• Organization: Manage time effectively to prioritize and complete tasks. Research, coordinate, and track work accurately.
• Problem Solving: Identify problems and develop solutions. Use deductive reasoning to meet complementary goals.
• Information Gathering: Analyze information from multiple databases to produce clear and concise reports.
• Technology: Learn and adapt to new technologies within the Microsoft Suite and Supreme Court systems.

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Three medical plan options (including prescription coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness program (offers premium discounts for the medical plan and gift cards).
• Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to a 401k plan) with employer match.
• Two fully funded pension plan options.
• Robust leave policies, including:
  • 150 hours of paid new parent leave.
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
  • 12 paid holidays (14 in election years).
• Group life insurance.
• Employee assistance program covering behavioral health visits.
• Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.
• Hybrid work options for eligible employees/positions.