Staff Attorney - Investigator/Litigator

The Office of Judicial Administration is responsible for the efficient administration of all agencies that operate under the direction of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court, including 200 personnel; fiscal management; communication; technology; legal services; intergovernmental relations; services for the trial courts; and support for court boards, commissions, and committees.

About the role

The Office of Judicial and Attorney Regulation (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.

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 with online research tools, and navigate internal databases
• Report to the appropriate Commissions
• 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
• Member in good standing with the Indiana Bar
• Minimum of ten years of civil or criminal litigation experience, including experience handling disputed evidentiary matters before a jury, court, or administrative body
• Extensive writing, attention to detail, keen analysis, and excellent communication skills

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 conflict
• Decision-Making: Use critical thinking and logic to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions; understand implications of new information; weigh costs and benefits of potential actions; take direction from supervisors and make decisions for the agency’s greater good; engage in collaborative decision-making
• Professionalism: Interact respectfully with all individuals, maintain a business-like appearance, and promote workplace harmony; interact with executive branch agencies, federal agencies, and judicial officers to foster confidence and respect
• Communication: Communicate effectively and respectfully with team members, supervisors, and staff in other divisions; tailor written communication to the audience’s needs
• 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 and Tool Usage: Learn and adapt to new technologies within the Microsoft Suite and Supreme Court systems

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $95,000 but may vary based on education and/or experience.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness program (offers a premium discount for the medical plan and gift cards)
• Health savings account with bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 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 time off
  • 12 paid holidays (14 on election years)
• Group life insurance
• 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
• Hybrid work option for eligible employees/positions