Admin law judge attorney

Work for Indiana. Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP): The Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) was established as a new state agency in 2020 to provide a central and independent hearings process for administrative cases with different Indiana State agencies. OALP has a staff of administrative law judges (ALJs) who hear disputes between certain state agencies and persons aggrieved by that agency’s action, as well as a team of Legal Assistants (LAs) who assist our ALJs with case management and data. Some of the state agencies for which OALP hears cases include the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the Department of Child Services (DCS), and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). A full list of agencies can be found at https://www.in.gov/oalp/oalp-resources/oalp-jurisdiction/. The mission of OALP is to provide efficient, effective, and impartial adjudicatory processes for Indiana’s citizens and agencies.

Role Overview: As an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you will be responsible for presiding over high volume administrative cases that usually address routine legal issues and center around one or two straightforward factual disputes. Cases are usually resolved through a single evidentiary hearing or routine order (such as an order dismissing the case for failure to appear). To succeed in this position, a candidate should have:

• Independent and proactive work ethic
• Adept use of technology and computer programs, such as case management systems
• Detail-oriented and well-organized case management skills
• Strong understanding of administrative or civil litigation process
• Judicial writing ability (e.g. neutral, well-organized, and concise)
• 2+ years of legal experience

This position requires both consistent focus on case management and flexibility to adjust with changing caseloads. Please note, this is a remote position open to candidates residing within the State of Indiana. Candidates across Indiana are encouraged to apply.

Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Serves as an Administrative Law Judge for a variety of case types.
• Hears evidence, rules on the admissibility of evidence, and makes a reasoned decision supported by evidence.
• Most cases handled by the ALJ will usually involve one or two routine legal issues with readily identifiable legal authority and can usually be resolved through a single evidentiary hearing or routine order (e.g. an order of dismissal).
• Complies with all established timelines for proceedings.
• Ensures decisions avoid errors and are not subject to remand on account of (1) failing to address the issues raised by parties; (2) failing to develop the record as required by Indiana Law; (3) failing to adhere to hearing procedures established by law; (4) failing to make findings supported by the evidence; (5) being arbitrary or capricious; (6) being contrary to any constitutional, statutory, or legal principle.
• Conducts hearings in an efficient manner, while still maintaining empathy, understanding, and appropriate decorum as a neutral decision-maker.
• Responsible for the form, preparation and flow of documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
• Maintains legal resources, dockets, all legal files, and official records of proceedings of cases heard by the administrative law judge.
• Recommends and follow established office objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Performs legal research and writing assignments.
• Abides by the code of ethics for administrative law judges.
• Successfully utilizes OALP’s case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time. This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success: Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Thorough knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including Indiana Administrative Orders and Procedures Act (AOPA), trial rules, and rules of evidence.
• Thorough knowledge of all federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines which relate to subject matter cases.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state court decisions and of previous administrative hearing decisions.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse people and adversarial parties.
• Possess judicial demeanor reflective of the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct, including impartiality, respectfulness, civility, dignity, and the absence of bias or prejudice.
• Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings in a professional manner.
• Willingness to learn and work with a new case management system, utilizing technology to drive efficiencies.
• Ability to work without interruptions and in a secure location at home.

The person in this role must have:

• A Doctor of Jurisprudence with Indiana Bar Admission with a license in good standing.
• Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and 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 time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity: The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.