Administrative law judge

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 Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC):

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is an administrative agency that hears evidence in cases filed before it and makes decisions based on the evidence presented in those cases. An advocate of neither the public nor the utilities, the Commission is required by state statute to make decisions in the public interest to ensure the utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates.

Role Overview:

The Administrative Law Judge presides over docketed proceedings before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and manages all aspects of assigned cases. Case assignments are based on the Judge’s level of experience. In this role, you will serve as an impartial arbiter, ensuring hearings are conducted with integrity and decorum in accordance with the Commission’s procedural rules and the Indiana Rules of Evidence. Knowledge of administrative or utility law is helpful, but not required.

Position benefits:

Monday - Friday work schedule. 37.5 hours per week. Remote work is available after six months. Indiana accepts the Uniform Bar Exam. Follow this link to learn about the Uniform Bar Exam and state jurisdictions. $5,250 tuition assistance or education reimbursement each calendar year in addition to agency-sponsored training initiatives.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $83,037.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Case Management

Administrative Law Judges manage and oversee assigned cases, maintaining a caseload that reflects their experience level. Key responsibilities include promptly reviewing new cases, setting hearings, issuing procedural schedules, ruling on motions, and ensuring parties adhere to established deadlines. Judges collaborate with Commissioners and staff, review testimony before hearings, help develop legally sound Orders, and keep the Chief Administrative Law Judge informed on major or complex matters.

Hearings

Judges must act as impartial arbiters, maintain decorum, avoid bias or the appearance of impropriety, and ask clarifying questions to ensure a complete and accurate administrative record. They also evaluate settlement agreements to confirm the record supports a determination that the settlement is in the public interest.

Commission Conference and Deadlines

Judges attend weekly Commission Conferences and must circulate Orders in accordance with Draft and Final Agenda timelines to ensure compliance with all legally required deadlines.

Continuing Legal Education and Research

Judges must remain in good standing with the Indiana Bar, meet all CLE requirements, maintain current knowledge of utility law and regulation, and stay proficient in legal research tools such as Westlaw. They must adhere to all applicable ethics rules, including the Commission’s ex parte policies and the Code of Ethics for the IURC. The job profile 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 that 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:

Credentials:

An earned Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Member in good standing with the Indiana State Bar Association.

Additional qualifications:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
• Ability to work independently and to engage in team initiatives.
• Ability to research, understand, and apply rules, regulations, and legal precedence.
• Ability to maintain an effective, efficient, and productive environment for hearings.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that 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 in 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.