Admin Law Judge Attorney

Overview

The organization is seeking an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for remote work. This position is open to candidates residing within the State of Indiana.

The Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) was established in 2020 as a central and independent hearings process for administrative cases involving multiple Indiana state agencies. OALP employs administrative law judges (ALJs) who hear disputes between certain state agencies and persons aggrieved by an agency’s action, supported by legal assistants who assist with case management and data. OALP’s mission is to provide efficient, effective, and impartial adjudicatory processes for Indiana’s citizens and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an Administrative Law Judge for a variety of case types.
• Hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and issue reasoned decisions supported by evidence.
• Manage high-volume cases typically involving one or two routine legal issues with straightforward factual disputes.
• Resolve matters through a single evidentiary hearing or routine orders (for example, dismissal for failure to appear).
• Comply with all established timelines for proceedings.
• Ensure decisions avoid errors and are not subject to remand due to, including but not limited to:
  • Failing to address issues raised by parties
  • Failing to develop the record as required by Indiana Law
  • Failing to adhere to hearing procedures established by law
  • Findings not supported by evidence
  • Being arbitrary or capricious
  • Decisions contrary to constitutional, statutory, or legal principles
• Conduct hearings efficiently while maintaining empathy, understanding, and appropriate decorum as a neutral decision-maker.
• Prepare, format, and manage document flow related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
• Maintain legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records for cases heard.
• Recommend and follow established office objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Perform legal research and complete legal writing assignments.
• Abide by the code of ethics for administrative law judges.
• Utilize OALP’s case management system to manage dockets and case and party information, and to serve orders.

Requirements

• 2+ years of legal experience.
• Independent and proactive work ethic.
• Adept use of technology and computer programs, including case management systems.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized case management skills.
• Strong understanding of administrative or civil litigation process.
• Judicial writing ability (neutral, well-organized, and concise).
• Thorough knowledge of legal principles and procedures, including the Indiana Administrative Orders and Procedures Act (AOPA), trial rules, and rules of evidence.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines related to subject matter cases.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state court decisions and prior administrative hearing decisions.
• Effective communication skills and ability to engage with diverse people and adversarial parties.
• Judicial demeanor consistent with the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct, including impartiality, respectfulness, civility, dignity, and absence of bias or prejudice.
• Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings professionally.
• Willingness to learn and work with a new case management system and use technology to drive efficiencies.
• Ability to work without interruptions and in a secure location at home.

Licensure

• Doctor of Jurisprudence with Indiana Bar Admission, with a license in good standing.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• This position may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group (experience supporting work-group leadership is not specified, but the role may include direct reports).

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

• Salary typically starts at $75,010.00, with pay that may be commensurate with education and work experience.

Employment benefits (full-time)

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage), plus vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program (complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards)
• Health savings account, including bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k)) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• Leave policies, including:
  • 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
  • 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

Overtime status

• This position is exempt from overtime compensation.
• 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 base biweekly salary.

Location

• Remote position open to candidates residing within the State of Indiana.