Admin Law Judge Attorney

Overview

This position supports the Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP), a state agency established in 2020 to provide a central, independent hearings process for administrative cases involving Indiana state agencies. OALP includes administrative law judges (ALJs) who hear disputes between certain state agencies and persons aggrieved by the agency’s action, along with legal assistants who support case management and data.

As an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), you will preside over high-volume administrative cases that typically involve routine legal issues and one or two straightforward factual disputes. Cases are usually resolved through a single evidentiary hearing or a routine order.

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.
• Ensure decisions are timely and avoid errors that may lead to remand for reasons including:
  • failing to address the issues raised by the parties
  • failing to develop the record as required by Indiana Law
  • failing to adhere to hearing procedures established by law
  • failing to make findings supported by the evidence
  • being arbitrary or capricious
  • being contrary to any constitutional, statutory, or legal principle
• Conduct hearings efficiently while maintaining empathy, understanding, and appropriate decorum as a neutral decision-maker.
• Prepare and manage documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
• Maintain legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records of proceedings.
• Recommend and follow established office objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Perform legal research and writing assignments.
• Abide by the code of ethics for administrative law judges.
• Use OALP’s case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and to serve orders.
• Comply with established timelines for proceedings.

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 all federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines related to the subject matter cases.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and state court decisions and prior administrative hearing decisions.
• Effective communication skills, including the 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 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 and use technology to drive efficiencies.
• Ability to work without interruptions and in a secure location at home.
• Doctor of Jurisprudence with Indiana Bar Admission; license must be in good standing.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using or working within administrative hearing processes.
• Experience managing high-volume legal caseloads.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

• The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 and may be commensurate with education and work experience.

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 with bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to a 401(k) plan) 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 time off
  • 12 paid holidays and 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/Exempt Status

• 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 base biweekly salary.

Location

• Remote position open to candidates residing within the State of Indiana. Candidates across Indiana are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform essential functions of the role.