Admin Law Judge Attorney

Overview

The Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) was established as a state agency in 2020 to provide a central and independent hearings process for administrative cases involving Indiana state agencies.

This role is a remote position open to candidates residing within the State of Indiana. Candidates across Indiana are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

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

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as an Administrative Law Judge for a variety of case types.
• Hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and make reasoned decisions supported by evidence.
• Ensure compliance with established timelines for proceedings.
• Issue decisions that avoid errors and are not subject to remand based on:
  • Failing to address the issues raised by 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 constitutional, statutory, or legal principles
• 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 complete legal 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 serve orders.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required; other duties may be assigned at any time.

Requirements

• 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).
• 2+ years of legal experience.
• Ability to focus consistently on case management while adjusting to changing caseloads.
• 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 previous 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 the absence of bias or prejudice.
• Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings professionally.
• Willingness to learn and work with a new case management system using technology to drive efficiencies.
• Ability to work without interruptions and in a secure location at home.
• Doctor of Jurisprudence with Indiana Bar Admission, with a license in good standing.

Supervisory responsibilities:

• This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Work hours and overtime:

• This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.
• Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation.
• Exempt employees must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

Preferred Qualifications

• None listed.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

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

Benefits (full-time employees)

• 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
  • 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 (covered behavioral health visits)
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Location

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