Legal Assistant
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
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 provides a central and independent hearing process for disputes between aggrieved persons and State agencies. We administer efficient, effective, and impartial adjudicatory proceedings. Our Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and Legal Assistants manage cases and data for multiple agencies, including the Family and Social Services Administration, the Department of Child Services, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and others. A full list of partner agencies can be found here.
Role Overview:
The Legal Assistant is a bridge for the legal and case management teams. You will assist in organizing, processing, and maintaining records and may provide research, clerical support, and reporting when needed. You must have strong organizational and communication skills to meet deadlines and avoid late filings. You will also collect and enter metrics for the agency’s annual goals.
The ideal candidate will have prior legal experience or training as a legal assistant or paralegal.
To succeed in this role, candidates should:
- Understand legal process and terminology.
- Be proficient with technology/computer programs.
- Have good attention to detail.
- Demonstrate critical thinking.
- Be a team player.
Salary:
This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $39,000 but may be commensurate with education and job experience.
Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
Responsibilities include:
- Provides administrative and legal support to attorneys and legal divisions.
- Performs legal research under the direction of staff counsel or an administrative law judge.
- Assists at depositions and hearings by taking notes, providing follow-up questions to attorneys, and keeping track of documents.
- Prepares, proofreads, or processes legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, or pretrial agreements.
- Mails, faxes, or arranges for the delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
- Receives and responds to inquiries regarding current hearings from attorneys, legislators, or clients by telephone, email, and/or correspondence.
- Schedules hearing dates and sites, makes appointments, and manages calendars.
- Travels to hearing sites, sets up the site, materials, and equipment.
- Organizes and maintains law libraries, database systems, documents, and case files.
The 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.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have a:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
Upon entering the role, individuals must have or obtain the following requirements:
- Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Ability to work with sensitive documents and information, and be privy to sensitive agency information without divulging information to internal or external parties.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to provide effective and professional customer service to internal and external parties.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
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 contributions
- 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 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.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
