Paralegal
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 (OALP) was established as a new state agency in 2020 to provide a central and independent hearings process for administrative cases with different Indiana State agencies. OALP has a staff of administrative law judges (ALJs) who hear disputes between certain state agencies and persons aggrieved by that agency’s action, as well as a team of Legal Assistants (LAs) who assist our ALJs with case management and data. Some of the state agencies for which OALP hears cases include the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the Department of Child Services (DCS), and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). A full list of agencies can be found at https://www.in.gov/oalp/oalp-resources/oalp-jurisdiction/. The mission of OALP is to provide efficient, effective, and impartial adjudicatory processes for Indiana’s citizens and agencies.
Role Overview:
As a Paralegal, you will be responsible for providing administrative support to Administrative Law Judges, primarily by:
- Scheduling hearings;
- Reviewing legal documents;
- Filing documents into a case management system;
- Entering data;
- Other case management tasks.
To succeed in this role, candidates must: (1) understand legal process and terminology, (2) be proficient with technology/computer programs, (3) have good attention to detail, (4) demonstrate critical thinking, and (5) be a team player. Candidates must have prior experience/training as a legal assistant or paralegal.
As a Paralegal at OALP, you will play a critical role in supporting the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) team by ensuring efficient and accurate case management. This position requires strong organizational skills and a collaborative approach to maintain smooth operations across a high-volume docket.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and schedule hearings in alignment with ALJ calendars and procedural requirements.
- Review, organize, and process legal documents for accuracy and compliance.
- File and maintain case records within the case management system, ensuring timely updates and data integrity.
- Perform data entry and other administrative tasks essential to case progression.
- Provide proactive support to ALJs and team members to facilitate cohesive workflow and timely case resolution.
Qualifications and Competencies:
- Solid understanding of legal processes, terminology, and administrative procedures.
- Proficiency with technology and case management systems to support efficient operations.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for managing multiple priorities.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving ability to address procedural and scheduling challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Relevant paralegal experience and recognized professional certification are required.
This role demands professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to teamwork to ensure seamless coordination with the ALJ team and effective case management.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Researches and analyzes statues, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
- Drafts correspondence and legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; file motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
- Calls clients, witnesses, lawyers, and outside vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions. This may also include interviewing clients and witnesses and prepare summaries of their statements.
- Assist attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings, handling exhibits, taking notes, or reviewing trial transcripts.
- Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, and other items.
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:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong investigative and research skills
- Proficient computer skills required, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, case management and legal data base tools.
- 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 effectively prioritize and manage time to meet deadlines
- 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.
A degree is not required. However, a certification in paralegal studies from an institutionally accredited paralegal program plus at least 2 years of paralegal experience experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability 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 benefit package for full-time employees which 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 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
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.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
