Staff Attorney
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
The Office of Judicial Administration is responsible for the efficient administration of all agencies that operate under the direction of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court. That includes 200 personnel; fiscal management; communication; technology; legal services; intergovernmental relations; services for the trial courts; and support for court boards, commissions, and committees. The Office is headed by Chief Administrative Officer Justin P. Forkner, who reports directly to the Chief Justice of Indiana and serves as the link between the Chief Justice and the agencies of the Court.
Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $88,000 but may be commensurate with education and/or experience.
To Apply: Please apply by November 22, 2024
About the Job:
This position serves as a Staff Attorney with the Indiana Office of Court Services Legal Support (IOCS) division, responsible for responding to research requests from judicial officers and providing staff support for Judicial Conference committees. In addition, this position serves as a resource for a team of staff attorneys.
A Day in the Life:
Serves as a subject matter resource for judges, court staff, and judicial branch agencies; performing research and monitoring related legislation that may impact the courts. Provide attorney and staff support for assigned Judicial Conference committees, provide guidance and assistance to a team of staff attorneys, serving as a resource.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
• Respond to research requests from judicial officers and administration, primarily in the areas of criminal law, including the related areas of evidence, mental capacity, sentencing, probation, and court reporter duties.
• Monitor criminal case law.
• Serve as a resource for a team of Staff Attorneys.
• Serve as staff for assigned Supreme Court and Judicial Conference committees. Duties include:
o working with chair on agenda, scheduling, distributing materials, and minutes.
o revising Benchbooks by sending pertinent cases/statutes to Benchbook authors, circulating drafts of revised or new materials, final formatting and posting on INcite.
o assisting members when they appear to testify on bills of interest.
• Monitor and report on legislative matters that may impact the courts; submit information for legislative blog when applicable.
• Assist with preparation of education materials and presentations, as requested; review proposals for education sessions with IOCS education attorneys.
What You'll Need for Success:
Juris Doctorate and active license to practice law in Indiana.
Integrity
• Exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
• Maintain personal and business affairs in a manner that ensures public confidence in the integrity, competence, impartiality, and independence of the judiciary as well as avoid situations that could lead to conflict, or the appearance of conflict
Professionalism
• Interact with all persons in a respectful manner, maintain business-like appearance, and promote harmony in the workplace
• Interact with executive branch agencies, federal agencies, and judicial officers in a manner that promotes confidence and respect in the Office of Judicial Administration
Knowledge
• Strong working knowledge, or ability and willingness to become well-versed in criminal law (including evidence, mental capacity, sentencing, and probation issues), and court reporter duties.
• Experience working in, or strong working knowledge of, Indiana’s judicial system including the work and duties of trial court judges, court staff, and circuit clerks.
• Knowledge of Indiana Rules of Court. Excellent legal research and writing abilities.
Critical Thinking
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Decision-Making
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Diligence
• Research, coordinate, and track work to ensure all projects are completed correctly in a timely manner.
Information Gathering
• Research and compile relevant statutes, rules, and case law for drafting clear, concise, and accurate responses to research requests.
Organization
• Prepare and maintain complex and confidential records and work on numerous projects and requests simultaneously.
Communication
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Technology and Tool Usage
• Learn and adapt to new technologies within the Microsoft Suite as well as Supreme Court systems
Benefits package for full-time employees
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees which includes:
• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans;
• Wellness program (offers a premium discount for the medical plan and gift cards);
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution;
• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k 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:
o 150 hours of paid new parent leave;
o Up to 7.5 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;
• Group life insurance;
• 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
• Hybrid Option for eligible employees/positions
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Indiana Supreme Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, socioeconomic status, status as a protected veteran or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and the Indiana Judicial Code.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and will need reasonable accommodation to assist you in applying for the position or performing the essential functions of the job, the Indiana Supreme Court will provide such reasonable accommodations.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
