General Counsel

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Wellness rewards

Pension plan options

Education reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

The State of Indiana, through the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, seeks a General Counsel to lead the Office of General Counsel. This exempt role oversees legal strategy, policy drafting, and compliance to support Hoosier residents and regulated utilities.

Requirements include a J.D., 7+ years of experience, Indiana Bar admission, and strong writing, research, and leadership skills. Benefits cover health, leave, and retirement programs.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree required and seven or more years of experience.
• Member in good standing with the Indiana State Bar Association.
• Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, and precedents.
• Thorough knowledge of agency programs, public policy, and program evaluation.
• Ability to develop and measure program outcomes and supervise others.
• Excellent writing and communication skills; strong collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all Legal Division staff and division workflow and projects.
• Prepare and render legal opinions to agency leadership and management.
• Draft legal documents, agency policy, rules and regulations, and resolutions.
• Draft legislation impacting the agency and provide legal analysis of pending bills.
• Advise staff on agency matters and conduct legal research for reports.
• Review contracts and manage agency litigation with outside counsel.
• Monitor outside counsel and serve as Ethics Officer when requested.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Leadership

Policy analysis

Budget management

Education

Juris Doctor Degree

Job description

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 Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC):
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is an administrative agency that hears evidence in cases filed before it and makes decisions based on the evidence presented in those cases. An advocate of neither the public nor the utilities, the Commission is required by state statute to make decisions in the public interest to ensure the utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates.

The Office of General Counsel provides legal support on technical matters, including, but not limited to, statutory interpretation regarding state and federal utility regulation, practice and procedure before the Commission, review of potential utility legislation, and requests for Commission investigation regarding regulated utilities. The Office of General Counsel also works with internal staff and tracks regional and federal issues affecting the Commission, and as appropriate, drafts and submits comments and filings on behalf of the Commission to federal agencies.

The General Counsel provides legal counsel to the Chairman, Commissioners, Executive Directors, Division Directors, and other staff of the IURC on a wide variety of legal matters and serves as the Commission's Ethics Officer. The General Counsel is an executive-level director that oversees the work of the Commission's Office of General Counsel and a staff of four Assistant General Counsels and one Legal Assistant. The General Counsel is responsible for implementing and administering statutory requirements, including rulemakings and other assignments, as well as providing utility law expertise in defending the Commission's orders on appeal in both the federal and the state appellate courts. The General Counsel is also responsible for contract formation and review, responses to public records requests, ethics and internal policies, and personnel matters.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $130,000.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Direct and oversee all Legal Division staff members and division workflow and projects.
• Prepare and render legal opinions to the agency’s leadership and management teams, as requested.
• Provide legal assistance in the drafting of legal documents, agency policy, rules and regulations, resolutions, and other legal or related papers upon request.
• Provide legal assistance in the drafting of legislation impacting the agency.
• Work with the Legislative Director on legislative matters as directed, including providing legal analysis of pending legislation.
• Advise staff concerning agency matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepares reports on various topics as requested by the Commissioner and management team.
• Review contracts as requested.
• Manage agency litigation and coordinates legal matters with outside counsel.
• Monitor legal services provided to the agency by outside counsel.
• Serve as the Ethics Officer for the agency as requested.
• Keep the Commissioner informed and up to date regarding any matters within the incumbent’s responsibilities that are likely to have a significant impact on the agency.
• Develop and implement ideas for cost savings and efficiency.
• Operate the division in a manner that enhances the agency’s ability to provide fast, accurate, and friendly customer service to the people of the State of Indiana.
• Provide reports regarding matters within the incumbent’s responsibilities that are appropriate for public discussion.
• Operate the division within the financial constraints established by the budget process.

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.

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 their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Credentials:

• A Juris Doctor Degree and 7+ years of experience.
• Member in good standing with the Indiana State Bar Association.
• Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures and precedents.
• Thorough knowledge of agency and/or organizational program(s) and business practices.
• Thorough knowledge of State programs and resources, public policy, and program evaluation.
• Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.
• Thorough knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of budget management.
• Ability to supervise others by assigning/directing work. conducting employee evaluations, staff training and development, taking appropriate disciplinary/corrective actions, making hiring/termination recommendations.
• Must possess excellent writing and communication skills and be able to present ideas and opinions clearly in verbal, written and electronic form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow agency employees.
• Ability to treat all state employees with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to create, maintain and improve the culture of teamwork, excellent customer service and cost-effective use of the people’s resources.
• Ability to discharge all job responsibilities with integrity.
• Aability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

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 contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(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
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

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 [e-mail] .