Staff Attorney

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Pension plan

Paid holidays

LinkedIn Learning

Hybrid option

Parking

Job summary

The Office of Judicial Administration of the State of Indiana is seeking a Staff Attorney to support the Indiana Supreme Court with advanced legal research, drafting memoranda, and court staff work. The role emphasizes strong writing, case analysis, and independence in a high-skill environment.

Requires Juris Doctorate and active Indiana license; a thorough understanding of appellate procedure and confidentiality is essential. Hybrid work options may apply for eligible positions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and active license to practice law in Indiana.
• Strong research and writing skills for court memoranda and orders.
• Ability to interpret rules, statutes, and legal authority.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis for the Indiana Supreme Court.
• Draft and review memoranda, orders, and legal documents.
• Staff cases at Court conference and assist arguing attorneys and the Court.
• Respond to inquiries from attorneys and the public.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral argument

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

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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 Aaron Hood, 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 $85,020 but may be commensurate with education and/or experience.

About the Job:

The Supreme Court Services Staff Attorney directly serves the Justices of the Indiana Supreme Court in conducting legal research for the Court, drafting and reviewing legal memoranda on a variety of matters, staffing cases at Court conference and oral arguments, and other duties as required. This is a high-level position that requires outstanding legal analysis and writing skills and a dedication to the Court’s mission. Work may relate to the Court’s appellate function, attorney and judicial discipline cases, original actions, and miscellaneous motions. Staff Attorneys must be self-motivated and work well with others in a team environment with minimal supervision.

This position requires substantial writing experience and familiarity with the Indiana Rules of Appellate Procedure; it is not an entry-level attorney position.

A Day in the Life:

• Conduct legal research and analysis on assignments involving difficult procedural and/or substantive matters
• Interpret and determine the applicability of rules, laws, statutes, and other legal authority
• Draft and review memoranda, orders, and other legal documents on a variety of matters
• Staff cases on transfer at Court conference and assist arguing attorneys and the Court at oral argument
• Respond to inquiries from attorneys and the public
• Other responsibilities as assigned

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

Communication

• Communicating effectively and respectfully with team members, supervisors, and staff in other divisions of the Office of Judicial Administration
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience

Organization

• Manage assignments to ensure all tasks are completed within deadlines
• Effectively manage time and prioritization of tasks and projects

Attention to Detail

• Research, coordinate, and track work in a proficient manner to ensure accuracy

Problem Solving

• Identify problems and review related information to develop and implement solutions
• Use deductive reasoning skills to meet several complimentary goals

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
• Be willing to take direction from supervisors and make decisions for the greater good of the agency
• Engaging in collaborative decision-making with team members and supervisors that is consistent with the vision of the agency

Information Gathering

• Analyze data from multiple databases to complete clear and concise reports as well as complete with recommendations

Technology and Tool Usage

• Learn and adapt to new technologies within the Microsoft Suite as well as Supreme Court systems

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

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:
  • 150 hours of new parent leave;
  • 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;
• 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.