Federal Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 Office of the Attorney General:

The Office of the Indiana Attorney General represents the state in cases involving the state's interest, provides legal defense to state officials or agencies in court, and gives formal legal advisory opinions on constitutional or legal questions to state officials. 

(The Office of the Attorney General is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering a hybrid work model allowing for the possibility of working two remote days per week.)

Role Overview:

The Litigation Division of the Office of the Attorney General serves as the State’s law firm— advocating for and defending the State’s interests. The respected and experienced trial attorneys in the Division zealously and diligently provide legal representation in a wide range of matters. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain unique and exciting experiences promoting the public interest, making a positive difference in the lives of Hoosiers, and litigating cases most attorneys only read about.

The attorneys in the Administrative and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation Section of the Litigation Division provide legal representation in varied, complex, and high-profile cases in state and federal courts.

To be considered for this position, please apply at this link, or send your resume over to: Aaron.Ridlen@atg.in.gov.  

Attorneys in the section handle a variety of cases, including:

• Constitutional challenges to state laws and regulations.
• Election law.
• Enforcement actions for state agencies.
• Environmental law.
• Judicial review of actions by state agencies.
• Qui tam.
• Temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.
• Whistleblower complaints.

Principal job duties:

• Handle all phases of litigation, including research and preparation of pleadings, motions and briefs, consultation with clients, investigation of facts, appearance for all hearings and conferences, negotiation of settlements, and trials.

• Advise clients and other state officials and employees regarding issues that arise in litigation.

• Supervise work of assigned paralegal on discovery and other tasks.

• Various levels of participation in appeals, depending on involvement of Appeals Division and Solicitor General.

• Perform other tasks as assigned by Section Chief.

• The position may require some travel.

Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Indiana and admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.

• Civil litigation experience in federal and state court.

• Knowledge of federal and state practice rules and rules of alternative dispute resolution.

• Familiarity with relevant causes of action, Section 1983 litigation and federal and state statutes and regulations, Administrative Orders and Procedures Act, federal and state constitutional law.

• Legal research and writing skills, with emphasis on clear, persuasive legal writing.

• Excellent oral advocacy in litigation settings. Ability to work with other attorneys and support staff.

• Ability to zealously negotiate settlements or mediated resolution of cases.

• Ability to work well with others, maintain an objective of public service, solicit feedback to improve service, respond promptly to requests for service and assistance, meet commitments.

• Strong sense of ethics, awareness of potential conflicts of interest that arise in public sector, adherence in all respects to Rules of Professional Conduct and state ethics rules.

• Sensitivity to concerns about individual liability and indemnification, awareness of public relations and implications of high-profile cases.

• Ability to manage high-profile and complex caseload.

Salary Range Based on Years of Experience

Deputy Attorney General I   (0-2 years of practice): $82,000 - $87,000

Deputy Attorney General II  (2-5 years of practice): $87,000 - $95,000

Deputy Attorney General III (5-8 years of practice): $95,000 - $103,000

Deputy Attorney General IV (8+ years of practice): $103,000 - $113,000+

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Four (4) medical plan options (including RX coverage) and vision/dental coverages
• Wellness program - earn back dollars in the form of gift cards
• Health savings account (includes bi-weekly state contribution)
• Deferred compensation account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Paid vacation, personal and sick time off
• Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs.
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• New Parent Leave
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free 24/7 permit parking at an Indiana Government Center surface lot or parking garage