Associate Attorney
Date Posted: May 20, 2026
Requisition ID: 477543
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46203
Work for IndianaBegin 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.
Role Overview:
DNR Legal provides legal support to all Divisions within the Department of Natural Resources, including but not limited to Water, Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife, State Parks, and Law Enforcement. The Divisions are divided into the Regulatory Bureau, Landholding Bureau, and Law Enforcement. DNR Legal consists of General Counsel, three Assistant General Counsels, and senior attorneys. We are currently seeking a staff attorney supervised by the Assistant General Counsel for the Regulatory Bureau in representing the agency in litigation and enforcement matters. In addition, the staff attorney may assist the Assistant General Counsels for the Landholding Bureau and Rulemaking as needed.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 if you have less than 5 years of experience. If you have over 5 years of experience, that salary would start at $85,020.00
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
May train, manage, delegate to, and/or provide support for any legal support staff;
Advises and provides legal support to agency staff on various program and legal areas;
May oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts;
Researches, interprets, and provides legal advice in relation to laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions pertaining to agency operations;
May draft and review legislation and administrative rules;
Utilizes legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records relating to legal procedures;
Creates, prepares, and distributes documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions;
Recruits, selects, onboards, and trains employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development;
Sets expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures;
May handle administrative matters and hearings while maintaining appropriate decorum, hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and/or make reasoned decisions supported by evidence;
May be required to utilize litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations;
Organizes and manages caseload in the preparation of hearings and/or litigation;
May review pleadings, motions, and discovery;
May draft appeals or briefs, or perform legal writing assignments.
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 which 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:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
A Doctorate of Jurisprudence
Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing;
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules;
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders;
Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
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.
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