Legal Analyst

Work for Indiana

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, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP):

The Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) was established as a new state agency in 2020 to provide a central and independent hearings process for administrative cases with different Indiana State agencies. OALP has a staff of administrative law judges (ALJs) who hear disputes between certain state agencies and persons aggrieved by that agency's action, as well as a team of Legal Assistants (LAs) who assist our ALJs with case management and data. Some of the state agencies for which OALP hears cases include the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), the Department of Child Services (DCS), and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). A full list of agencies can be found at https://www.in.gov/oalp/oalp-resources/oalp-jurisdiction/. The mission of OALP is to provide efficient, effective, and impartial adjudicatory processes for Indiana's citizens and agencies.

Role Overview:

Legal Analysts are responsible for providing administrative support to Administrative Law Judges, primarily by:

• Scheduling hearings;
• Reviewing legal documents;
• Filing documents into a case management system;
• Entering data;
• Other case management tasks.

In addition, they serve as the first and primary point of contact for inter-agency, intra-agency, and non-governmental communications. Legal Analysts are responsible for receiving, researching, interpreting, and triaging high volumes of legal correspondence and case-related materials, ensuring timely and accurate processing, dissemination, or escalation. Their work directly supports the agency's ability to respond swiftly, accurately, and effectively to legal matters.

Legal Analysts assist in drafting legal documents such as Notices of Dismissal/Proposed Dismissal/Defect, Final Orders of Dismissal, Pre-Hearing Conference Notices and Evidentiary Hearing Notice with minimal oversight. They must be aware of policy, rule and statutory requirements for said notices and as well as timelines and deadlines.

To succeed in this role, Legal Analysts should: (1) understand legal process and terminology, (2) be proficient with technology/computer programs, (3) have good attention to detail, (4) demonstrate critical thinking, and (5) be a team player. Ideally, they have prior experience/training as a legal assistant or paralegal.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Supports government and non-government agencies to ensure they are complying with all relevant laws and regulations, meeting their legal responsibilities.
• Serves as a liaison to internal and external parties seeking legal and regulatory support.
• Conducts legal research on functional and procedural matters directly related to assigned agency mission and objectives.
• Interprets and applies state laws and administrative rules, as well as division policies and procedures to ensure guidance and work product is accurate, complete, and conforms to program requirements.
• Provides a supportive role in reviewing existing procedures, as well as implementing new policies and legislation for the department. Makes recommendations to improve operational efficiency.
• Monitors the legal divisions database; tracking legal and/or legislative actions and modifying if necessary.
• Drafts contracts, agreements, and other legal documents with minimal attorney oversight
• Stays current on all relevant agency laws and provides written summaries to the legal team.
• Provides day to day support to the legal team as needed.

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.

What Youll Need for Success:

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have

• Knowledge of legal rules, procedures, and terminology
• Specialized knowledge and understanding of the limited body of federal and state laws and procedures relating to the assigned program area.
• Proficient computer skills, including but not limited to using Microsoft Word, Excel, case management software, and legal database tools
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Strong investigative and research skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage time to meet deadlines
• Ability to research legal precedents and analyze legal problems
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work with sensitive documents and information, and be privy to sensitive agency information without divulging information to internal or external parties

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 2 years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a legal setting, including work with an attorney or legal department preparing reports and documents, may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

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.