Public Defender Attorney

Work for Indiana

Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana’s communities every day.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion – Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, 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.

Next Level benefits at the State of Indiana are here! Be sure to review our expanded benefit package offerings below.

The Public Defender of Indiana:

The Public Defender of Indiana is accepting applications for an attorney position. The office provides legal representation to indigent incarcerated men, women, and children in state court post-conviction proceedings, seeking to have convictions and adjudications vacated, or sentences corrected.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $72,010 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Role Overview:

Deputy Public Defenders litigate meritorious post-conviction claims both in the trial court and on appeal, and occasionally present oral argument in the Indiana appellate courts. The office provides an intellectually challenging and collaborative atmosphere, and a flexible work schedule. A new Deputy receives extensive training by experienced attorneys.

Deputy Public Defenders litigate meritorious post-conviction claims both in the trial court and on appeal, and occasionally present oral argument in the Indiana appellate courts. The office provides an intellectually challenging and collaborative atmosphere, and a flexible work schedule. A new Deputy receives extensive training by experienced attorneys.

Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2023, or until the position is filled. Law students graduating in 2023 are welcome to apply. Indiana is a Uniform Bar Exam state. Applicants should submit a resume, writing sample, law school transcripts and three professional references to The Public Defender of Indiana c/o Barbara Bowden, Executive Assistant, at [email protected].

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Advise agency on legal issues and problems and resolutions.
  • Enforce all applicable state statutes and agency rules.
  • Draft and initiate proper promulgation of legislation.
  • Initiate legal action against violators of the state statutes and agency rules.
  • Litigate administrative cases on behalf of director arising from agency enforcement of state laws and rules.
  • Represent director at settlement conferences and in administrative proceedings.
  • Prepare all legal documents and conducts all legal research for the agency or department.
  • Provide counsel to the agency in the law and procedures.
  • Respond as agency representative to correspondence concerning legal matters.
  • Assist in negotiations of agency contracts and claim settlements as needed.
  • Provide information to Attorney General’s office regarding agency issues.

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 You’ll Need for Success:

You must have the following requirements to be considered for employment:

  • Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
  • Indiana State Bar admission; license in good standing.
  • Through knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
  • Organizational ability to formulate and carry out case litigation’s and initiate policies.
  • Presentational skills with ability to persuade.
  • Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply all requirements established by governing bodies.
  • Ability to research and evaluate legal precedents.
  • Participation in continuing legal education programs.
  • Ability to apply legal principles.
  • Ability to analyze complex problems and make sound resolutions of problems.
  • Ability to tactfully communicate with a wide variety of administrators and involved officials to resolve disputed problems.

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
  • Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
  • 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 paid 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
  • 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 recruit, select, develop, and promote employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected].

The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

Current Employee? Click here to apply.

Job Category
Legal Services
Job Type
unspecified
Salary
USD 72,010.00 per year
Country
United States
City
Indianapolis
Career Level
unspecified
Company
State of Indiana
JOB SOURCE
https://workforindiana.in.gov/job/Indianapolis-Public-Defender-Attorney-IN-46202/1087756100/