Logo
State of Indiana

Chief Legal Counsel

State of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana, us, 46262

Save Job

Join to apply for the

Chief Legal Counsel

role at

State of Indiana .

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

About the Indiana Department of Transportation The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting‑edge uses of materials and assets. INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package and outstanding work/life balance.

Role Overview This position serves as the Chief General Counsel/Deputy Commissioner for INDOT and is responsible for providing leadership for the areas of Business Opportunities Initiatives, Pre‑Qualification, Ethics, Internal Affairs, Legal Services, Contract Administration and Litigation. The incumbent helps facilitate the implementation of INDOT goals, priorities and values by providing accurate and timely legal advice and counsel to ensure agency success and minimize legal risks. This position reports directly to the Commissioner.

Location INDOT’s Central Office, Legal Division.

Salary Starts at an annual salary of $120,016.00, commensurate with education and job experience.

A Day In The Life

Direct and oversee all Legal Division staff members and division workflow and projects.

Prepare and render legal opinions to the agency’s leadership and management teams.

Provide legal assistance in drafting agency policy, rules, regulations, resolutions and other legal documents.

Draft legislation impacting the agency.

Work with the Legislative Director on legislative matters, providing legal analysis of pending legislation.

Advise staff on agency matters.

Conduct legal research and prepare reports on various topics requested by the Commissioner and management team.

Review contracts as requested.

Manage agency litigation and coordinate legal matters with outside counsel.

Monitor legal services provided to the agency by outside counsel.

Serve as the Ethics Officer for the agency as requested.

Keep the Commissioner informed and up to date regarding any matters within the incumbent’s responsibilities that are likely to have a significant impact on the agency.

Develop and implement ideas for cost savings and efficiency.

Operate the division to enhance the agency’s ability to provide fast, accurate, and friendly customer service to the people of Indiana.

Provide reports regarding matters within the incumbent’s responsibilities that are appropriate for public discussion, operating within the budget constraints established by the budget process.

What You’ll Need For Success

A Juris Doctor Degree and 7+ years of experience with Admission to the Indiana State Bar.

Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures and precedents.

Thorough knowledge of agency and/or organizational programs and business practices.

Thorough knowledge of State programs, public policy and program evaluation.

Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.

Thorough knowledge of budget management principles and practices.

Ability to supervise others by assigning/directing work, conducting employee evaluations, staff training and development, and making hiring/termination recommendations.

Excellent writing and communication skills, presenting ideas clearly in verbal, written and electronic form.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow agency employees.

Ability to treat all state employees with courtesy and respect.

Ability to create, maintain and improve a culture of teamwork, customer service and cost‑effective use of resources.

Ability to discharge all job responsibilities with integrity.

Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

Three 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 with bi‑weekly state contribution.

Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.

Two fully‑funded pension plan options.

Comprehensive leave policies, including 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 covering 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 this role. If you require reasonable accommodations, contact the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Legal

Industries

Government Administration

#J-18808-Ljbffr