Screening/Research Staff Attorney | Indianapolis, IN

court boards, commissions, and committees. The Office is headed by Chief Administrative Officer Justin P. Forkner, who reports directly to the Chief Justice of Indiana and serves as the link between the Chief Justice and the agencies of the Court. Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020 but may be commensurate with education and/or experience.

To Apply: Please apply by January 5, 2024 About The Job The Judicial Qualifications Commission has an immediate opening for a Screening/Research Staff Attorney. A juris doctor degree is required, and applicant must be a member of the Indiana bar in good standing. This position will be responsible for initial screening

and preliminary investigation of all written and electronic complaints submitted to the Commission alleging ethical misconduct by judicial officers. This position will conduct any legal research raised by alleged misconduct and make evidence-based recommendations on whether to dismiss a complaint or whether to advance the matter for further investigation.

The position also requires providing informal advice to judicial officers who have questions on ethical issues and drafting formal advisory opinions for approval by the Commission. The position requires extensive writing. A Day in the Life: Duties include but are not limited to: On a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis responding to judicial

officers’ emails requesting advice on ethical issues and compliance with the Code of Judicial Conduct Reviewing written and electronic complaints submitted by the public alleging ethical misconduct by judicial officers and evaluating whether the matters raise a potential violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct For matters raising potential issues of ethical misconduct, drafting initial request for response from judicial officer, reviewing the subsequent response, and recommending whether further investigation is warranted Briefly summarizing complaints that do not raise issues of ethical misconduct for consideration to be summarily dismissed by the Commission Drafting legal memoranda on whether to open an investigation on the Commission’s own motion (on potential matters of judicial ethical misconduct that are not initiated by a complaint) Drafting formal advisory opinions for approval by the Commission on application of the Code of Judicial Conduct to general situations Assisting with compiling materials for Judicial Qualifications Commission meetings Assisting with compiling statistics and information for the Supreme Court Annual Report What You'll Need for Success: Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school required.

Applicant also must be a member in good standing of the Indiana Bar. Experience as a trial attorney or screening attorney is required. Additional requirements include: Advanced knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct and Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 25 Proficient in legal writing with the ability to write monthly summaries of dismissals and legal memoranda, adhering to appropriate Bluebook citations and MLA, Chicago, or AP Style Manuals Skilled in document and evidence organization and analysis Strong interpersonal communication skills to effectively advise judicial officers and attorneys who have ethical questions Able to analyze and draft formal guidance to judicial officers on common ethical questions presented Ability to effectively confer with other staff attorneys about investigation/screening history and discuss strategic analysis of investigations going forward Proficient in, or willingness to learn, utilization of online research tools and docket access, including Pacer, Odyssey, INcite, Dox Pop, and other case management systems.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point) and Adobe Knowledgeable of court processes and terminology Demonstrated ability to follow through on tasks, pay attention to details, and work independently Strong problem-solving, editing, and proofreading skills Proven ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials in a professional manner Ability to act in a professional manner that ensures public confidence in the integrity, competence, impartiality, and independence of the judiciary.

Must exercise absolute confidentiality; avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest; and abide by the Employee Handbook and Judicial Code of Conduct.

Must be willing to submit to a criminal background check. Difficulty of Work: This position requires independent performance and the exercise of sound judgment. Position supports multiple supervisors and staff with various areas of focus. This position requires the individual to multi-task at an extremely high level, and to consistently meet unwavering deadlines. This position performs a vital role in keeping the Judicial Qualifications Commission running efficiently. Benefits package for full-time employees: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees which includes: Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans; Wellness program (offers a premium discount for the medical plan and gift cards); Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution; 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 7.5 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; Group life insurance; 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 Linked In Learning access Hybrid Option for eligible employees/positions Equal Employment Opportunity: The Indiana Supreme Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunities are provided to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, interaction (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, socioeconomic status, status as a protected veteran or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and the Indiana Judicial Code.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and will need a reasonable accommodation to assist you in applying for the position or performing the essential functions of the job, the Indiana Supreme Court will provide such reasonable accommodations.