The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Carries an active caseload of matters assigned by the Legal Director, drawn from across the agency's four practice areas, with assignments based on caseload, geography, attorney development goals, and case complexity;
• Represents clients in state and federal court, in administrative proceedings, and in informal negotiations and mediations;
• Drafts and files pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents, with consultation and review from the Legal Director and the relevant Senior Attorney as appropriate;
• Conducts discovery, including depositions, written discovery, and document review;
• Performs legal research and drafts internal and external legal memoranda;
• Consults with the relevant Senior Attorney on subject-matter questions, case strategy, and substantive legal issues arising in assigned cases;
• Consults with the Legal Director on litigation decisions, settlement, case closure, and significant case developments;
• Works closely with advocacy staff assigned to support cases, providing direction on case-related advocacy work and coordinating client communications and case strategy;
• Participates in the weekly Case Review Committee as assigned and contributes to case selection discussions across the agency;
• Represents the agency in coalitions, workgroups, and stakeholder meetings as assigned;
• Drafts publications, public-facing legal resources, and policy comments as assigned;
• Develops and presents training and community outreach materials as assigned;
• Engages with the Investigations Coordinator, Monitoring Coordinator, and Intake Coordinator on assigned matters that involve investigations, monitoring activities, or intake operations;
• Maintains contemporaneous time records, particularly for matters with potential attorneys' fees recovery;
• Maintains all case documentation in the agency's litigation management system in accordance with agency case management policy;
• Pursues professional development opportunities, including continuing legal education, training in new practice areas, and mentorship with the Senior Attorneys, to build subject-matter expertise over time.

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 Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school;
• Current admission in good standing to the Indiana bar, or eligibility for admission within a reasonable period after hire;
• Admission, or eligibility for admission, to the United States District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana is preferred;
• Prior legal experience is welcomed but not required. Recent law school graduates and attorneys early in their careers are encouraged to apply;
• A demonstrated commitment to disability rights, civil rights, public interest law, or the representation of underserved communities;
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, judges, hearing officers, agency officials, coalition partners, and the public, both in person and in virtual environments such as video conferences and remote hearings;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage a varied caseload, and meet competing deadlines;
• Willingness to learn new substantive areas of law and to seek consultation and feedback from more experienced attorneys;
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality and adhere to the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, video conferencing and virtual meeting platforms, the agency's litigation management system, and electronic court filing systems, with a willingness to adopt new technology tools as the agency evolves;
• Commitment to the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence tools in legal practice, consistent with IDR policy and applicable professional responsibility standards;
• Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to travel throughout the State of Indiana by alternate means. Travel throughout the State of Indiana is required to attend court and administrative hearings, mediations, depositions, client meetings, and coalition and workgroup meetings. Occasional out-of-state travel may be required for national conferences and training.

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