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Chief Legal Counsel

Date Posted: Oct 24, 2025

Requisition ID: 467551

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

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, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have 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. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:

This position serves as the Chief General Counsel/Deputy Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and is responsible for providing leadership for the areas Business Opportunitis Iniatives, Pre-Qualification, Ethics, Internal Affairs, Legal Services, Contract Administration and Litigation. Employee helps facilitate the implementation of INDOT goals, priorities and values by providing accurate and timely legal advice and counsel to ensure agency success and to minimize legal risks. This position reports directly to the Commissioner.

Location:

This position is located in INDOT’s Central Office, Legal Division.

Salary:

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $120,016.00. Salary for this position may be commensurate with education and job experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

+ 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, as requested.

+ Provide legal assistance in the drafting of legal documents, agency policy, rules and regulations, resolutions, and other legal or related papers upon request.

+ Provide legal assistance in the drafting of legislation impacting the agency.

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

+ Advise staff concerning agency matters.

+ Conduct legal research and prepares reports on various topics as requested by the Commissioner and management team.

+ Review contracts as requested.

+ Manage agency litigation and coordinates 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 in a manner that enhances the agency’s ability to provide fast, accurate, and friendly customer service to the people of the State of Indiana.

+ Provide reports regarding matters within the incumbent’s responsibilities that are appropriate for public discussion.

Operate the division within the financial constraints established by the budget process.

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:

The ideal candidate for this role should have:

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

Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.

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

+ Thorough knowledge of agency and/or organizational program(s) and business practices.

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

+ Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.

+ Thorough knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of budget management.

+ Ability to supervise others by assigning/directing work. conducting employee evaluations, staff training and development, taking appropriate disciplinary/corrective actions, making hiring/termination recommendations.

+ Must possess excellent writing and communication skills and be able to present ideas and opinions 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 the culture of teamwork, excellent customer service and cost-effective use of the people’s 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:

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 [email protected].

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