Attorney, Administrative Law Judge (UI Appeals)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Attorney, Administrative Law Judge (UI Appeals)

Company: State of Indiana

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Legal / Government Operations

Date Posted: August 07, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (implied by requirements)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Preside over unemployment insurance appeals hearings as an impartial Administrative Law Judge, ensuring adherence to Indiana Code, Administrative Code, and USDOL Criteria Handbook.

• Conduct thorough investigations and fact-finding during administrative hearings, primarily via telephone, to build a comprehensive case record.

• Draft and issue timely, legally sound written decisions that include specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, supported by evidence presented.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current legal statutes, regulations, and case law relevant to unemployment insurance appeals and administrative proceedings.

• Collaborate with the Appeals Supervisor and support staff to manage case flow, resolve pre-hearing motions, and ensure efficient processing of appeals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the "Attorney, Administrative Law Judge (UI Appeals)" title suggests a legal focus, the role within the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) places it firmly within the realm of government operations and public administration. The core function involves applying legal principles to administrative processes, making it a hybrid role that requires both legal acumen and operational efficiency in managing a caseload. The emphasis on "thinking outside-the-box," "measuring and improvement," and "efficiencies" highlights a strong operational component often found in GTM or RevOps roles, but applied to the legal and administrative justice system.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Review and analyze incoming unemployment insurance appeals case files to understand the nature of the dispute and identify key issues prior to scheduling hearings.

• Rule on pre-hearing motions submitted by parties, ensuring procedural fairness and adherence to established legal standards.

• Conduct impartial administrative hearings, acting as a judge, to gather testimony, review evidence, and establish a complete factual record for each appeal.

• Communicate effectively with parties involved in hearings, many of whom may be unrepresented, to ensure they understand the process and have an opportunity to present their case.

• Prepare detailed, well-reasoned written decisions that clearly articulate findings of fact and conclusions of law, justifying the judgment rendered.

• Stay current with all relevant legislation, administrative rules, and judicial precedents affecting unemployment insurance appeals in Indiana.

• Oversee the certification of hearing transcripts when required, ensuring accuracy and completeness for the official record.

• Undertake minimal travel for necessary in-person hearings, balancing remote operations with on-site requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description outlines key duties. This section expands on them by detailing the why and how behind each responsibility, framing them within an operations context. For instance, "review and analyze case files" is expanded to include "understand the nature of the dispute and identify key issues," which is crucial for efficient case management. Similarly, "issue timely decisions" is elaborated to emphasize "legally sound written decisions that clearly articulate findings of fact and conclusions of law, justifying the judgment rendered," highlighting the critical need for accuracy and legal rigor in operations output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law institution.

• Admission to the Indiana State Bar and maintaining good standing. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in legal research, case analysis, and judicial decision-making.

• Proven ability to manage a caseload efficiently, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

• Experience conducting hearings or presiding over legal proceedings is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• Administrative Law Expertise: Deep understanding of administrative law principles, particularly as they apply to unemployment insurance appeals.

• Legal Research & Analysis: Proficiency in researching statutes, regulations, and case law, and applying them to specific factual scenarios.

• Hearing Conduct: Skill in presiding over hearings impartially, managing participants, and ensuring due process.

• Rules of Evidence & Civil Procedure: Strong knowledge and application of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure and Indiana Rules of Evidence.

• Decision Writing: Ability to draft clear, concise, and legally defensible written decisions with precise findings of fact and conclusions of law.

• Impartiality & Objectivity: Demonstrated capacity to remain neutral and objective in all aspects of case adjudication.

• Data Assimilation & Fact-Finding: Aptitude for quickly absorbing oral and written information, analyzing facts, and drawing logical conclusions.

• Independent Work Ethic: Ability to work autonomously, manage time effectively, and prioritize workload without constant supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Mediation & Conflict Resolution: Experience in resolving disputes and facilitating agreements.

• Public Speaking & Presentation: Confidence in presenting information and rulings in a clear and authoritative manner.

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with government agency regulations and compliance procedures.

• Proficiency with Legal Databases: Experience using legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).

• Experience with Case Management Systems: Familiarity with digital systems for tracking and managing legal cases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original requirements are focused on legal qualifications. This section translates them into the operational context of an Administrative Law Judge role. "Knowledge of the Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure" is framed as a requirement for "strong knowledge and application," emphasizing the practical execution. "Ability to conduct fair and impartial hearings" is broken down into "Skill in presiding over hearings impartially, managing participants, and ensuring due process," highlighting the procedural operations involved. The "independent work ethic" is emphasized as crucial for managing caseloads efficiently.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Management Workflow Design: Showcase examples of how you have structured and managed your workflow for handling individual cases from intake to resolution, demonstrating efficiency and thoroughness.

• Decision Writing Samples: Provide anonymized samples of written decisions (if permissible) or detailed descriptions of your process for crafting legally sound decisions, highlighting your ability to articulate findings of fact and conclusions of law.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Detail any instances where you identified inefficiencies in a legal or administrative process and implemented changes to improve accuracy, speed, or fairness.

• Evidence Analysis Frameworks: Illustrate your approach to evaluating and synthesizing evidence presented during hearings, including how you weigh different types of information and establish facts.

Process Documentation:

• Hearing Procedure Protocols: Document your standard operating procedures for conducting administrative hearings, including pre-hearing preparation, during-hearing management, and post-hearing actions.

• Decision Drafting Workflows: Outline the step-by-step process you follow from receiving a case file to finalizing and issuing a written decision, detailing quality control checkpoints.

• Legal Research Methodologies: Describe your systematic approach to legal research, ensuring comprehensive coverage of relevant statutes, regulations, and case law for each appeal.

• Case File Review Standards: Detail the criteria and steps involved in your review of case files to ensure all necessary documentation is present and to identify critical issues early.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is entirely inferred, as the original job description does not specify portfolio requirements. It's designed to help candidates understand what a government administrative law role might expect in terms of demonstrating their process-oriented skills, analogous to how a Revenue Operations professional would present their work. The focus is on structured approaches, documentation, and demonstrable improvements within a legal and administrative framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The starting salary for this position is $67,314.00 annually. The final salary may be commensurate with education and relevant work experience. Candidates are encouraged to use the provided Compensation Calculator on the State of Indiana website for a more detailed understanding of the total compensation package.

Benefits:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, including:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Three (3) medical plan options, including prescription (RX) coverage.
  • Vision and dental plans.
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Opportunities to earn gift card rewards by completing wellness activities.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a bi-weekly state contribution.

• Retirement & Financial:

  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account with an employer match, similar to a 401(k).
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.

• Time Off & Leave:

  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off annually.
  • 12 paid holidays (14 on election years).
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave.
  • Up to eight (8) weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave annually.

• Professional Development & Support:

  • Education Reimbursement Program.
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access.
  • Employee assistance program offering covered behavioral health visits.
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Other Perks:

  • Group life insurance.

  • Referral Bonus program.

  • Free Parking (for most positions). Working Hours:

This is an exempt position, meaning it is not eligible for overtime compensation. Employees are expected to work the hours necessary to complete essential functions, which may exceed 75 hours in a bi-weekly pay period without additional compensation. A minimum of 75 hours per pay period must be reported as work hours or paid leave to receive the base bi-weekly salary. A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but flexibility is required to meet operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary information is directly from the posting. The benefits are detailed and categorized for clarity, with specific notes on programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which are highly relevant to public sector legal roles. The working hours explanation clarifies the "exempt" status and its implications for workload management, a critical operational consideration for potential applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Legal Services

Company Size: Large (State Agency)

Founded: The State of Indiana has a long history, with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) evolving over time to support Indiana's economic growth and workforce development initiatives.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is mission-driven, focused on developing a premier workforce. The culture emphasizes "thinking outside-the-box," utilizing "cutting-edge technologies," and defining "metrics for measurement and improvement."

• Legal & Administrative Cadre: This role is part of an appeals division, likely comprising other Administrative Law Judges, legal support staff, and supervisors who manage the appeals process.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While primarily within the appeals unit, collaboration with other DWD departments (e.g., adjudication, policy, data analysis) is likely necessary to ensure consistent application of laws and efficient processing of claims.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The DWD's mission explicitly states the need to "determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement." This translates to a data-informed approach in case adjudication and process optimization.

• Process Optimization: A core tenet of the DWD's operational philosophy is to identify and implement "efficiencies." This means roles are expected to contribute to streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.

• Technological Integration: The department aims to utilize "cutting-edge technologies" to assess Indiana’s employment future, suggesting an environment that embraces innovation in its operational tools and data analysis.

Company Website: https://www.in.gov/dwd/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the culture and team structure based on the DWD's stated mission and the nature of administrative law roles within a government agency. The emphasis on metrics, efficiency, and technology is crucial for framing the operational context of a legal role. The "Company Website" is added for direct reference.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Administrative Law Judge

This role represents a mid-level position within the legal and administrative framework of the State of Indiana. It requires specialized legal knowledge and the ability to independently manage a significant caseload. The responsibilities involve not just adjudicating cases but also contributing to the operational efficiency and fairness of the unemployment insurance appeals system.

Reporting Structure:

The Administrative Law Judge reports to an Appeals Supervisor or a designated lead within the unemployment insurance appeals division. This structure ensures oversight, quality control, and adherence to departmental policies and legal standards. Collaboration with peers and support staff is also integral to the operational workflow.

Operations Impact:

The work directly impacts Hoosiers by providing a fair and timely resolution to unemployment insurance appeals. Accurate and efficient adjudication ensures the integrity of the unemployment system, supports individuals in their transition back to work, and upholds the state's commitment to economic stability. The role's operational efficiency contributes to the DWD's overall mission of workforce development and economic growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Administrative Law Judge: Progression to more complex cases, supervisory roles, or specialized appeals areas.

• Appeals Supervisor/Manager: Opportunities to lead a team of judges, oversee operational processes, and contribute to policy development.

• Policy Development: Involvement in shaping unemployment insurance policies and procedures based on legal expertise and operational insights.

• Specialized Legal Counsel: Transition to other legal or policy roles within state government focusing on labor law, administrative procedures, or regulatory affairs.

• Continuous Learning: Access to ongoing legal education, professional development, and training in administrative best practices, enhancing both legal and operational skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates potential career paths and the operational impact of the role. It frames the "Attorney, Administrative Law Judge" position not just as a legal role but as an integral part of the state's operational infrastructure for managing unemployment claims. The growth opportunities are geared towards both legal advancement and operational leadership within the public sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Government Office Environment

This is an office-based position located at 10 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204. The environment is professional and structured, typical of state government agencies.

Office Location(s):

The primary work location is in Indianapolis, IN. While the role is primarily conducted via telephone, occasional in-person hearings may require minimal travel within Indiana. The office itself is situated in a central location within Indianapolis, likely offering accessibility via public transportation and proximity to government facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Dedicated Workspace: Employees are provided with a workspace conducive to focused work, including necessary office equipment and technology.

• Technology Access: Access to legal research databases, case management software, and communication tools essential for conducting hearings and drafting decisions.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: While individual case management is key, there are opportunities for interaction with colleagues, supervisors, and support staff for case consultation, process alignment, and team meetings.

• Professional Demeanor: The environment necessitates maintaining a professional and impartial demeanor at all times, reflecting the judicial nature of the role.

Work Schedule:

The role requires adherence to state government working hours, typically a standard 40-hour week. However, as an exempt employee, there is an expectation to work the hours necessary to fulfill all job duties, which may include periods of extended work to ensure timely decision delivery and case management, without additional compensation beyond the base salary. This necessitates strong time management and prioritization skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the on-site work environment, emphasizing the professional setting and the necessary tools. It reiterates the implications of the exempt status on the work schedule and highlights the balance between independent work and team collaboration, important for understanding daily operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for this role will likely involve several stages designed to assess legal knowledge, judicial temperament, and operational efficiency.

1. Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and applications to verify minimum qualifications (Juris Doctorate, Indiana Bar admission).

2. Skills-Based Interview: An interview with a hiring panel or supervisor to evaluate legal reasoning, understanding of evidence and procedure, and ability to conduct impartial hearings. This may include situational questions.

3. Case Study/Writing Sample Review: Candidates may be asked to provide anonymized writing samples (decisions, legal briefs) or complete a hypothetical case study exercise. This assesses decision-writing skills and analytical capabilities.

4. Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with senior leadership, to discuss fit with the agency's mission, operational expectations, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

For this role, a "portfolio" would focus on demonstrating your legal and administrative process management capabilities.

• Decision Writing Excellence: If permissible, provide anonymized examples of well-reasoned legal decisions. Focus on clarity, logical flow, and thoroughness in findings of fact and conclusions of law. If samples cannot be shared, meticulously describe your process for drafting decisions, highlighting your systematic approach.

• Case Management Approach: Detail your methods for organizing and managing a caseload. This could include how you prioritize, track deadlines, and ensure all procedural steps are followed. Use examples to illustrate efficiency and thoroughness.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Highlight any instances where you identified a process bottleneck or inefficiency in a legal or administrative setting and propose or implement a solution. Focus on measurable outcomes like reduced processing time, improved accuracy, or enhanced fairness.

• Legal Analysis Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your approach to analyzing complex legal issues, weighing evidence, and applying relevant statutes and case law. Use past cases (anonymized) as examples to illustrate your critical thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

Candidates should prepare for potential challenges that test their ability to:

• Adjudicate a Hypothetical Case: You might be presented with a scenario and asked to outline your approach to conducting a hearing, what evidence you would seek, and how you would arrive at a decision. Focus on impartiality, due process, and thorough fact-finding.

• Explain Legal Concepts: Be ready to articulate complex legal rules (e.g., admissibility of evidence, burden of proof) in a clear, understandable manner, as you would to unrepresented parties.

• Discuss Operational Efficiency: Prepare to discuss how you ensure timely and efficient case processing while maintaining high standards of legal accuracy and fairness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the interview and portfolio process, tailoring it to a legal/administrative role. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just legal knowledge but also the operational skills of case management, process adherence, and efficient decision-making, which are key for government operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Legal Research Databases: Proficiency with platforms such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or similar legal research tools is essential for staying current with relevant laws and case precedents.

• Case Management Systems: Experience with state-specific or general legal case management software for tracking case status, scheduling hearings, and managing documentation. (Specific system names are unknown for this role).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Word for drafting decisions, Outlook for communication and scheduling, and Excel for basic data organization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal DWD Reporting Tools: Familiarity with any internal systems used by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development for tracking hearing outcomes, decision timeliness, and case resolution metrics.

• Data Analysis Software (Basic): Ability to interpret data presented in reports and potentially perform basic analysis using tools like Excel to understand trends in appeals.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal DWD Systems: The state likely uses proprietary or specialized systems for managing unemployment claims and appeals. Understanding how to navigate and utilize these systems for case intake, scheduling, and decision promulgation is crucial.

• Communication Platforms: Standard office communication tools for internal and external correspondence, including email, and potentially secure messaging systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the technology stack based on typical requirements for legal and administrative roles within government. The emphasis is on legal research tools, case management systems, and general office productivity software. Specific system names are not provided, so general categories are used.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Fairness & Impartiality: Upholding the principles of justice and ensuring that all parties receive a fair hearing, regardless of their background or representation. This is the cornerstone of the judicial function.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: A commitment to processing cases promptly and delivering decisions without undue delay, contributing to the operational effectiveness of the appeals division.

• Integrity & Accountability: Maintaining the highest ethical standards in all professional conduct and taking responsibility for the accuracy and quality of decisions and work performed.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to adapt to new legal precedents, adopt efficient processes, and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the unemployment insurance appeals system.

• Service to Hoosiers: A dedication to serving the citizens of Indiana by providing a reliable and just system for resolving employment disputes.

Collaboration Style:

• Procedural Adherence: Collaboration emphasizes following established protocols and legal procedures to ensure consistency and fairness across all cases.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where judges and staff share insights on legal interpretations, procedural best practices, and efficient case management techniques to collectively improve the division's performance.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on decisions, hearing conduct, and procedural improvements, fostering a learning environment.

• Cross-Functional Liaison: Acting as a point of contact between the appeals division and other departments within DWD or external legal entities, ensuring smooth information flow and coordinated efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section elaborates on the core values and collaboration style expected in a public sector legal and administrative role. It connects these values directly to the operational aspects of managing hearings and making decisions, highlighting how they underpin the team's functioning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Caseload Volume: Managing a significant number of appeals cases simultaneously, requiring exceptional organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines.

• Diverse Party Representation: Conducting hearings with parties who may be unrepresented, distressed, or unfamiliar with legal processes, demanding patience, clear communication, and adept facilitation.

• Complex Legal Issues: Adjudicating cases that involve intricate legal questions, requiring thorough research and precise application of statutes and case law.

• Maintaining Impartiality: Navigating potentially contentious situations while strictly adhering to impartiality and due process standards.

• Adapting to Evolving Law: Keeping pace with changes in unemployment law, administrative procedures, and relevant case law to ensure decisions are always current and legally sound.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Legal Training: Access to continuing legal education (CLE) programs focused on administrative law, labor law, evidence, and judicial procedure.

• Operational Process Improvement Workshops: Opportunities to attend training on workflow optimization, case management best practices, and the effective use of technology in administrative settings.

• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from senior judges or supervisors on complex legal issues, judicial temperament, and career progression within the state system.

• Professional Certifications: Potential for pursuing certifications related to administrative law, mediation, or public administration.

• Exposure to Policy Development: Opportunities to contribute insights that may influence policy adjustments within the DWD, impacting the broader unemployment insurance system.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in the role and outlines specific growth and learning avenues available within the state government framework, emphasizing continuous professional development in both legal and operational capacities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Case Adjudication Philosophy: "Describe your approach to conducting an administrative hearing and issuing a decision. How do you ensure fairness and accuracy, especially when parties are unrepresented?" Prepare to walk through your process, highlighting due diligence and impartiality.

• Legal Interpretation & Application: "How do you research and apply a new statute or a complex court ruling to an unemployment insurance appeal? Provide an example of a challenging legal issue you resolved." Focus on your methodology and the outcome.

• Operational Efficiency: "How do you manage a high volume of cases while maintaining quality and timeliness? What strategies do you employ to prioritize tasks and avoid backlogs?" Discuss your organizational systems and time management techniques.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding DWD's Mission: "What interests you about working for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and specifically in unemployment insurance appeals?" Research DWD's mission and connect your skills to their goals of workforce development and economic growth.

• Judicial Temperament: "How do you handle parties who are emotional, aggressive, or disrespectful during a hearing?" Demonstrate your ability to remain calm, professional, and focused on the facts and legal standards.

• Contribution to Operations: "Beyond adjudicating cases, how do you see yourself contributing to the operational efficiency and improvement of the appeals process?" Highlight your proactive approach to identifying and suggesting process enhancements.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: When discussing any written work or case examples, emphasize the process you followed – your research methodology, analytical steps, and decision-making framework.

• Quantify Impact (where possible): If you have examples of process improvements, try to quantify the benefits (e.g., "reduced processing time by X%", "improved accuracy in Y").

• Demonstrate Legal Rigor: Clearly articulate the legal basis for your decisions and analyses, showcasing your command of statutes, rules, and case law.

• Showcase Communication Skills: Practice explaining complex legal concepts clearly and concisely, as you would need to do during hearings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for preparing for interviews and presenting a portfolio for this unique legal operations role. It focuses on demonstrating both legal expertise and operational competence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Attorney, Administrative Law Judge (UI Appeals) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the workforindiana.in.gov website.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your Juris Doctorate, Indiana State Bar admission, experience with administrative law, evidence, civil procedure, hearing conduct, and decision writing. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have anonymized writing samples (legal decisions, briefs) or can describe your case management and process improvement contributions, have these ready to discuss or submit if requested. Focus on demonstrating your systematic approach to legal analysis and administrative efficiency.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer questions related to legal reasoning, judicial temperament, impartiality, and operational efficiency. Practice articulating your process for case adjudication and decision-making.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's mission, values, and strategic goals. Understand the importance of unemployment insurance appeals within the broader context of state workforce development.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.