Deputy General Counsel
Date Posted: Mar 20, 2026
Requisition ID: 474339
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 Natural Resources:
The mission of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.
Role Overview:
The Deputy General Counsel for Rulemaking leads and manages the agency's rulemaking function to ensure proposed administrative rules are legally sound, strategically beneficial to the Department, and adopted in compliance with all applicable legal and procedural requirements. This role works closely with DNR divisions, agency leadership, the Legislative Services Agency, the Attorney General's Office, the Governor's Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and other overseeing entities throughout the rulemaking process. Responsibilities include advising divisions on rule development, reviewing and drafting language, coordinating required notices and public hearings, tracking deadlines and approvals, and ensuring completion of all procedural steps necessary for adoption.
This position also supervises assigned legal staff involved in rulemaking matters, including another attorney, and helps set priorities, maintain quality control, and ensure timely completion of work. The role requires strong judgment, close attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple rules at different stages simultaneously. Because rulemaking is deadline driven and may involve evening hearings or time sensitive filings, the position may occasionally require work outside normal business hours.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position starts at $93,002.00 and will be commensurate with education or work 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 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 of 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.
Assist Ethics Officer for the agency.
Assist the General Counsel to keep assigned agency informed and up to date regarding any matters that are likely to have a significant impact upon the agency.
Provide reports regarding matters within the responsibilities that are appropriate for public discussion.
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:
Doctorate of Jurisprudence and an active Indiana Bar license in good standing is required for this position.
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.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.
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 jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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