Benefits Attorney

About Us:

Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS’) is among the largest 100 pension systems in the United States. INPRS serves the needs of approximately over 500,000 members and retirees representing approximately over 1,400 employers, including public universities, school corporations, public safety, municipalities and state agencies. The Indiana Public Retirement System is a public pension fund who manages approximately over $50 billion in assets, making it one of the largest in the United States. We are located in the heart of the city, in downtown Indianapolis, near the circle & across the street from our monumental state house. This position will require Indiana state residency. This position is not eligible for H-1B or any other kind of temporary or permanent sponsorship for work authorization by the Indiana Public Retirement System. Therefore, if you will require sponsorship from us for work authorization now or in the future, we cannot consider your application at this time.

Why Join:

INPRS’ believes that people are the foundation of our success. It takes people with different backgrounds, ideas, and strengths to be successful. Balance in life is important. We strive to have a flexible and supportive environment while not sacrificing service to our members. We pride ourselves by modeling a collaborative, diverse and inclusive environment for our employees. Our mission. “As fiduciaries, educate stakeholders, collect necessary contributions, and prudently manage member assets to deliver promised defined benefit and defined contribution benefits and services”.

Work Flexibility:

We, like many employers, have worked in a hybrid schedule since 2022 and now have returned to the office 100% (5 days a week). That said, we do understand and recognize the importance of work/life balance and flexibility for our workforce. Some flexible options consist of:

• Alternate Work Schedule; 1 or 2 days off a pay period by working an extra 1- 2 hours a day
• Ad Hoc Remote Work (Temporary); manager approved; 75 hours granted annually; 10 hours granted per pay period (use it or lose it - don’t roll over) work from home due to contractor at house, daycare closed, car issue, doctor appointment etc.
• Project Based Remote Work (Temporary); manager approved; complete online training course

Your Impact:

Benefits attorney assists the Senior Benefits Attorney and the Chief Counsel in providing guidance and analysis regarding complex areas of public pension law; responsible for representing INPRS in administrative and judicial review proceedings, and provides counseling on related matters, such as tax and contract issues, as well as issues related to INPRS as a quasi-state agency, as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Administering the administrative and judicial review process, including preparing initial and amended determination letters, drafting and responding to discovery, drafting complex dispositive motions and other legal documents, and conducting depositions, as needed as required
• Serving as one of the legal contacts for responding to subpoenas and other requests
• Maintaining a working knowledge of all pertinent federal and state laws, regulations and INPRS policies and procedures, including those related to maintenance of 401(a) pension plan qualification and related tax issues
• Preparing and communicating legal interpretations to staff regarding INPRS benefit provisions, rollovers to IRAs and other qualified plans, and other public employee benefit issues
• Analyzing and responding to inquiries to the Legal Department from INPRS members, retirees, beneficiaries and employers, as well as state legislators and other constituents
• Drafting administrative rules and providing information and recommendations for proposed legislation, as needed
• Assisting in administering overpayment recovery and collection of unpaid contributions
• Resolving issues identified by the Internal Revenue Service, as needed
• Conducting legal research, analyzing legal issues and preparing legal memoranda, as directed by the Senior Benefits Attorney or Chief Counsel
• Assisting the Chief Counsel with INPRS personnel employment matters
• Working with outside counsel and the Attorney General’s Office, as needed
• Carrying out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Deputy Directors, Chief Counsel, or Senior Benefits Attorney.

Core Competencies:

• Excellent research and writing skills
• Strong verbal communication and advocacy skills, comfortable public speaking and presenting
• Confidence and competence using essential technology, including Office 365, Adobe, calendaring and teleconferencing platforms, and other collaborative applications
• Enthusiasm for engaging collaboratively and respectfully across departments and with diverse pension plan stakeholders, including employers and employees
• Familiarity and experience with Indiana pension law
• Demonstrated capacity to solve problems creatively and independently
• Ability to use discretion and sound judgment to resolve sensitive issues and handle confidential information
  • Ability to deal tactfully with members and employers in resolving issues and a commitment to quality customer service
  • Commitment to the shared values and mission of the INPRS

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Juris Doctor Degree required.
• License to practice law in the State of Indiana.
• At least 2-5 years of litigation experience required, including deposition and actual trial experience; 5 + years of experience preferred.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Competitive compensation
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Healthcare coverage (medical / dental / vision)
• Health savings account with employer contribution
• Prescription coverage
• Employer funded retirement plan (pension plan)
• Deferred compensation plan (employer and/or employee contribution plan)
• Flexible spending account
• Work/life balance (37.5 hours weekly)
• 12 paid holidays; 14 during election year
• Paid leave (personal, sick, vacation)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional credential reimbursement
• Group life insurance
• Employer-paid downtown parking

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application and resume for review. For more information about our organization, please visit our INPRS Careers Page: https://www.in.gov/inprs/careers.htm.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruit, select, develop, and promote employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

Indiana Public Retirement System has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

This position is not eligible for H-1B or any other kind of temporary or permanent sponsorship for work authorization by the Indiana Public Retirement System. Therefore, if you will require sponsorship from us for work authorization now or in the future, we cannot consider your application at this time.