Staff Attorney

The City of Fort Wayne is seeking an attorney who brings sound judgment, strategic thinking, and a commitment to public service. This is an opportunity to guide civil rights enforcement, advise Commission leadership, and turn complex legal issues into action that matters to our community.

Behind every discrimination complaint is a person whose livelihood, home, education, or access to services may be affected. As Staff Attorney for the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, your work helps ensure those concerns receive thoughtful legal review, fair treatment, and meaningful resolution.

Serve as the Commission's legal counsel and representative, overseeing legal matters involving discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Working with the Executive Director, investigators, and Commissioners, you will guide cases from investigation through resolution while supporting effective, fair, and legally sound decision-making.

• →Lead civil rights enforcement: Manage cases through fact-finding, discovery, settlement negotiations, administrative hearings, appeals, and litigation.
• →Provide strategic legal counsel: Advise the Executive Director, staff, and Commissioners on civil rights laws, complex legal matters, agency procedures, and public access requirements.
• →Guide investigations and case strategy: Direct and prioritize investigators' work, assess evidence, and develop legal approaches that support thorough investigations and timely resolution.
• →Represent the Commission: Prepare legal documents and present matters before the Commission, courts, Common Council, and other appropriate bodies.
• →Strengthen community understanding: Deliver educational presentations, support staff and Commissioner training, and help businesses, organizations, and residents understand their rights and responsibilities.

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in Indiana.
• Some experience in civil rights investigation, prosecution, administrative law, or legal research.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.
• Strong legal research, writing, litigation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to apply legal principles to complex and sensitive matters.
• The judgment, independence, and professionalism to lead challenging conversations and work respectfully with people representing different perspectives.

• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney performing high-level legal work.

• Knowledge of applicable employment, fair housing, disability rights, and municipal civil rights laws.
• Ability to prepare motions, briefs, subpoenas, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
• Qualification to practice before county and municipal courts in Indiana.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of applicable drug screening, physical examination, and background checks.