Since 2021, Attorney General Todd Rokita’s Litigation Division has saved more than $145 million in estimated taxpayer dollars through successful advocacy on behalf of the state.
According to Attorney General Rokita, the division has managed 13,782 cases, successfully closing 13,480 of them, while achieving favorable outcomes in 40 out of 43 civil defense jury trials—a remarkable 93% success rate—and recovering over $74.5 million for the state.
"Our office works tirelessly to defend the state and save Hoosier taxpayers millions in unnecessary costs,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The Litigation Division’s dedication and legal expertise continue to serve justice and protect our wallets. I’m incredibly proud of the entire team for their unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in defending Indiana’s interests.”
As an example of the work:
In Mullins v. Miller, et al., the plaintiff alleged the Indiana Department of Health discriminated against him on account of his disability. After a two-day federal jury trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of state defendants on all claims and against the plaintiff, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 14th Amendment Equal Protection claims, saving taxpayers an estimated $130,000.
In another case, Gerlach v. Todd Rokita, et al., plaintiffs alleged the state wrongfully withheld interest earnings on unclaimed property, violating the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause. The court dismissed all claims for damages, attorneys’ fees, and just compensation—a decision upheld on appeal—saving taxpayers over $5 million.
Led by Chief Counsel Patricia Orloff Erdmann, the Litigation Division represents the state, its agencies, officials, and employees in state and federal courts. Organized into four specialized sections, she said the division handles a wide range of complex cases with precision and efficiency.
“As the state’s law firm, our dedicated deputies vigorously defend our laws and public servants, ensuring that Hoosiers’ hard-earned money remains where it belongs - in their pockets,” Erdmann said. “The significant savings and recoveries we’ve achieved for our state are a testament to the teamwork of our office and division sections managed by Section Chiefs Aaron Ridlen, Adrienne Pope, Heather Crockett and Thomas Bright.”
|
|
Emily Adams named 2026 Lilly Endowment Scholar
New Smart SNAP regulations to begin January 1
Rockville Town Board speaks out about 2025
Ray Allison named next executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission
INvestABLE Indiana announces expanded eligibility criteria beginning January 1
Rockville Parks Board continues working on quality of life improvements
Indiana advances coal ash permitting program
Indiana's state parks offer New Years Day events
DNR receives regional award for project on former mine land near Pleasantville
ISP shopping safety tips
Riverton Parke's Emily Adams awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Parke County
BMV announces Christmas and New Year's Day holiday hours
Indiana launches Smart SNAP
Indiana 211: Connecting Hoosiers to holiday support and essential resources
Department of Homeland Security launches Worst of the Worst website
