HIWU Litigation Counsel

Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU); Fully; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HIWU is seeking an experienced Litigation Counsel to join its legal team. You will manage a high-volume litigation caseload tied to the ADMC program, prosecute violations, and support hearings, appeals, and enforcement actions.

The role requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to provide strategic legal guidance. Ideal candidates have a JD, active bar status, and at least 5 years of litigation experience, with strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in at least one state.
• 5+ years of litigation experience across investigations, discovery, hearings, trials, or appeals.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage prosecution of asserted violations under the ADMC Program for HIWU.
• Review investigative files, lab reports, witness statements, and supporting evidence.
• Draft charge letters, memoranda, briefs, motions, and related submissions.
• Prepare and present evidence, witness examinations, and legal arguments before arbitral bodies and tribunals.
• Support appeals and proceedings before Administrative Law Judges and other bodies.
• Collaborate with investigators and experts to evaluate evidence and develop case strategies.
• Provide legal guidance on investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance matters.
• Coordinate with General Counsel on litigation strategy and risk assessments.
• Manage multiple matters with deadlines and quality standards.
• Coordinate with outside counsel, experts, and consultants as needed.
• Stay informed on developments relevant to the ADMC Program.

Skills

Litigation management

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Written communication

Case strategy

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Evidence management software

Job description

Description

The Litigation Counsel is a key contributor to the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's (HIWU) legal team, a division of Drug Free Sport International/International Doping Tests & Management (DFSI-IDTM). This role is responsible for managing a high-volume litigation caseload related to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The HIWU Litigation Counsel will prosecute asserted violations, support hearings and appeals, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and provide legal guidance on investigative and enforcement matters.

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Litigation Counsel is a key contributor to the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's (HIWU) legal team, a division of Drug Free Sport International/International Doping Tests & Management (DFSI-IDTM). This role is responsible for managing a high-volume litigation caseload related to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The HIWU Litigation Counsel will prosecute asserted violations, support hearings and appeals, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and provide legal guidance on investigative and enforcement matters.

What You Will Do

• Manage the prosecution of asserted violations under the ADMC Program on behalf of HIWU.
• Review investigative files, laboratory reports, witness statements, and other supporting evidence related to asserted violations.
• Draft charge letters, legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other submissions required under the ADMC Program.
• Prepare and present evidence, witness examinations, and legal arguments before arbitral bodies, administrative tribunals, and other adjudicatory forums.
• Support appeals and related proceedings before Administrative Law Judges, the Federal Trade Commission, and other applicable bodies.
• Partner with investigators and subject matter experts to evaluate evidence and develop case strategies.
• Provide legal advice and support related to investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance matters.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel and Legal team on litigation strategy, risk assessments, and other legal initiatives.
• Manage multiple matters simultaneously while ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently met.
• Coordinate with outside counsel, experts, and consultants as needed.
• Stay informed on legal, regulatory, scientific, and industry developments relevant to the ADMC Program.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership and good standing in at least one state bar association.
• Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience, including experience managing cases through investigation, discovery, motion practice, hearings, trials, arbitration, administrative proceedings, or comparable forums.
• Demonstrated experience handling a significant caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong legal research, analysis, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Evaluate complex factual and legal issues and develop practical solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential matters.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology platforms.
• Successfully manage competing priorities and deadlines in a high-volume legal environment.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.
• Pass all pre-employment requirements, including a background check, drug test, reference checks, degree verification, and confidentiality and conflict-of-interest agreements.

Nice To Have Experience

• Former prosecutorial experience at the federal, state, or local level.
• Experience with administrative law, regulatory enforcement, arbitration, or quasi-judicial proceedings.
• Experience conducting witness preparation and examinations.
• Familiarity with anti-doping, sports law, compliance, or enforcement programs.
• Experience working with scientific, medical, laboratory, or technical evidence.
• Knowledge of the equine industry, horse racing, or related regulatory frameworks.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Key Competencies

• Litigation Management: Effectively manages a high-volume caseload by prioritizing work, balancing competing demands, and consistently meeting legal deadlines.
• Legal Analysis: Evaluates complex legal and factual issues to develop well-reasoned strategies and recommendations.
• Advocacy: Persuasively presents legal arguments, evidence, and positions through written submissions and oral presentations.
• Communication: Conveys information clearly, professionally, and effectively to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Judgment and Decision-Making: Exercises sound legal judgment and makes thoughtful, defensible decisions in complex situations.
• Organization and Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy and consistency while managing multiple matters, deadlines, and legal documents.
• Collaboration: Builds productive working relationships and works effectively across legal, investigative, operational, and leadership teams.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and responds effectively to changing priorities, emerging issues, and evolving workloads.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Demonstrates the highest ethical standards, maintains confidentiality, and acts in alignment with organizational values.
• Mission Focus: Supports the organization's commitment to integrity, fairness, equine safety, and welfare through dedicated service and accountability.