HIWU Litigation Counsel

Drug Free Sport LLC; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The HIWU Litigation Counsel will join the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's legal team, a division of DFIS/IDTM, to manage a high-volume ADMC litigation caseload and prosecute asserted violations.

The role requires a JD with 5+ years of litigation experience, strong writing and advocacy skills, and the ability to coordinate with investigators, experts, and external counsel. Domestic and international travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership and good standing in at least one state bar.
• Minimum of 5 years of litigation experience in diverse forums.
• Experience handling a significant caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Commitment to maintaining ethics, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manage the prosecution of asserted violations under the ADMC Program on behalf of HIWU.
• Review investigative files, laboratory reports, witness statements, and other evidence.
• Draft charge letters, legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other submissions.
• Prepare and present evidence, witness examinations, and legal arguments before tribunals.
• Support appeals and related proceedings before Administrative Law Judges, FTC, and others.
• Partner with investigators and 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 and risk assessments.
• Manage multiple matters simultaneously with deadlines and quality standards.
• 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.

Skills

Litigation management

Legal analysis

Oral advocacy

Research & writing

Communication

Judgment & decision-making

Organization & attention to detail

Collaboration

Adaptability

Integrity & professionalism

Discretion & confidentiality

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Bar admission in at least one state

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal technology platforms

Job 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.

The ideal candidate is an experienced attorney with at least 5 years of litigation experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can quickly assume an active caseload, and possesses strong judgment, writing, advocacy, and organizational skills. This individual must demonstrate a commitment to integrity, fairness, and the mission of advancing equine safety and welfare.

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.

• 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.

Applicants must submit a resume and three professional references. All requested materials must be submitted for consideration. This position is desired to be filled immediately, and application materials will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until filled.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.