Legal Specialist

The Legal Specialist is a dynamic and self-directed member of the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's (HIWU) legal team, a division of Drug Free Sport International/International Doping Tests & Management (DFSI-IDTM). This role operates in a fast-paced environment and supports the HIWU General Counsel and staff attorneys across a broad range of legal and administrative functions, including contract management, results management, compliance monitoring, investigations, case administration, and legal operations. 

 What You Will Do

• Support HIWU General Counsel and staff attorneys with all aspects of HIWU’s legal function, including litigation.
• Manage HIWU contracts and agreements, including tracking, organization, execution, and record retention.
• Monitor HIWU compliance with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), applicable regulations, internal policies, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with HISA as needed, including entering decisions and other matters into the HISA Portal
• Compile and maintain quarterly and annual statistics to support public reporting requirements. 
• Assist attorneys with the administration and prosecution of matters arising under HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. 
• Draft and distribute legal correspondence under attorney supervision. 
• Administer HIWU's results management program and maintain related records and documentation. 
• Coordinate legal department meetings, virtual hearings, and arbitrator training activities. 
• Process and track invoices on behalf of the HIWU legal department. 
• Travel periodically to Kansas City, Missouri, for meetings, training, and team events, with occasional domestic and international travel as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned.

To succeed in this role, the individual must be a critical thinker, strong communicator, and highly organized professional who can manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision. The successful candidate will demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting HIWU's mission and stakeholders. 

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of three years of experience in a legal, paralegal, legal operations, compliance, or related professional environment. 
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; paralegal certification is a plus. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and research abilities. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other business technology platforms. 
• Ability to 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

• Experience in and around the equine industry.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Key Competencies

• Legal Research: Conducts legal research and summarizes findings to support decision-making. 
• Document Management: Drafts, reviews, organizes, and maintains legal documents and records. 
• Case and Matter Coordination: Tracks deadlines, manages case files, and supports legal matters from initiation through resolution. 
• Compliance Support: Assists with regulatory compliance activities and maintains accurate documentation. 
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Organization and Prioritization: Manages multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Confidentiality: Handles sensitive and privileged information with discretion and professionalism. 
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues, gathers information, and supports practical solutions to legal and business challenges. 
• Collaboration: Works effectively with attorneys, business partners, external counsel, and stakeholders. 
• Judgment: Applies sound judgment and follows established legal procedures, policies, and standards.
• Contract Administration: Supports contract review, execution, tracking, and records management. 
• Legal Operations: Leverages legal systems, technology, and processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.

All external applicants must submit a resume and three professional references. All request materials must be submitted for consideration. This position is desired to be filled as soon as possible, and application materials will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until filled.