General Counsel

Job Posting Title

Agency

Supervisory Organization

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Job Type

Compensation

Job Description

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) is a state agency dedicated to regulating and promoting horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, ensuring integrity, safety, and compliance with Oklahoma law. The General Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the OHRC, its nine members, and its staff, delivering comprehensive legal support in a small-agency environment. This role encompasses rule-making, enforcement, agency operations, and representing the agency in administrative and judicial proceedings.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Commission members, and stewards to develop and enforce regulations under the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act (Title 3A, § 200 et seq.) and OAC Title 325. Responsibilities include drafting administrative rules, prosecuting violations, advising on Open Records and Open Meetings Acts, providing legal guidance on agency employment, purchasing, personnel, and contract review, and managing legal operations with limited resources. The General Counsel will also offer legal advice and recommendations to the Commission and staff, review proposed legislation, coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and district attorneys to address criminal violations, such as illegal wagering or race-fixing, and represent the OHRC in litigation or hearings.

The ideal candidate will have prior agency counsel experience, and possess expertise in Oklahoma administrative law, criminal prosecutions, and agency operations, with a proven ability to lead teams and provide strategic legal counsel. Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills are essential, as is the ability to communicate complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders. In-state travel, including occasional overnight stays, is expected, with opportunities for out-of-state training.

Essential Functions:

- Draft, revise, and navigate administrative rules through the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act, ensuring compliance with Title 3A and OAC Title 325.

- Prosecute administrative and criminal violations, including contempt citations and race-related offenses, in collaboration with stewards and district attorneys.

- Advise on compliance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act (Title 51) and Open Meetings Act (Title 25), processing records requests and ensuring transparent operations.

- Provide legal counsel and recommendations to the Commission and staff on agency employment, purchasing, personnel, and contract review, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

- Review and analyze proposed legislation, offering recommendations to the Commission and staff on potential impacts to OHRC operations and regulatory authority.

- Supervise legal and administrative staff, overseeing case management, training, and enforcement activities in a small-agency setting.

- Represent the OHRC in administrative hearings and appeals, drafting pleadings, motions, and legal opinions.

- Provide legal counsel to the board and staff on licensing, wagering, drug testing, and regulatory enforcement, balancing legal and policy considerations.

- Coordinate with state and federal agencies, including the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, to support joint investigations or enforcement actions.

- Develop and present training materials on legal compliance for OHRC staff and stakeholders, including race track operators and licensees.

- Maintain confidentiality and uphold the integrity of the OHRC in all legal matters, adhering to ethical standards of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

- Manage legal operations within budget constraints, prioritizing cost-effective strategies and efficient case resolution.

All applicants must agree in writing to complete, and satisfactorily pass, a background investigation.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Licensed attorney in good standing with the Oklahoma Bar Association, or eligible for admission.

- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Oklahoma administrative rule-making, including drafting and implementing rules under the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act.

- Minimum of 5 years of experience in criminal law, including prosecution of administrative or criminal cases in state or international jurisdictions.

- Minimum of 3 years of experience advising on or ensuring compliance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act (Title 51) and Open Meetings Act (Title 25).

- Minimum of 3 years of experience in agency employment, purchasing, personnel, and contract review, providing legal guidance in a governmental or regulatory setting.

- Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience, leading legal, investigative, or enforcement teams in a professional setting.

- Strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to handle complex litigation and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

- Experience in administrative law, regulatory enforcement, or small-agency legal operations is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.