OAL CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Office of Arkansas Lottery (OAL) Chief Legal Counsel is responsible for overseeing all legal and licensing matters related to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and providing expert legal advice and guidance to OAL senior leadership, staff, and other stakeholders on issues pertaining to lottery operations, regulatory compliance, and state and federal laws. The OAL Chief Legal Counsel will ensure that all OAL operations are in full compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards and be responsible for managing legal risks, drafting and reviewing legal documents, overseeing the licensing unit, and representing OAL in legal proceedings.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, plus five (5) years of experience in gaming law, regulatory compliance, government contracts, state agencies, administrative law or a related field are required.
Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas in good standing with the Arkansas bar.
Deep understanding of state and federal laws and regulations governing the gaming and lottery industries.
Expertise in contract law, administrative law, compliance, litigation, and ethics.
Ability to interpret complex legal issues and provide clear, actionable legal guidance.
Ability to think strategically and make legal decisions that support the goals of the OAL while mitigating legal risks.
Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to balance legal considerations with operational needs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
Strong presentation skills for delivering legal advice and reports to OAL senior leadership, staff, and external stakeholders.
Ability to efficiently manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary legal resource for ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and laws governing lottery operations and gaming activities.
Advise on legal matters related to the development, implementation, and management of new and existing lottery games and marketing strategies.
Provide legal counsel in the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of all legal agreements, including contracts with vendors, retailers, service providers, marketing partners, and other external stakeholders.
Manage the legal risks associated with lottery operations and advise on appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
Develop and maintain comprehensive internal policies, procedures, and legal documentation to ensure legal compliance across all departments of the Arkansas Lottery.
Represent the OAL in legal proceedings, including litigation, administrative hearings, and negotiations with outside counsel, when necessary.
Handle disputes and legal challenges involving the OAL’s operations, including vendor disagreements, intellectual property issues, and regulatory challenges.
Ensure that all contracts comply with state procurement laws and protect the interests of the OAL, focusing on transparency, fairness, and risk mitigation.
Advise senior leadership on matters related to ethics, transparency, and corporate governance to ensure the integrity and accountability of lottery operations.
Oversee the development and enforcement of ethical standards and policies within the OAL, ensuring compliance with state ethics rules, public transparency, and responsible conduct.
Address any legal or ethical concerns raised by employees, stakeholders, or the public, and ensure appropriate actions are taken.
Promulgate OAL rules as necessary to maintain compliance and uniformity with state and federal laws.
Oversee the licensing team to ensure retailer applications are processed efficiently, fairly, and in compliance with state laws and regulations.