General Counsel

General Counsel

Salary

$109,990.40 - $156,499.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00003

Agency

429 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Racing & Gaming Commission

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/17/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Cody Edwards, cody.edwards@iowa.gov

To Apply

Send a resume and cover letter to Cody Edwards, Director of Operations & Racing, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission at cody.edwards@iowa.gov by July 17, 2026.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Description

WORK LOCATION: 6200 Park Avenue, Des Moines. Frequent in-state travel and occasional out-of-state travel are required. Some weekends may be necessary, especially during the live racing season. This is a salaried position and may require more than 40 hours per week. After 6 months there is a possibility for up to 1 day a week to work remote.

This fast-paced position is an important part of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission's management team that develops, implements and oversees racing, gaming and sports wagering administrative policies and procedures for the state of Iowa. General Counsel duties include, but are not limited to:

• Help build new program to investigate and issue cease and desist orders for illegal gaming/sweepstake operators.
• Review incident reports and provide guidance to staff for gaming board, board of stewards, and commission level actions. Ensures investigation and evidence meets proper legal standard for proceeding with disciplinary action; provides oversight and guidance on rules, legal procedures and requirements and case law; ensures consistency agency wide.
• Periodic review and recommendation of fine structure and administrative process for adherence to Iowa Code 17A and Commission's authority under 99D, 99E and 99F.
• Research and prepare legal opinions of law and administrative rules: review, interpret, and draft possible changes to the Iowa Code 99D, 99E, and 99F and/or Iowa Administrative Rules. Periodic review of all Commission rules, addressing any needed changes, prepare new rules as needed, appear before legislative committees including rules committee as needed.
• Provide guidance to the Commission on appeals before ALJs, district court and appellate courts on gaming board and board of steward rulings and on any matters filed against the Commission. Assists AG on litigated matters involving the Commission as requested. Prepare Statement of Charges on disputed matters to be ruled on by the Commission and represents Commission in administrative hearings with licensees. Negotiates Commission level stipulations involving licensees when directed by Administrator.
• Review Division of Criminal Investigation Class A background reports at the corporate and parent level of licensees and the Class D (company) and makes licensing decisions and recommendations to the Commission.
• Provide legal guidance to Commission on licensing criteria and standards for new casino applications and revoking or suspending licenses.
• Research and provide legal opinions and guidance on issues that come up in the daily operation of the agency including: proper response to open records requests including review for confidential or privileged information; legal questions arising out of administration of the self-exclusion program; legal arguments from licenses re documents and information to be produced for agency investigations; types of sports wagers or daily fantasy sport wagers that are permissible under 99F. Consults with AG and represents agency in court if directed. Conducts special investigations as needed.
• Assist with drafting agendas for public meetings in accordance with open meeting laws and attends all Commission public meetings and responds to legal questions as they arise during the meetings. Attend public meetings and present information on agenda items. Provide guidance and legal advice to Commission on agenda items.
• Review legal documents involving merger and acquisitions and debt financing contracts from licensees and make determinations regarding additional due diligence and backgrounding required. Review Passive Institutional Investor filings and make determinations as to whether filing entity fits the legal definition of a passive investor and researches and advises commission on any SEC, ethical violations or investigations involving a Passive Institutional Investor.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and represents the commission with the public, internal state agencies, external regulatory jurisdictions, political subdivisions, industry and other groups or organizations that deal with racing issues. Specifically, liaison with the Attorney Generals office; corporate legal counsel and local regulatory attorneys of licensees; HISA/HIWU; Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), serving as one of the Commission representatives at industry/association meetings including discussion re model rules and litigation in various jurisdictions; and the Department of Agriculture regarding Breeders Program, breakage, and outs. Liaison with other state agencies (i.e. Revenue, DPS) on legal issues involving licensees (i.e. offset, self-exclusion, tax collection, criminal enforcement etc).
• Negotiate contracts/voluntary agreements with the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) for Iowa racing, including Iowa credits for work performed and required staffing. Interpret HISA/HIWU regulations and provides legal analysis for when federal law preempts state rules or law and directs staff on proper application of state vs federal law. Represent Commission on the racing task force and provides legal opinions as to whether any proposed rule changes are permissible under Iowa law and HISA/HIWU.
• Direct the preparation of RFP for veterinary services, equine lab testing, outside technology contractors, market studies, socioeconomic studies, and any other needed RFPs. Scores RFP proposals. Oversee contract, assures contractor performs the required duties, handles any disputes, evaluates performance. Final determination on Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) licensees, Alternate Simulcast Organization (ASO) licensee, and Off-Track Betting (OTB) site contracts and develop and oversee auditing associated with these contracts.

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN to applicants with 4 or more years of administrative law experience or 1 year or more of legal experience with Iowa Racing and Gaming law.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school and the equivalent of five years of full-time successful and responsible experience in the practice of law;

OR

the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in the practice of law in the employing agency shall be considered as qualifying experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Positions in this class require admission to the Iowa State Bar.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

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Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

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Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

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We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

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Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

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Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 429 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Racing & Gaming Commission Address

6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website https://irgc.iowa.gov/