The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has launched a pro-bono legal program, with three law firms offering free legal representation to individuals who earn below a certain income and are alleged to have violated HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program rules.
‣ The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has established a program to provide pro-bono legal representation to eligible individuals who are alleged to have violated HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
‣ The program is open to covered persons who fall below a certain income threshold, and participating law firms include Howard Jacobs, Jackson Kelly’s Equine Group, and Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, LLP.
‣ The initiative is the first of its kind in American sport, aiming to ensure that the cost of legal services is not a barrier to pursuing a rigorous defense in cases of alleged rule violations.
Three law firms are stepping up. They’re offering pro-bono legal help to those who qualify under a new program by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). This program is a lifeline for those who can’t afford legal representation. It’s for those accused of breaking the rules of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program.
The program’s not for everyone, though. It’s for those who earn below a certain income level. And, it’s not just any lawyers on the case. The volunteer attorneys are from Howard Jacobs, Jackson Kelly’s Equine Group, and Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, LLP. They’re not expecting a dime for their services.
Howard Jacobs, a big name in international sports law, is on board. He’s got a reputation for handling disciplinary cases involving anti-doping and other disputes. He said, “We’re happy to be part of HISA’s Covered Person Pro Bono Program. We want to make sure that those who can’t afford a lawyer get the same level of representation as our paying clients.”
Jackson Kelly’s Equine Group is also in the mix. Their Chair, Jay Ingle, said, “We’re always ready to support the industries we serve. We jumped at the chance to be part of this program. We’re donating our legal services and expertise. We hope our contribution will make a difference to the sport and the people in it.”
Craig Robertson, from Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, LLP, is also on board. He said, “We’re honored to be part of the HISA Covered Person Pro Bono Program. We want to help those who need legal assistance. We’re also keen to promote the health and well-being of Thoroughbred racing and the equine industry.”
The program’s for those accused by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) of breaking ADMC rules. To qualify, you need to earn $75,000 or less per year and have no significant liquid assets. If you qualify, you’ll get free legal help from a volunteer attorney. They’ll even cover some out-of-pocket expenses.
HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus is proud of this initiative. She said, “This is the first free legal services initiative of its kind in American sport. We want to make sure everyone has the tools to defend themselves properly. We don’t want the cost of legal services to be a barrier to a rigorous defense. I’m grateful to the reputable law firms and experienced attorneys who have agreed to participate. I’m excited to see the program grow.”
