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Litigation in retail rarely takes a predictable path. Claims can come from all directions, facts shift, timelines tighten, and decisions ripple far beyond the courtroom. At DICK’ S Sporting Goods( DICK’ s), the pressure has grown as the company expands and integrates new operations. Now, the team needs to coordinate across jurisdictions, align business strategies, and rely on strong judgment. That environment shapes Carla Castello’ s role as Senior Corporate Counsel, Global Litigation, at DICK’ S. She’ s developing a centralized litigation function during a time of significant change.
Carla stepped into her role at DICK’ S as the company shifted from a national model to a broader, international operation. She oversees a wide range of commercial and consumer litigation across the global enterprise, aligns legal strategies, and evaluates risk. Her work brings together legal insight and commercial judgment, guiding disputes while supporting growth.“ It’ s a busy time, but there’ s a lot of opportunity,” she says.“ You can see the impact of decisions in real time, which is really exciting.” Her role keeps her close to business leaders, who expect clarity, consistency, and fast responses as DICK’ S grows.
A function built around judgment
Beginning as a fishing tackle store, DICK’ S has grown into one of the most influential sports retailers in the world- pioneering House of Sport experiential locations, scaling the GameChanger youth sports platform, and joining forces with Foot Locker to create a global sports retail enterprise. Growth at that pace doesn’ t just stretch a business. It tests the systems beneath it.
As the company grew- in scale, in geography, and in ambition- the company made a deliberate choice to consolidate litigation oversight into a centralized practice with one accountable owner. Carla was tapped to lead it.
“ Centralizing was a strategic decision,” she says.“ It lets us see the full picture, set consistent standards, and bring our best thinking to every matter- wherever it sits in the company.”
When business knowledge and subject-matter expertise come together, the work is more effective
Carla values sound judgment over rigid frameworks.“ Consistency matters, but judgment matters more,” she highlights. Every case is unique and needs a tailored approach. That conviction shapes her work with outside counsel. She puts a premium on building partnerships, not just managing transactions.“ I want our outside firms to be true partners. When business knowledge and subject-matter expertise come together, the work is more effective,” Carla observes.
Managing complexity at scale
The acquisition of Foot Locker reshaped Carla’ s portfolio almost overnight, expanding the company’ s geographic and operational footprint. With the addition of new operations, employees, and pending matters, Carla now manages
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