Diocese of Cleveland · 1 day ago
General Counsel
Cleveland, OH
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$145K/yr - $175K/yrThe Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is seeking a mission-driven attorney to serve as the General Counsel, providing strategic legal guidance to the Bishop and diocesan leadership. This role involves overseeing a wide range of legal matters affecting the Diocese and ensuring compliance with civil laws and ethical standards for religious non-profit organizations.
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Responsibilities
Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the Bishop, senior leadership, and diocesan management on organizational strategy, operations, and risk mitigation in support of the Diocese’s mission
Analyze complex legal issues and prepare clear written analyses, including conclusions, recommendations, policy guidance, and implementation plans
Support and advise diocesan offices, parishes, schools, and affiliated entities on laws applicable to religious non-profits at the federal, state, and, as applicable, international levels
Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management for the Office of the General Counsel, including supervision, coaching, and professional development of legal staff
Establish priorities, assign work, and oversee legal workloads to ensure timely, high-quality, and mission-aligned legal services across the Diocese
Foster a collaborative, professional, and service-oriented legal team that effectively supports diocesan offices, parishes, schools, and affiliated entities
Develop and manage the legal services budget, including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring responsible stewardship of diocesan resources
Oversee the engagement, performance, and cost management of outside counsel and legal vendors where appropriate, ensuring services are effective, necessary, and aligned with budgetary expectations
Evaluate legal spending trends, negotiate fee arrangements where appropriate, and implement cost-containment strategies while maintaining high standards of legal representation
Promote consistency, quality, and best practices in legal advice, documentation, and risk assessment across diocesan entities
Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, and internal controls to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of legal services
Support succession planning and continuity within the legal function to ensure sustained leadership and institutional knowledge
Collaborate with diocesan leadership to align legal priorities, staffing, and resource allocation with organizational needs and mission objectives
Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret a wide range of agreements, including contracts, leases, licenses, construction agreements, vendor agreements, and other legal instruments
Draft resolutions, policies, procedures, and governance materials for boards, committees, and corporate entities of the Diocese
May serve as recording secretary for boards and committees, as assigned
Assist with mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and other organizational or corporate transactions involving diocesan entities
Provide legal guidance on employment, labor, benefits, and human resources matters, including hiring, discipline, terminations, policies, and regulatory compliance
Advise on operational, safeguarding, benefits, estates, immigration, real estate, and other legal matters impacting diocesan entities
Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards, regulatory requirements, and ethical obligations applicable to religious non-profits
Promote and ensure the use of legal best practices within the religious and non-profit sector
Collaborate closely with outside counsel, building and maintaining strong professional relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal services
Support the management and continuous improvement of the Office of the General Counsel, including workflow efficiency and internal processes
Serve as legal lead for assigned portfolios and collaborate with legal team members to ensure cross-training and continuity
Identify opportunities for process improvement, recommend changes, and assist with implementation and communication across the Diocese
Lead or contribute to diocesan-wide initiatives and cross-functional projects as assigned
Provide training, guidance, and education to leadership and staff on legal issues, compliance obligations, and diocesan policies
Monitor legal developments relevant to religious non-profits and advise leadership accordingly
Explore and support the appropriate, ethical use of generative artificial intelligence and other technologies in legal work to improve effectiveness and efficiency
Represent the Diocese in interactions with individuals, organizations, regulators, and external partners, as appropriate
Serve as a strong steward of diocesan resources, balancing legal risk, mission priorities, and fiscal responsibility
Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in all sensitive and privileged matters
Perform other duties and projects as assigned
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in the State of Ohio
Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, with a focus on non-profit, corporate, or religious law
Demonstrated experience in providing legal counsel to senior leadership and managing legal teams
Strong understanding of laws applicable to religious non-profits at federal, state, and international levels
Exceptional judgment, discretion, and collaboration skills
Ability to analyze complex legal issues and prepare clear written analyses
Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and legal agreements
Strong leadership and management skills, including budget oversight and team development
Commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church and the ability to work in a faith-centered environment
Preferred
Experience in governance, compliance, and risk management within a non-profit or religious context
Familiarity with employment, labor, and human resources law
Experience with real estate transactions and organizational governance
Knowledge of generative artificial intelligence and its ethical use in legal work
Experience in providing training and education on legal issues to non-legal staff
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options.
Employer paid life insurance and pension plan
Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Generous paid time off and holiday/holy day schedule
Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
Opportunities for spiritual formation and participation in Curia events
A chance to work in a faith-centered environment with dedicated professionals
Company
Diocese of Cleveland
Instant News From the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Ohio
Founded in 1847
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jim Gulick
Chief Financial Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase