Description:
Position Summary:A Religious Organization in Charlotte, North Carolina is seeking a qualified and experienced General Counsel to join our team. As General Counsel, you will be responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the Diocese, its affiliated organizations, parishes, schools, and other entities as we pursue our religious goals within the context of the current and evolving legal landscape. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of civil law, and relevant regulations, along with exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide legal guidance and support to the Diocesan leadership, including the Bishop, Vicar General, Clergy and other key officials.
- Advise on matters related to civil law, primarily business law (especially contract and real estate transactions), employment law, civil rights issues, immigration issues, intellectual property, and other legal areas relevant to the operations of the Diocese.
- Advocate for religious liberties on behalf of the Catholic church in western North Carolina.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, leases, and other legal documents on behalf of the Diocese and its entities.
- Represent the Diocese in legal proceedings, including litigation, arbitration, mediation, and administrative hearings.
- Manage relationships with external counsel and collaborate with them on litigation matters as well as complex legal issues.
- Manage compliance of all corporate entities of the Diocese with the North Carolina Business Corporation Act.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and training programs to promote legal compliance and manage risk across the Diocese.
- Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and judicial decisions affecting the Diocese and provide proactive guidance to mitigate legal risks and liabilities.
- Conduct legal research and analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning initiatives within the Diocese.
- Foster positive relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, government agencies, and legal professionals to advance the mission and interests of the Diocese.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Bishop or Vicar General.
Other Responsibilities:
Maintain digital organization of all legal files, including coordination with the Diocesan Archives to maintain hardcopies of materials where appropriate.
Requirements:
Education:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the North Carolina bar and in good standing with relevant bar associations.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing law, with a focus on religious institutions, nonprofit organizations, or related fields preferred.
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of business law, especially contract and real estate law, and employment law, civil rights law, immigration law and intellectual property law. Knowledge of canon law is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing circumstances in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable with being a professional advocate for the Catholic church and its mission.
- Ability to work both independently and with a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.