General Counsel

Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio, United States (On-site)

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland was founded on April 23, 1847. Under the Leadership of the Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland, it is the twenty-third largest diocese in the United States. With 106 Catholic schools serving over 40,000 students, it is the sixth largest Catholic school system in the nation. There are 185 parishes, 1 pastoral center, and 1 mission office within the Diocese. There are just under 700,000 Catholics in the Diocese’s eight counties, and Catholic Charities-Diocese of Cleveland is one of the largest diocesan systems of social services in the world.

We are seeking a mission-driven attorney with a desire to use their skills, knowledge, and proven experience in service to the Church. The General Counsel serves as the principal legal advisor to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, providing strategic, practical, and mission-aligned legal guidance to the Bishop, senior leadership, diocesan offices, parishes, schools, and affiliated entities. This role is responsible for overseeing a broad range of legal matters affecting the Diocese, including governance, contracts, employment, real estate, risk management, compliance, litigation, and organizational transactions, while ensuring adherence to applicable civil laws, ethical standards, and best practices for religious non-profit organizations.

The General Counsel partners closely with leadership to support sound decision-making, protect diocesan assets, mitigate risk, and advance the Diocese’s pastoral and operational priorities. This trusted role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and collaboration, along with a deep commitment to stewardship, integrity, and the mission of the Catholic Church. Through proactive counsel, effective management of internal and external legal resources, and continuous improvement of legal processes, the General Counsel strengthens the Diocese’s ability to serve its ministries and communities with excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Live Your Faith: Serve the Church while using your professional expertise in a meaningful way.
• Be Part of a Dynamic Team: Be a part of a team who strives to bring about the Kingdom through their work and interactions.
• Make a Lasting Impact: Help parishes and schools strengthen their policies and governance.

This is a full-time, onsite position working a 5-day work week.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Strategic Counsel

• 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.

Leadership, Management & Budget Oversight

• 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.

Contract, Transactions & Governance

• 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.

Employment, Operations & Compliance

• 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.

Leadership, Collaboration & Process Improvement

• 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.

Stewardship & Representation

• 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.
• Salary Range of $145,000-$175,000
• 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

To Apply:

Please submit cover letter, resume, and a completed Diocese of Cleveland Employment application, including contact information for three (3) professional references.

Position will remain open until it is filled.

Our promise to protect, our pledge to heal.

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