Job Details

The Diocese of Columbus is expanding its legal team and is looking for an Associate General Counsel.

The Assistant General Counsel supports the work of the Office of the General Counsel and will assist with contracts, governance, and operations. This role is responsible for providing legal representation to the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, supporting staff and offices, parishes, and schools, by providing counsel on a variety of complex issues. The position includes ongoing work as well as short- and long-term projects such as policy development, risk mitigation, drafting and reviewing contracts, managing litigation, corporate governance, and addressing regulatory issues. The successful candidate will have knowledge about how non-profits and religious organizations operate and the legal requirements that these type entities must follow.

Responsibilities of the Position

1. Provide legal counsel to senior management on corporate strategies and their implementation
2. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts and agreements
3. Manage and resolve business disputes, including litigation and arbitration
4. Conduct legal research and stay updated on relevant legal developments
5. Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards
6. Advise on regulatory issues and risk management strategies
7. Oversee the company's intellectual property matters
8. Collaborate with outside counsel on a regular basis
9. Assist in handling mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions
10. Prepare legal documents, policies, and procedures
11. Provide training and guidance on legal issues and corporate policies
12. Ensure adherence to ethical standards within the organization
13. Support in the management of the legal department

Specific Practice Area Expertise

Legal Analysis and Counsel

• Analyze legal issues; prepare written analysis with conclusions, recommendations, policy suggestions, and proposed implementation plans to meet the Diocese's mission
• Advise offices of the Diocese, parishes, and schools on laws applicable to private non‑profits; provide support to management and staff on complex employment, operations, contracts, real estate, safe guarding, benefits, estates, immigration, and other activities at federal, state, and international levels; troubleshoot issues with directors and assist staff in finding and implementing proper solutions and monitor as needed; manage confidential and sensitive information and situations
• Work to ensure the use of overall legal best practices in the religious non‑profit sector
• Support plans and strategies in conjunction with others and contributes to significant changes in operational activities; works toward resolution as appropriate

Corporate Governance

• May serve as recording secretary for Board and Committee meetings
• Draft resolutions and materials for corporate governance

Training and Process Improvement

• Identify areas and processes for improvement, make recommendations, and implement and communicate changes
• Support the Diocese's internal processes and systems
• Lead and facilitate diocesan‑wide projects and contribute to other teams
• Explore appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence in legal work

Team Contribution

• Support the Office of the General Counsel in making work more effective and efficient
• Serve as legal lead for assigned portfolio and collaborate with legal team to cross‑train
• Build and maintain strong relationships with outside counsel
• Represent the Diocese internally and in interactions with individuals and organizations external to the Diocese
• Serve as a strong steward of Diocese resources
• Other projects and work as assigned

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Ohio bar or eligible for in‑house exemption (must register within one month of employment and maintain good standing.

Experience

• 4+ years of legal practice experience
• Relevant Legal Experience: Prior employment advising religious non‑profits, tax‑exempt organizations, or comparable experience is preferred.
• Strategic Counsel and Governance: Proven experience advising departments and leadership on strategic legal and governance matters.
• Legal Judgment and Integrity: Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent judgment and provide practical, risk‑informed advice in nuanced or novel situations. Maintains confidentiality and professional ethics when handling sensitive information.
• Risk and Compliance Oversight: Experience identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal, regulatory, and insurance risks.
• Operational and Strategic Insight: Understanding of how legal frameworks intersect with ministerial strategy, operations, and financial management to support mission goals.
• Change and Influence: Strong facilitation and client‑service skills; proven ability to influence decision‑making and manage organizational change in a collaborative, inclusive manner.
• Commitment to Learning: Demonstrated ability to stay current on emerging laws and trends affecting religious non‑profits.

Qualifications and Job‑Related Skills

• Commitment and Alignment: Deep commitment to the Catholic Church's teachings, mission, morals, and values.
• Legal and Analytical Expertise
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to interpret complex legal concepts and explain them clearly to non‑lawyers.
  • In‑depth understanding of laws governing 501(c)(3) organizations and private foundations.
  • Expertise in several of the following areas:
    • Nonprofit, for‑profit, and other non‑501(c)(3) entities
    • Contract review and management (including lease and real estate agreements)
    • Data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging AI regulation
    • Employment law
    • School law
    • Corporate formation and compliance
• Research and Communication: Exceptional research, writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, actionable guidance.
• Strategic and Project Management
  • Strong organizational and prioritization skills; able to manage multiple complex projects and meet deadlines.Demonstrated success managing workload independently while contributing effectively to team collaboration.
• Problem‑Solving and Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity; proactive in resolving complex or novel legal issues.
• Collaboration and Professionalism: Works effectively, respectfully, and sensitively with colleagues across diverse backgrounds; models the Catholic Church's values of integrity and respect.
• Technical and Administrative Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint; administratively self‑sufficient and able to manage priorities and deadlines independently.
• Strategic Partnership: Serves as a trusted advisor and resource to internal clients, helping advance the Diocese's mission through sound legal counsel and practical solutions.

Working Environment

Work is performed both in an office setting and in meetings. Evening and weekend work is essential, and occasional travel is required. The ability to maintain all information highly confidential.

Benefits

The Diocese of Columbus offers employees a range of benefits including on‑site parking, 403(b) match, paid professional licensing, health, disability, and life Insurance, and a range of other benefits.