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.

• 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.

• 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,…