Associate General Counsel

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.

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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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,…