General Counsel

Description:

Position Summary:
The General Counsel of the Diocese of Arlington serves as legal counsel to the Bishop; participates with Chancery leadership in planning, implementing and evaluating the Diocese's policies; collaborates with parishes and schools; and performs other duties pursuant to assignment by the Bishop, Vicar General, and Chief Operations Officer.

Principal Duties:

• Provides legal advice to the Bishop and, as availability permits, to clergy, parishes, schools, other Church entities, and staff in relation to Church matters; serves as in-house counsel for tort, contract, property, employment, immigration, tax and other legal issues; supervises outside Counsel as needed in litigation, other specialized matters, and matters for parishes and schools.
• Develops, reviews, and revises diocesan policies to ensure functionality and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees the compilation of information for the publication of the diocesan directory and for the Official Catholic Directory; prepares annual reports to the Vatican.
• Maintains property records, contracts, wills, and other legal documents.
• Serves as an appointed member of the Lay Employees' Pension and 403(b) Committees.
• Serves as an ex officio member of the Diocesan Finance Council and various corporate boards of directors.
• Serves as special legal counsel to 200 N. Glebe Road, Inc., the Arlington Catholic Herald, Inc., and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Inc.
• Performs other legal duties as assigned.

Responsibilities and Authority:
Supervision Received:

• Given wide latitude and exercises significant discretion under the general direction of the Bishop, Vicar General, and Chief Operations Officer

Management:

• Positions supervised: 1.5

Budgets and Financials

• Manages annual program budget for the Office of General Counsel

Physical Demands/Working Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weight of 10 – 50 pounds
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read
• Frequently required to sit, hear, talk and use repetitive motion of the hands/wrists
• Work performed in and out of the office setting
• Required to travel to parishes and other locations throughout the diocese
• Occasional evening and/or weekend work and overnight/out-of-town travel are required

Qualifications:
Knowledge/Skills: Advanced knowledge of the principles and application of tort law, employment law, business law, contracts and construction and property law., as well as broad general knowledge of other areas including constitutional law (particularly First Amendment), finance, insurance, immigration, and intellectual property. A working knowledge of Canon Law and of Catholic Theology and Ecclesiology. Advanced negotiation skills. Demonstrated ability to articulate complex legal concepts effectively; to argue points of law; to write contracts, agreements, letters, and briefs; to develop logical and effective arguments, resolutions, and plans; and to manage effectively internal and external relationships.

Demonstrated ability to create basic documents, spreadsheets, presentations and emails using MS Word, Excel, and MS Outlook; to work collaboratively, foster teamwork and address conflict as it arises; to develop, manage and evaluate programs, to align individual program goals with strategic goals and objectives and to formulate recommendations to improve program delivery and management; to work and complete follow up activities independently; to solicit personal feedback and make changes when needed.

Must be a fully-initiated and practicing Catholic, able to participate in the full sacramental life of the Church. Must abide by ethical and canonical rules governing client confidences.

Education: A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school required.

Licenses/Certifications: Must be a current member of the Virginia Bar. Must maintain a current driver's license.

Years and Types of Experience: Ten years' increasingly responsible professional experience in the legal field; experience in catechesis or other ecclesial work.

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