General Counsel - The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans

Archdiocese of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The General Counsel serves as the principal civil legal advisor to the Archbishop and senior leadership of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, providing practical legal counsel and guidance on matters affecting the Archdiocese, its parishes, schools, and affiliated ministries. The role works closely with organizational leadership to identify and address legal issues, assess risks, and support sound decision-making, while taking into account the operational and pastoral needs of the Church. The General Counsel is the Archdiocese's sole in-house attorney and works in close partnership with its longstanding outside law firm, which has represented the Archdiocese for more than 100 years and provides institutional knowledge and specialized legal expertise. The position also coordinates with other specialized legal counsel when appropriate. The role provides guidance on governance, contracts, employment, real estate, litigation, risk management, regulatory compliance, child protection, and Safe Environment matters. It also helps the Archdiocese fulfill and, where applicable, exceed its commitments under the Non-Monetary Agreement arising from its bankruptcy proceedings, particularly commitments concerning the protection of children and vulnerable adults from abuse.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in Louisiana and membership in good standing with the Louisiana State Bar Association.
At least 10 years of substantial legal practice experience.
Ability to provide sound legal advice, exercise independent judgment, and work effectively with senior organizational leadership.
Appreciation for and personal commitment to the mission, teachings, and values of the Roman Catholic Church, including willingness to live and conduct oneself consistently with those teachings and values.
Sound legal judgment, integrity, discretion, and practical problem-solving ability.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and commitment to professional excellence and service to the Church.

Nice To Haves

Broad legal experience, with exposure to areas such as corporate and nonprofit governance, employment law, contracts, real estate, litigation, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
Experience advising executives, boards, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or other complex organizations.
Prior in-house counsel, general counsel, or comparable law firm experience.
Familiarity with Catholic institutions, religious organizations, or nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities

Serve as a principal legal resource to the Archbishop and senior leadership, providing practical advice and guidance on matters affecting the Archdiocese.
Advise pastors, department leaders, school administrators, and ministry executives on legal issues and organizational matters.
Identify significant legal risks and assist leadership in evaluating options and appropriate courses of action.
Provide legal guidance concerning the governance of the Archdiocese's separate legal entities, including parishes, schools, and affiliated organizations.
Advise on corporate documents, bylaws, board matters, resolutions, annual meetings, and appropriate governance practices.
Review, prepare, and advise on contracts, leases, construction agreements, vendor arrangements, and other business transactions.
Provide legal guidance to Human Resources and organizational leaders on employment matters, workplace issues, policies, and related legal requirements.
Support significant real estate, property, facilities, and construction matters.
Provide legal guidance on significant claims, disputes, insurance matters, and organizational risks.
Work with leadership and outside counsel on litigation and other legal disputes, including determining when specialized legal assistance is appropriate.
Advise on regulatory requirements, child protection obligations, Safe Environment matters, and other significant compliance issues.
Help ensure the Archdiocese fulfills and, where applicable, exceeds its commitments under the Non-Monetary Agreement arising from its bankruptcy proceedings, particularly those relating to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse.
Maintain a productive working relationship with the Archdiocese's longstanding outside law firm and other specialized legal counsel.
Determine when matters are appropriately handled internally and when outside legal assistance is warranted.
Coordinate legal resources and provide appropriate continuity and communication regarding significant legal matters.