Position Summary: The in-house Associate Attorney works on contracts, policies and all legal matters for the Diocese, parishes, Catholic Community Foundation of South Carolina, Catholic Charities and other diocesan entities
Classification: Exempt Reports To: General Counsel
Essential Job Functions: Work closely with and under the supervision of the General Counsel
- Job is heavily weighted on commercial and some residential real estate matters – purchase/sale agreements, easements, development of large parcel for parish and other uses; due diligence in acquisition and sale of property; closing of sales of property; filings of real property tax exemptions; condemnation matters; leases; zoning matters; title review.
- Develop, review and negotiate service, product, loan and other contracts with third parties.
- Develop, review and negotiate inter-diocesan leases, loans, and service agreements.
- Develop, review and advise on diocesan policies;
- Respond to subpoenas to parishes, schools and other diocesan entities;
- Advise on school legal matters and policies,
- Handle employment contracts and issues;
- Advise on First Amendment and religious exemption matters;
- Serve in an advisory capacity regarding legislative matters affecting the Diocese and its parishes;
- Create new organizations under the diocesan umbrella;
- Develop, review and advise on corporate governance documents for diocesan entities;
- Work with and manage outside counsel;
- Advise on tax related matters;
- Review estate and trust matters in which diocese or parish is a beneficiary;
- Review of inclusion of Catholic entities in tax related listings;
- Review endowment and gift documents;
- Advise on litigation matters;
- Review of litigation filings by outside counsel;
- Review and advise on press releases.
- Crisis management advice.
Education Requirements/Position Qualifications: South Carolina licensed attorney in good standing; Juris Doctorate degree required. Commercial real estate broad experience and private practice required. Broad experience in drafting and negotiation of various contract matters; Litigation and education law experience helpful; Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Good interpersonal skills. Ability to use general office equipment. Proficiency with computers / word processing; excel, Microsoft outlook. Ability to multi-task. Knowledge of Catholicism and the structures of the Catholic Church. Driver’s License Required.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: This position requires standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands, using feet, climbing at least 1/3 of the time.
