Director of Legal

The Director of Legal plays a vital role in protecting the Archdiocese of Denver’s Mission and assets while ensuring that the Archdiocese operates within both civil and Church law boundaries. The individual in this role serves as the primary legal and compliance resource for all AoD entities.

Responsibilities Overview

1. Advise Archdiocese of Denver (AoD) Leadership: Provide legal guidance to Church leadership on issues impacting the Archdiocese.
2. Risk Management Compliance: Collaborate with Director of Risk Management’s efforts to protect the Archdiocese from potential liabilities, including Workers’ Compensation and other liability claims.
3. Transaction and Contract Management:
   • Draft, review and provide guidance on negotiation and finalization of contracts related to AoD operations, including real estate transactions, service agreements, and employment contracts.
   • Oversee the AoD’s Contract Management System, ensuring data accuracy, accessibility, and proper documentation of agreements. Develop and implement best practices, workflows, and training to improve contract management efficiency and effectiveness.
   • Review and submission of Official Catholic Directory (OCD) applications by Catholic organizations within the Archdiocese of Denver.
4. Employment and Labor Law Compliance: Advise on employment-related issues, such as employee relations, disciplinary actions, and terminations, to ensure compliance with labor laws and aligning with Catholic teaching.
5. Legal Claims and Litigation: Advise on legal claims and litigation, including managing relationships with outside counsel, strategizing on case approaches, and working toward resolutions that align with Archdiocese of Denver priorities and values.
6. Legal Counsel Vendor Relationships: Coordinate selected services provided by outside legal counsel including assignment and monitoring of projects and billing and fee agreements. Provide legal oversight for any litigation and coordinate and manage internal process with outside counsel.
7. Real Estate and Property Management: Assist with legal aspects of real estate transactions, property management, and zoning issues related to AoD properties, such as parishes and schools.
8. Corporate Governance: Maintain corporate records for all parishes and ecclesiastical entities, which involves annual updates of Certificates of Successor for pastor changes and annual Secretary of State renewals. Additional duties include ensuring compliance with all required corporate governance practices (annual meetings and preparing minutes). Provide oversight, direction, and guidance on corporate structures, documentation, and governance matters for Archdiocesan entities, while corporate records for selected Archdiocesan entities are also maintained.
9. Compliance Policy Development and Training: In collaboration with Archdiocesan leadership, develop policies that promote compliance and ethical practices across AoD departments, and provide training to clergy, staff, and volunteers on legal issues.
10. Collaboration with Canon Lawyers: Work closely with canon lawyers on matters involving Church law, especially when issues intersect with civil law (e.g., marriage annulments, parish mergers, clergy matters).
11. Protect Confidentiality and Privilege: Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and ensure proper handling of privileged communications within the diocese.
12. Support Safe Environment Programs: Provide legal support for Office of Minor and At-Risk Adult Protection (OMAAP) and Safe Environment programs, ensuring compliance with laws related to abuse prevention and reporting.

Robust medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

6% employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan from first day.

18 vacation days and 22 days of PTO yearly.