Assistant General Counsel

Assistant General Counsel

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Role Overview The Assistant General Counsel provides comprehensive legal and compliance counsel for a nonprofit organization by managing contracts, government grants, regulatory compliance, litigation, risk assessment, policy development, data governance, and employment, healthcare, privacy, and governance matters while partnering with stakeholders to mitigate risk, improve processes, and ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide sound legal guidance on range of matters that affect the organization: contracts and leases, health care legal issues, employment and benefit matters, litigation, information privacy, security, and management matters, client- and/or participant-related matters. Review and/or drafts contracts covering a broad range of matters, taking into account business issues and the requirements of government and other funders. This may include tracking and processing the review of government contracts and grants, including managing the internal review process, maintaining electronic files, and coordinating inputs from across Catholic Charities. Assist with risk assessments related to contracts, programmatic decisions and policies; and proactively works to mitigate risk in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Advise on legal matters associated with new and revised laws and regulations. Represent the organization in litigation and administrative forums, including responding to complaints and participating in investigations, mediations, and hearings, working with outside counsel as appropriate
• Collaborate with the Chief Compliance Officer to develop, implement, and manage the organization's compliance program, ensuring adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Review organization policies for legal issues and advises on appropriate revisions and new policies. Works to assure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in the areas of government contracting, health care, and employment law.
• Counsel team members throughout the organization on current or potential legal exposure and issues. Assist in creating various process improvements, such as preparing form contracts and developing organizational contract approval process. Assist with data governance (to maintain uniformity of naming and storing data). Create and run reports from databases as needed. Assist in managing outside counsel.
• Knowledge of contract law required; knowledge of government contracting, health care law, information privacy issues, nonprofit corporate law, tax issues relating to exempt organizations, and employment law preferred. Must be comfortable working with range of team members, managing busy practice with multiple competing priorities, and learning about new areas of practice. Ability to independently negotiate business contracts, settlement agreements, and other legal matters. Use critical thinking skills to examine contractual language and provide risk management advice.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• Climb up and down up to 3 flights of stairs at a time
• Lift, push, and pull up to 10 lbs

Other Requirements: Comply with program and/or requirements related to:

• Background Check

Education and Experience Requirements: Minimum

• Must be a graduate of an accredited law school and licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois
• 3 years experience with relevant legal issues in a law firm or as in-house counsel.
• Incumbent must remain a member of the Illinois State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook, Windows operating systems, Adobe, and other software routinely used by Catholic Charities.
• Possess excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with a team.
• Displays high degree of professional ethics and integrity.

Preferred

• Preferred seven years experience with relevant legal issues in a law firm or as in-house counsel.

Certifications and Licensure

• Minimum Licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois