Paralegal

Description

Job Summary: 

The Paralegal provides administrative and legal support to the legal office of the Diocese by processing and maintaining: (i) corporate records, (ii) property tax exemptions, (iii) and Official Catholic Directory entries. The Paralegal assists attorneys with research, contract support, document management, information requests, and reporting. Coordinates legal department communications, records administration, and general office operations in the support of parishes, schools, and diocesan entities. The position reports to the Associate In-House Legal Counsel. 

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him.  In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community.  In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).  He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.  

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description.  Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.  

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.

• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

• Process and maintain corporate filings and annual minutes for parish and diocesan corporations.

• Process property tax filings and documents for real property in the diocese including annual tax statements, annual notices of appraised value, tax exemption applications (primarily religious, charitable, and agricultural).

• Process and manage filings and entries in the Official Catholic Directory pages for the Diocese of Austin.

• Assist attorneys in:

o Conducting research or investigations;

o Gathering information helpful in contract negotiations;

o Assisting parishes to utilize proper contract templates;

o Organizing and archiving documents;

o Responding to requests for information from parishes, schools, and outside counsel;

o General office administration (budget, reimbursements, routine reports, file organization, travel, scheduling); and

o Compiling information, exhibits, statistics, charts, graphs, summaries for various purposes (contracts, reports, or presentations)

• Send regular or routine communications from the legal department and perform administrative tasks for the legal department.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Attention to detail and procedural expertise 

• Technology usage

• Critical and analytical thinking

• Research and investigation skills

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Time management and organizational skills

• Interpersonal relations

• Discretion, trustworthiness, and confidentiality

• Collaborative skills and experience

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Associate’s degree paralegal education or a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in studies related to the job duties

Experience:

• Not less than 5 years’ experience working under the supervision of an attorney.

Language Requirement:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

• Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Preferred: Certification in Paralegal Studies

• Valid Texas driver’s license.

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

· All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

· The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.

· All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.

· Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

· Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.

· Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 

· Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.

· May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.

· Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.