Overview

The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God’s love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of several national entities: the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Corporation, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, and the Administrative Services Group. 

Position Purpose

Minimize or eliminate legal liability to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation, which includes the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Administrative Services Group, and the Office of the General Assembly, and clients of the A Corporation, through review, research and analysis of legal issues, formulation of legal advice and preparation of related documents on a wide range of legal topics within the roles and responsibilities set forth below, in an efficient, cost effective manner and with a sense of urgency that supports ministry and mission.

Work Location

Louisville, Kentucky (In-Person/Hybrid)

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Provides legal advice and support (including designing and presenting trainings and attending meetings) to:
   1. the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation
   2. the Presbyterian Mission Agency 
   3. the Office of the General Assembly
   4. the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, Inc. 
   5. the Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Inc. and,
   6.  their boards, committees, officers, and directors --
   7. in the following areas of responsibility:
      1. Church property trust law (assist the General Counsel in this area by updating the state law and developments chart; updating legal memoranda; participating in team conference calls; and assisting with discovery in church property litigation).
      2. Securities matters (assist the General Counsel in this area by working with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program, Inc. on mortgage and loan documents, agent renewals and the renewal process; and assisting outside counsel in coordinating documents needed to file the offering circular).
      3. Litigation (assist the General Counsel in managing outside counsel who are assigned to defend clients in lawsuits, assist outside counsel in responding to discovery request and drafting of motions, assist outside counsel in locating and identifying documents relevant to defense of lawsuit).
      4. Employment law (assist the General Counsel and HR in addressing personnel issues, conducting investigations of employee complaints, defense of charges of discrimination from local, state, and federal agencies).
      5. Governance (assist the Deputy General Counsel in providing governance advice, including advice related to the Ethics Policy for employees and for elected members of the various boards, and being present at board meetings and assisting with notes for preparation of board minutes as needed).
2. Legal Resource Manual: In consultation with other colleagues in the department:
   1. Recommend to the General Counsel what the contents of the manual will be, including which sections are to be retained and updated; which are to be deleted; and any new sections to be written. 
   2. draft and prepare updates to sections of the Manual, as needed.
   3. Recommend to the General Counsel how to present the Legal Manual on the website (in consultation with the Legal Office's media representative and the Office of Communication's web designers), and
   4. Recommend to the General Counsel a communication strategy regarding the manual, updates and articles.
3. Participate with colleagues in Legal Services in reading business presented to the General Assembly and participate in Assemblies providing legal insights and support to committees and the plenary.
4. Develop a baseline of legal knowledge in all basic areas of the work of the Legal/Risk Management office through cross training and independent study to be able to assist in other areas as needed. Conduct legal research to advise and assist clients with various legal issues as needed.
5. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Position Requirements:

Education: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Experience: 

• Prior clerking or paralegal experience in the non-profit sector helpful
• Compliance with Kentucky Bar Association practice rules, including admission to the bar and completing mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirements timely.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent project management, organizational and time management skills; excellent writing skills; proficiency in Word, electronic email, and with mobile devices; legal research skills (preferably electronic legal skills).
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with co-workers, outside legal counsel and outside visitors or callers, in a manner suitable to a church office environment.
• Perform all work with a sense of urgency.
• Fluency in English and one or more additional languages very helpful.
• Conflict Management skills; knowledgeable in Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) polity.

Required Competencies:

• Knowledge of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) structure, with special emphasis on General Assembly-level entities and the relationships between mid-councils is desired. 
• Must be able to handle emergency demands.
• Expertise in the following areas: employment law, litigation, and general areas if law common to corporate in-house practice. 

Physical Requirements:

• *Sensory and physical requirements include the ability to communicate verbally in person and by telephone and the ability to read and understand written materials. Ability to communicate in a manner suitable to a church office environment. 
• This is largely a sedentary position that may require occasional filing and lifting up to 15 pounds. Requires the ability to see, hear, speak, type, write, walk, stand, bend and lift. This is a full-time position working in a hybrid environment.
• Occasional overnight out of town travel may be required.

Benefits 

We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues at the Presbyterian Center. 
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers a competitive benefits package including: 
Company Paid Benefits 
Medical 
Vacation Days 
Sick Days 
Paid Holidays 
Death and Disability 
Pension Plan 
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
Voluntary Benefits 
Dental insurance 
Flexible Spending accounts 
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan 
Group Term Life Insurance 
Critical Illness Insurance 
Accident Insurance 

Our Commitment:
Our faith in God inspires our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is grounded in scripture, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to being not only an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the U.S. government,
but with the inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation as well.

Candidates from Presbyterian communities in the global south and other historic Presbyterian Communities of Color,
preferably with theological training and fluency in languages other than English, are encouraged to apply.