Legal

The mission of the Legal Office is to serve the people of God by providing legal advice and representation to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, parishes, and various affiliated institutions and organizations.

Established in 2004, the Legal Office consists of the General Counsel, two Associate General Counsel, a paralegal, and an office manager/paralegal. The office’s responsibilities include, among other things, the following:

• Drafting or reviewing all leases entered into by the Bishop, diocese, or any of the parishes of the diocese.
• Drafting or reviewing license and rental agreements for diocesan and parish facilities.
• Drafting or reviewing all real estate purchase and sale agreements for the Bishop, diocese, and the parishes of the diocese.
• Drafting or reviewing all manner of business contracts entered into by the diocese and the parishes of the diocese.
• Advising and representing the Bishop, diocese, and parishes of the diocese in contract related disputes.
• Advising and representing the Bishop, diocese, and the parishes of the diocese in construction related matters, including drafting or reviewing architect, design professional, and construction contracts.
• Advising and representing the diocese, interparochial schools, and the parishes of the diocese on employment matters, including matters related to hiring, termination, employee discipline, Fair Labor Standards Act/overtime pay, Family Medical Leave, and discrimination claims.
• Advising and representing the diocese, interparochial schools, and the parishes of the diocese in school related legal issues, including the drafting and interpretation of teacher contracts, disability laws related to students, Title IX matters, and student discipline.
• Managing and collaborating with outside counsel.
• Creating, representing and advising various diocesan corporations including with regard to the matters outlined above.
• Reviewing and approving all applications by organizations for inclusion in the Official Catholic Directory under the diocese’s listings.
• Providing legal advice and representation to the diocese and the parishes of the diocese on all other legal matters and issues that arise.