Canon Lawyer, Tribual Judge and Ponens

Job Description

Purpose of Position
The Tribunal Judge serves as a Ponens for marriage cases, providing canonical expertise in the instruction, review, and adjudication of these cases according to the law of the Catholic Church. Working closely with the Judicial Vicar, other Tribunal personnel, and an assigned notary, this person oversees the progress of assigned cases, conducts oral depositions, reviews evidence, and prepares judicial decisions and other canonical documents. This position requires sound canonical judgment, careful attention to procedural requirements, pastoral sensitivity, and strict confidentiality.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Functions
• Instruct marriage cases, gathering and evaluating the evidence necessary for their resolution.
• Conduct oral depositions of parties and witnesses with the assistance of a notary.
• Oversee assigned marriage nullity cases and work closely with a notary to ensure that each procedural stage is completed accurately and according to canon law.
• Review case files for completeness, procedural compliance, and the sufficiency of evidence.
• Serve as a Tribunal Judge and Ponens, participating in judicial deliberations and preparing sentences, decrees, and other judicial documents as assigned.
• Protect the procedural rights of the parties and observe the respective roles of the defender of the bond, advocates, and other participants.
• Develop and maintain the knowledge necessary to handle various case types, including appeals, prior bond cases, and the instruction of cases seeking dissolution of a marriage in favor of the faith.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with parties, witnesses, advocates, parish personnel, and other tribunals.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguard case records and sensitive information.
• Assist with other Tribunal responsibilities as assigned

Required Education, Skills, Experience and Abilities
• Licentiate or doctorate in canon law from an ecclesiastical faculty or school.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing, of good reputation, and committed to the Church's teaching and canonical discipline.
• Sound knowledge of marriage law, procedural law, and ecclesiastical jurisprudence.
• Ability to apply canon law impartially, evaluate evidence carefully, and prepare well-reasoned judicial decisions.
• Experience in marriage case instruction and adjudication is preferred.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the procedures governing appeals, prior bond cases, and dissolution of marriage in favor of the faith.
• Ability to conduct depositions with professionalism, discretion, and sensitivity to persons experiencing difficult circumstances.
• Strong analytical, organizational, writing, and communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Tribunal personnel.
• Proficiency in standard office software (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite) and willingness to learn Tribunal case management systems.
• Commitment to ongoing canonical formation and professional development.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check and complete Safe Environment Training.
Benefits, Pay, Hours, Locaton
• Health Insurance Health Savings Account Dental Insurance
• Vison Insurance Life Insurance LTD, AD&D insurance
• Pension 403(b) Savings plan Paid time off
• Monday to Friday 35-hour work week
Location: Chattanooga, TN
• Salary: $60,000 Annually
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to Tyler Ross at tross@tribunal.dioknox.org

About the Employer

Living Our Roman Catholic Faith in East Tennessee.