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Make a difference with us! At ADF, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose: to boldly stand and advance every person’s God-given right to live and speak the truth. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Please review our Statement of Faith to determine if your values align with ours.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA / Washington, D.C.

Team Overview

As Legal Counsel, you are a vital part of the US Legal Division Team. This position will focus, in particular, on litigating on the Center for Conscience Initiatives as well as engaging in public communications and public advocacy on a wide variety of issues related to ADF litigation. This communication focus will include media interviews, speaking engagements, interview preparation of other ADF attorneys, review of ADF communication materials for accuracy and tone, and assistance in developing communication strategies related to ADF cases.

In this role, you will report to VP of Litigation Strategy & Center for Conscience Initiatives. Legal Counsel is an experienced attorney capable of undertaking complex litigation and appellate advocacy without substantial oversight by senior attorneys and with a strong interest in public advocacy and communications. Legal Counsel trains junior attorneys in basic civil litigation with emphasis on Constitutional law and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights actions; also litigates civil actions, drafts legal documents, advises clients as to legal rights, and practices other phases of law by performing the following duties. Legal Counsel also oversees administrative and paralegal support functions.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Conduct research for new and pending cases, interview clients and witnesses

+ Draft complaints, motions, briefs, and other documents for submission to state or federal courts

+ Prepare and respond to written discovery; conduct and defend depositions

+ Represent clients in court in litigation and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government; interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.

+ Confer with colleagues to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings.

+ Cooperate with Development team, including speaking engagements and other events.

+ Interact with media regarding cases and issues, including through media interviews, speaking engagements, and press conferences.

+ Help to develop communication strategies related to ADF cases.

+ Research and create documents to prepare ADF attorneys for media interviews.

+ Interact closely with ADF communication staff while reviewing and editing ADF media documents and other ADF public-advocacy communications.

+ Interact closely with ADF allies to develop and advance ADF public-advocacy goals.

+ Review in-house contracts and legal issues.

+ Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence.

+ Network and develop relationships with allied attorneys and/or potential allied attorneys.

+ Train junior attorneys; perform quality control via review and editing of junior attorneys’ drafts, in-house workshops, and one-on-one mentoring.

Other Responsibilities (Non-Essential):

+ You will be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned.

Skills you need to succeed:

+ Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Westlaw

+ Excellent organizational skills

+ Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

+ Excellent analytical skills.

+ Strong attention to detail and proven project management skills

+ Excellent problem-solving skills.

+ Proven customer service and excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to:

+ Professionally handle confidential information

+ Work, motivate, and initiate within a team.

+ Prioritize and achieve deadline goals.

Education:

+ J.D., active license in at least one US state bar and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA / Washington, DC