Legal Counsel, Christian Ministries

Alliance Defending Freedom; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Dependent care reimbursement

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom seeks a Legal Counsel to advance and defend First Amendment rights for churches, ministries and religious schools. You will lead strategic litigation with minimal oversight, reporting to the Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Christian Ministries.

The role emphasizes defending religious liberty, working within a mission-driven nonprofit, and coordinating with allied attorneys on complex matters and testimonies.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and bar admission in at least one US state.
• Minimum 2 years of complex litigation experience.
• Trial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and interview clients and witnesses.
• Prepare and respond to written discovery; conduct depositions.
• Develop strategy, arguments, and testimony for case preparation.
• Represent clients in court and before administrative agencies.
• Confer with colleagues to verify basis for proceedings.
• Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence.

Skills

Litigation experience

Trial experience

Legal research

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA; Scottsdale, AZ; Dallas, TX

Team Overview

In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating and leading litigation matters that advance and defend the constitutionally protected rights of churches, Christian ministries, and religious schools under the First Amendment. In this role, you will report to the Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Christian Ministries. As Legal Counsel, your primary responsibility will be to support the mission by helping lead strategic litigation efforts with minimal oversight from senior attorneys, ensuring the continued protection of religious liberty.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and interview clients and witnesses
• Prepare and respond to written discovery; conduct and defend depositions
• Develop strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Represent clients in court, 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
• Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D., active license in at least one US state bar, and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction within one year
• 2+ years of complex litigation experience

Preferred Qualification

• Trial experience

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.

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Lansdowne, VA. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Virginia Salary Range

$115,000—$190,000 USD