Legal Counsel, Christian Ministries

Alliance Defending Freedom; Lansdowne (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% covered medical and dental insurance

401(k) plan with 4% company match

Paid time off and 12 paid holidays

Job summary

A prominent legal non-profit is seeking a skilled Legal Counsel for their team in Lansdowne, VA. The role involves leading strategic litigation efforts to defend religious liberties under the First Amendment. Candidates must hold a J.D. and have at least 2 years of complex litigation experience. The position offers competitive compensation and 100% covered medical and dental insurance, along with a robust benefits package that emphasizes work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of complex litigation experience required.
• Must obtain admission in relevant jurisdiction within one year.
• Trial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and interview clients and witnesses.
• Prepare and respond to written discovery and defend depositions.
• Develop strategy and arguments for cases.
• Represent clients in court and administrative agencies.
• Confer with colleagues on legal proceedings.
• Advise allied attorneys on legal issues.

Skills

Litigation strategy development

Legal research

Client representation

Communication

Education

J.D. degree

Active state bar license

Job description

Locations: Lansdowne, VA; Scottsdale, AZ

Team Overview

Alliance Defending Freedom is looking for a highly skilled Legal Counsel to join the Center for Christian Ministries team in our Lansdowne, VA or Scottsdale, AZ office. 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 Qualifications

• 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.