Legal Counsel, Christian Ministries

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom in Scottsdale, AZ seeks a Legal Counsel to evaluate and lead litigation matters defending religious freedom and First Amendment rights. You will support strategic litigation efforts with minimal oversight from senior attorneys and report to the Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Christian Ministries.

The role requires a J.D. with bar admission, 2+ years of complex litigation experience, and ideally trial experience; a strong commitment to the organization’s

Qualifications

• J.D., active license in at least one U.S. state bar, and able to meet admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction within one year.
• 2+ years of complex litigation experience.

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.

Skills

Complex litigation

Legal research

Depositions

Strategy

Court representation

Client interviews

Education

J.D.

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

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. 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 U.S. 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.

Virginia Salary Range

$115,000 - $190,000 USD

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