Legal Counsel, Government Affairs

Alliance Defending Freedom; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off + holidays

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom seeks a senior attorney with deep state and federal government engagement experience to advance litigation opportunities, amicus briefs, and policy initiatives. The role emphasizes strategic collaboration with state attorneys general offices and federal agencies.

You will engage in multistate litigation activities, participate in coalition events, and monitor evolving legal and policy developments.

Qualifications

• JD and active bar license, admitted in at least one state
• 7 years of legal experience, preference for government and nonprofit practice
• 2–5 years in a state attorney general's office

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with state attorneys general and federal officials.
• Coordinate litigation opportunities and amicus briefs across states.
• Represent ADF at AG Association events and coalitions.
• Monitor legal and policy developments at state and federal levels.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Relationship building

Project coordination

Legal analysis

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 / Washington D.C.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with state attorneys general, their senior staff, and key officials in the federal executive branch.
• Coordinate and advance projects with state attorney general offices, including coordinating litigation opportunities and multistate amicus curiae briefs.
• Coordinate and advance projects with federal executive branch officials, including litigation and regulatory opportunities.
• Represent ADF at Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) events and conferences and similar coalition and networking forums.
• Monitor legal and policy developments at the state and federal levels relevant to ADF's Generational Wins and Strategic Plan priorities.
• Manage special projects at the direction of senior Government Affairs and U.S. Legal leadership, requiring both legal analysis and political awareness.

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
• 7 years of legal experience, with a preference for candidates whose background spans both government service and private or nonprofit legal practice.
• 2-5 years of experience working in a state attorney general's office.
• Judicial clerkship experience is a plus but not required.

Preferred Qualification

• Familiarity with multistate litigation, amicus practice, and the role of state attorneys general and federal executive-branch officials in shaping federal and constitutional law.
• Existing relationships within the state AG community and various legal networks.
• Experience navigating both legal and political dimensions of government engagement.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly for events, meetings, and coalition activities.

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.

Want to Know More About ADF?

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-$180,700 USD