Legal Counsel, Public Policy

Alliance Defending Freedom; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 114,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom in Lansdowne, VA (and Dallas, TX) seeks a Legal Counsel to support its government affairs team, providing legal counsel on federal and state legislation affecting free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and family.

You will draft legislation and policy analyses, monitor a wide legislative portfolio, meet with lawmakers and policy allies, and frequently testify before bodies. A J.D. and bar license plus 1+ year in public policy are required.

Qualifications

• J.D., active license in at least one US state bar, with ability to meet admission requirements within a year.
• 1+ years of experience in public policy advocacy, governmental relations/affairs, or legislative work at federal/state level.

Responsibilities

• Draft legislation and policies related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.
• Review, track, and report on a large federal and state legislative portfolio affecting ADF’s issues.
• Develop analysis, position papers, and summaries of legislation with issue-area experts.
• Conduct research and prepare reports on latest court precedent impacting legislative priorities.
• Travel extensively to meet policymakers and stakeholders to discuss policy and advocacy.
• Provide frequent testimony and presentations on legal implications of proposed legislation.
• Engage with government and policy allies to build relationships.
• Speak publicly to media and crowds.

Skills

Public policy advocacy

Government relations

Legislative analysis

Oral & written testimony

Education

J.D. with bar license

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 / Dallas, TX

Team Overview

The Legal Counsel will serve on the government affairs team that manages ADF’s legislative and public policy work, including in-depth legislative review and analysis. This position will focus on providing legal counsel on federal and state legislation and policies affecting all of ADF’s issues, including free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. This position will require the individual to monitor and engage with a comprehensive legislative portfolio, coordinate with issue experts within ADF to analyze federal and state legislation, and regularly meet with and present to government officials and policy allies to advance ADF’s policy priorities within the federal and state governments.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft legislation and policies related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.


• Review, track, and report on a large federal and state legislative portfolio of bills affecting ADF’s issues and strategic priorities.


• Quickly develop a working knowledge of new legislation and its impact on ADF’s core issue areas.


• Work with issue area experts within ADF to develop analysis, position papers, and summaries of legislation affecting ADF’s core issue areas.


• Conduct research and prepare reports analyzing the latest court precedent that impacts ADF’s legislative priorities.


• Travel extensively (especially during state legislative sessions when travel will likely exceed 50% per month) to meet with policy groups, legislators, legislative staff, and other stakeholders to discuss policy, strategy, and how to effectively advocate to government officials and the public.


• Provide frequent in-person, virtual, and written testimony and presentations on the legal implications of proposed legislation.


• Encourage and facilitate effective working relationships with key government and policy allies.


• Speak publicly to the media and before crowds.


• Work collaboratively within the ADF team and with external allies.

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


• 1+ years of experience in public policy advocacy, governmental relations/affairs, or legislative work at the federal or state level.

Preferred Qualification

• Familiarity with federal and state legislative processes and procedures.


• Demonstrated knowledge of policy and constitutional issues related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.


• Proven legislative advocacy and analysis skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.


• Research, analyze, and evaluate federal and state governmental issues, rules, regulations, and legislation.


• Demonstrated high‑level and effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective broad‑range working relationships and proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams.


• Willingness to work in a frenetic and fluid legislative/political environment.


• Flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions.


• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key federal and state legislative staff, as well as other mission‑related advocacy organizations.


• Awareness of the current political environment and ongoing strategic implications that affect the legislative activities of ADF.


• Ability to reach out and effectively use grassroots networks to advance a policy agenda.

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

$114,000—$200,000 USD