Senior Counsel, Federal Public Policy

Alliance Defending Freedom; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 196,000 - 229,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom seeks a Senior Counsel to join the government affairs team in Washington, DC. The role focuses on drafting federal legislation and providing legal counsel on policy across core issue areas, coordinating with issue experts, and presenting to Congressional staff.

The position requires a J.D. with a U.S. bar license and 5+ years of federal public policy advocacy experience. Travel and routine engagement with lawmakers are expected as part of advancing ADF’s priorities.

Qualifications

• J.D. with active state bar license and eligibility to meet jurisdiction requirements within one year.
• 5+ years of experience in federal public policy advocacy, governmental relations or federal-level legislative work.
• Experience with federal legislative processes and policy advocacy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft federal legislation and policies related to core issues (free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, marriage and family).
• Review and track a large portfolio of federal legislation affecting ADF’s priorities.
• Develop and implement strategies to advance ADF’s priorities in federal legislation, including appropriations and funding.
• Provide analysis, position papers, and summaries of legislation with issue-area experts.
• Present to Congressional staff and policy allies to advance policies and legal implications.
• Travel as needed to meet lawmakers and educate them on policies.

Skills

Public policy advocacy

Legislative affairs

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

J.D. / JD 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: Washington D.C.

Team Overview

The Senior Counsel will serve on the government affairs team that manages ADF’s legislative and public policy work. This position will report to the Vice President of Public Policy. It will focus on providing legal counsel on federal legislation and policies regarding all of ADF’s core issue areas, including free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. The role requires monitoring and engaging with a comprehensive federal legislative portfolio, coordinating with issue experts within ADF to analyze federal legislation, conducting in-depth legislative review and analysis, and regularly meeting with and presenting to Congressional staff and policy allies to advance ADF’s policy priorities within the federal government.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft federal 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 legislative portfolio of bills affecting ADF’s issues and strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement strategies to promote and incorporate ADF’s legislative priorities into federal legislation, including appropriations and funding legislation.
• Quickly develop a working knowledge of new legislation and its impact on ADF’s core issue areas.
• Build and facilitate effective working relationships with key government officials, Congressional offices, and policy allies.
• 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 federal legislative priorities.
• Provide frequent in‑person, virtual, and written presentations and testimony on proposed legislation, including ADF’s position on legislation and its legal implications.
• Advocate and coordinate support for ADF’s positions on federal governmental policies and legislation in conjunction with the government affairs team and ADF.
• Speak publicly to Congressional offices, the media, and before crowds.
• Travel to meet with and educate lawmakers on policies and legislation.
• Work collaboratively within the ADF team and with external allies.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of legal experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with federal legislative processes and procedures.
• Experience with policy and constitutional issues related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.
• Proven legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.

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 Washington, D.C. This range isa good faithestimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Washington, D.C. Salary Range

$196,000 - $229,000 USD