Senior Counsel, Life

Alliance Defending Freedom; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 177,391 - 230,608; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% covered medical and dental insurance

401(k) plan with a 4% company match

Paid disability and life insurance

Paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom is seeking a Senior Counsel in Dallas, TX to lead high-profile lawsuits advocating for the rights of unborn babies and pro-life advocates. This role requires a J.D. with 10+ years of complex litigation experience. Responsibilities include developing legal strategies, representing clients in court, and conducting advanced legal research. The organization offers a competitive compensation package and emphasizes work-life balance with generous benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of complex litigation experience.
• J.D., active license in at least one U.S. state bar.

Responsibilities

• Lead and litigate high-profile lawsuits supporting unborn babies.
• Develop litigation strategy and legal arguments.
• Draft briefs, motions, and legal memoranda.
• Represent and argue on behalf of clients in court.
• Perform advanced legal research on novel legal issues.
• Conduct fact and expert discovery, including depositions.

Skills

Complex litigation experience

First-chair experience

Advanced legal research

Education

J.D., active license in at least one U.S. state bar

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. / Dallas, TX

Team Overview

As Senior Counsel in the Center for Life, your work will literally save lives as you work to protect unborn babies and their mothers from the harms of abortion, along with defending pro‑life advocates on the frontlines. Senior Counsel litigates civil actions with an emphasis on constitutional claims, including under the First Amendment and 42 U.S.C. You will work with states to defend their pro‑life laws, draft trial and appellate court filings, argue motions and appeals in court, train junior attorneys in civil litigation, work closely with clients, perform vital legal and factual research, and interact with media regarding cases and issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and litigate high‑profile lawsuits in support of unborn babies and their mothers, in addition to defending pro‑life advocates on the frontlines
• Develop litigation strategy, legal arguments, and witness testimony
• Draft briefs, motions, and memoranda
• Represent and argue on behalf of clients in court
• Perform advanced legal research on novel issues of law
• Conduct fact and expert discovery, including taking and defending depositions
• Supervise and mentor mid‑level and junior attorneys
• Interview and interact with the media team regarding cases and issues
• Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence
• Network and develop relationships with current or potential allied attorneys and groups
• Work with the Development team on speaking engagements and other events
• Possibly participate in media interviews on ADF Life cases and related issues
• Possibly give speaking presentations to university or law students, pregnancy centers, pro‑life groups, professional organizations, faith‑based ministries, or other audiences

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
• 10+ years of complex litigation experience

Preferred Qualifications

• First‑chair 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.

Salary Range

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Washington, D.C. This range is a good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.
Washington, D.C. Salary Range: $177,391.30 – $230,608.70 USD