Senior Counsel, Life

Alliance Defending Freedom; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 177,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% covered medical and dental

Medical and dependent care reimburse

Paid disability

Long-term care

Life insurance

401(k) with 4% matching

Paid time off + 12 holidays

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom in Washington, DC area seeks a Senior Counsel to lead high-profile pro-life litigation and defend religious liberty within the Center for Life. You will guide strategy, draft filings, and argue in court while mentoring junior attorneys and coordinating with media teams.

The role requires a J.D. with an active US bar license and 10+ years of complex litigation experience; First-chair experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• J.D. and active license in at least one US state bar.
• 10+ years of complex litigation experience.
• First-chair experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and litigate high-profile lawsuits in support of unborn babies and mothers, and defend pro-life advocates.
• 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 depositions.
• Supervise and mentor mid-level and junior attorneys.
• Coordinate with media team on cases and issues.
• Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence.
• Network with allied attorneys and groups.
• Collaborate with Development on events and speaking engagements.

Skills

First-chair experience

Education

J.D. and bar admission

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. § 1983 claims; works with states to defend their pro-life laws; drafts trial and appellate court filings; argues motions and appeals in court; trains junior attorneys in civil litigation; works closely with clients; performs vital legal and factual research; and interacts 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
• You may be asked to participate in media interviews on ADF Life cases and related issues
• You may be asked to 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 US state bar, and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction within one year
• 10+ years of complex litigation experience

Preferred Qualification

• 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.

• 100% covered medical and dental insurance
• Medical and dependent care reimbursement
• Paid disability
• Long-term care
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan with a 4% company match
• 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 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

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

$177,391.30—$230,608.70 USD