Sr. Counsel, Director of Center for Life

Alliance Defending Freedom; Lansdowne (VA); On-site; USD 238,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) plan with 4% company match

Paid time off

12 paid holidays per year

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom in Lansdowne, VA seeks a Senior Counsel, Director of Center for Life, to lead the Center for Life litigation team and drive strategic objectives across litigation and advocacy efforts.

You will mentor attorneys, coordinate with coalitions, and engage in public speaking on pro-life issues. A JD with bar admission and 10+ years of practice are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and JD, licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction.
• 10+ years of legal experience, including supervisory roles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Westlaw.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Center for Life litigation team and set strategic objectives.
• Oversee high‑level litigation, including filings and research.
• Mentor junior to senior attorneys and manage performance reviews.
• Coordinate with pro-life coalitions and external allies.
• Public speaking and media appearances on pro-life issues.

Skills

Legal leadership

Team supervision

Litigation experience

Legal research

Public speaking

Education

JD, licensed to practice law

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Westlaw

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.

Location: Lansdowne, VA

Team Overview

As Senior Counsel, Director of Center for Life, you are a vital part of the Legal Advocacy Team. In this role, you will report to the VP of U.S. Litigation and are responsible for leading the Center for Life litigation team in all respects. This includes, but is not limited to, setting strategic objectives for the team in collaboration with the VP of U.S. Litigation and Chief Legal Counsel; managing and mentoring team members; supervising and leading litigation and advocacy efforts of the team in order to meet stated objectives; building coalitions among pro-life groups; speaking and presenting on pro-life issues; coordinating across teams within ADF and coordinating allies outside of ADF to meet stated objectives; and other similar responsibilities related to directing the Center for Life.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically assess, develop, initiate, and successfully lead legal advocacy that advances the objectives of the ADF Center for Life.
• Lead and supervise a team of attorneys able to undertake advanced and complex litigation. This includes:
  • ensuring that legal filings are of superior quality through drafting, review, and editing;
  • leading the team in conducting advanced legal research on novel questions of law;
  • training junior, mid-level, and senior attorneys in all phases of state and federal litigation;
  • leading the Center for Life team in administration, personnel, supervision, and litigation.
• Litigate complex cases and represent clients before trial and appellate courts as well as administrative agencies.
• Exercise initiative to investigate potential cases. When necessary, initiating immediate legal action to protect life or secure constitutional rights in urgent circumstances.
• Facilitate coalition building with pro-life groups nationwide.
• Network and develop relationships with allied attorneys and/or potential allied attorneys.
• Public speaking and media appearances on pro-life issues.

As Team Leader, You Will

• Act as a servant leader by training, encouraging, coaching, and developing your Team Members.
• Foster a spirit of trust, innovation, creativity, and excellence on your team.
• Meet regularly with your Team Members to discuss their progress and complete performance reviews.
• Approve PTO requests, timecards, and expense reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; JD, licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction
• 10+ years of experience in practicing law, including in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Westlaw software

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
• 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 $238,300—$275,000 USD