Legal Counsel, Public Policy

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

As an alliance builder, the Legal Counsel will support outreach and coordination with allies focused on government, legislative, and policy issues, with a joint focus on both federal and state legislative efforts. The Legal Counsel will build and serve on the legislative team that manages legislative review and education initiatives, as well as grassroots engagement efforts. This position will include a specialty focus on providing legal counsel on legislation and policies regarding parental rights, educational freedom/school choice, and other constitutional issues related to marriage and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocate for ADF’s positions on government policies and legislation, with a focus on parental rights, educational freedom/school choice, marriage, and family-related constitutional issues.
• Draft, review, and analyze legislation and policies aligned with ADF’s mission, incorporating current legal precedents and constitutional law.
• Conduct in-depth legal research on court rulings impacting federal and state legislative matters.
• Provide in-person and virtual legislative testimony, and develop supporting materials such as position papers, testimony, and reports.
• Travel extensively to meet with lawmakers, policy groups, and stakeholders to educate, strategize, and build support for key legislative efforts.
• Monitor, track, and report on relevant federal and state legislative developments.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with legislative staff, policy allies, and advocacy groups to advance shared objectives.
• Represent ADF publicly, including media appearances and speaking engagements, while collaborating closely with internal teams and external partners.

Skills you need to succeed:

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organizational, communication (oral and written), analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail, proven project management abilities, and excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D., active license in at least one US state bar and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.
• Experience in public policy advocacy or legislative work at the federal or state level. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of professional experience involving government relations at the federal or state level.

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.

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