Legal Counsel-Public Advocacy & Media Communications - Alliance Defending Freedom

Everyone says they want to change the world. We’re looking for people who actually will.

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith. Please visit www.adflegal.org/about-us/careers to view our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives. 

Legal Counsel - Public Advocacy & Media Communications

Alliance Defending Freedom is looking for a highly skilled Legal Counsel - Public Advocacy & Media Communications to join us in our Lansdowne, VA or Washington, D.C. office. As Legal Counsel, you are a vital part of the US Legal Division Team. This position will focus, in particular, on litigating on the Center for Conscience Initiatives as well as engaging in public communications and public advocacy on a wide variety of issues related to ADF litigation. This communication focus will include media interviews, speaking engagements, interview preparation of other ADF attorneys, review of ADF communication materials for accuracy and tone, and assistance in developing communication strategies related to ADF cases.  

In this role, you will report to VP of Litigation Strategy & Center for Conscience Initiatives. Legal Counsel is an experienced attorney capable of undertaking complex litigation and appellate advocacy without substantial oversight by senior attorneys and with a strong interest in public advocacy and communications. Legal Counsel trains junior attorneys in basic civil litigation with emphasis on Constitutional law and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights actions; also litigates civil actions, drafts legal documents, advises clients as to legal rights, and practices other phases of law by performing the following duties. Legal Counsel also oversees administrative and paralegal support functions.

Your Essential Responsibilities:

In this position, you will:

• Conduct research for new and pending cases, interview clients and witnesses
• Draft complaints, motions, briefs, and other documents for submission to state or federal courts
• Prepare and respond to written discovery; conduct and defend depositions
• Represent clients in court in litigation and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government; interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Confer with colleagues to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings.
• Cooperate with Development team, including speaking engagements and other events.
• Interact with media regarding cases and issues, including through media interviews, speaking engagements, and press conferences.
• Help to develop communication strategies related to ADF cases.
• Research and create documents to prepare ADF attorneys for media interviews.
• Interact closely with ADF communication staff while reviewing and editing ADF media documents and other ADF public-advocacy communications.
• Interact closely with ADF allies to develop and advance ADF public-advocacy goals.
• Review in-house contracts and legal issues.
• Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence.
• Network and develop relationships with allied attorneys and/or potential allied attorneys.
• Train junior attorneys; perform quality control via review and editing of junior attorneys’ drafts, in-house workshops, and one-on-one mentoring.

Other Responsibilities (Non-Essential):

• You will be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned.

Skills you need to succeed:

Demonstrated proficiency in:

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

Ability to:

• Professionally handle confidential information
• Work, motivate, and initiate within a team.
• Prioritize and achieve deadline goals.

Education and/or experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• J.D., licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ORGANIZATION WITH A COMPETITIVE

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE, TOO? 

We have it! Alliance Defending Freedom offers team members a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes major medical insurance, dental care, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care insurance, and life insurance. We also offer a 401(k) plan with a generous company match. Work and life balance is important to the well-being of our team members. You will receive paid time off (PTO) that starts accruing from your hire date and 11 paid holidays per year.