Senior Counsel, Life

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 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. 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.

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

$195,000 — $230,000 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

$195,000 — $230,000 USD