Legal Counsel

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: Scottsdale, AZ / Lansdowne, VA / Dallas, TX

Team Overview

Alliance Defending Freedom is looking for a highly skilled Legal Counsel to join us in our Scottsdale, AZ, Dallas, TX, or Lansdowne, VA office. As Legal Counsel, you are a vital part of the US Legal Division Team. In this role, you will report to Sr. Counsel. Legal Counsel is an experienced attorney capable of undertaking complex litigation and appellate advocacy without substantial oversight by senior attorneys. Legal Counsel trains junior attorneys in basic civil litigation with emphasis on First Amendment law and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights actions; also litigates civil actions up to including trial and appeals, drafts legal documents, advises clients as to legal rights, and practices other phases of law by performing the following duties. Legal Counsel oversees administrative and paralegal support functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and interview clients and witnesses


• Prepare and respond to written discovery; conduct and defend depositions


• Represent clients in court, 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


• Review in-house contracts and legal issues


• Interact with media regarding cases and 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

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


• 1+ years of complex litigation experience


• Ability to professionally handle confidential information


• Work, motivate, and initiate within a team


• Prioritize and achieve deadline goals


• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Westlaw


• Excellent organizational, analytical, attention to detail, project management, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Trial 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?