Legal Counsel III, Church & Ministry Alliance

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.

Team Overview

In this role, you will report to the Deputy Director of the Church & Ministry Alliance (CMA) Legal Program Team. You will primarily serve as a resource to ministries and ministry leaders, providing day-to-day operational and legal assistance in support of their religious missions. You will conduct legal review of church and ministry governing documents, handbooks, policies, and some contracts; consult directly with churches and ministries to advise on their legal rights and responsibilities; assist in preparing and revising legal resources; and engage in public advocacy such as speaking, blogging, and appearing in all forms of media upon ADF’s request. You will meet established legal service objectives and be responsible for providing exceptional service to CMA members.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational legal assistance to faith-based ministries to enable them to effectively carry out their religious missions.


• Formulate legal advice, resources, policies, and best practices addressing various aspects of ministry operations.


• Assist ministries in the adoption, initial implementation, and consistent application of such policies, procedures, & practices. Advise ministries about threats to the religious liberty of the Church, and steps to protect that religious liberty, whether generally or in response to specific situations through speaking engagements, publications, conference calls, webinars, web-based resources, and other means.


• Cultivate a growing knowledge base & develop various resources on topics related to churches, ministry organizations, and Christian schools.


• Advise Allied Attorneys on referred matters within areas of legal competence. As well as, network and develop relationships with potential Church & Ministry Alliance members.

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D.; license to practice law in relevant jurisdiction.


• Bachelor’s degree; 


• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, WordPerfect, and Westlaw software.