Legal Counsel, Life

Locations: Lansdowne, VA

Team Overview

As Legal Counsel, you will be responsible for leading complex litigation and appellate advocacy with minimal oversight from senior attorneys. This position will focus on pro‑life litigation and advocacy. In this role, you will report to Sr. Counsel, Director of Center for Life.

As a member of 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. Legal 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 complex lawsuits in support of unborn babies and their mothers, in addition to defending pro‑life advocates on the frontlines
• Develop strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of case
• Produce high‑quality legal papers, including 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
• Interview and interact with media 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

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D., active license in at least one U.S. state bar, and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction within one year
• 1+ years of complex litigation experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of complex litigation 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.