---
title: 'Legal Counsel, Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/legal-counsel-public-policy-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-943f1afq683j'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Legal Counsel, Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom

- **Company:** Alliance Defending Freedom
- **Location:** Lansdowne, VA / Dallas, TX
- **Compensation:** $114k–$200k
- **Posted:** 2026-09-03
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/alliancedefendingfreedom/jobs/5408655008?gh_jid=5408655008

## Job description

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](https://adflegal.org/about-us/careers/statement-of-faith/) to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA / Dallas, TX

## Team Overview

The Legal Counsel will serve on the government affairs team that manages ADF’s legislative and public policy work, including in-depth legislative review and analysis. This position will focus on providing legal counsel on federal and state legislation and policies affecting all of ADF’s issues, including free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. This position will require the individual to monitor and engage with a comprehensive legislative portfolio, coordinate with issue experts within ADF to analyze federal and state legislation, and regularly meet with and present to government officials and policy allies to advance ADF’s policy priorities within the federal and state governments.

## Key Responsibilities

- Draft legislation and policies related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.
- Review, track, and report on a large federal and state legislative portfolio of bills affecting ADF’s issues and strategic priorities.
- Quickly develop a working knowledge of new legislation and its impact on ADF’s core issue areas.
- Work with issue area experts within ADF to develop analysis, position papers, and summaries of legislation affecting ADF’s core issue areas.
- Conduct research and prepare reports analyzing the latest court precedent that impacts ADF's legislative priorities.
- Travel extensively (especially during state legislative sessions when travel will likely exceed 50% per month) to meet with policy groups, legislators, legislative staff, and other stakeholders to discuss policy, strategy, and how to effectively advocate to government officials and the public.
- Provide frequent in-person, virtual, and written testimony and presentations on the legal implications of proposed legislation.
- Encourage and facilitate effective working relationships with key government and policy allies.
- Speak publicly to the media and before crowds.
- Work collaboratively within the ADF team and with external allies.

## 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 experience in public policy advocacy, governmental relations/affairs, or legislative work at the federal or state level.

## Preferred Qualification

- Familiarity with federal and state legislative processes and procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of policy and constitutional issues related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.
- Proven legislative advocacy and analysis skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate federal and state governmental issues, rules, regulations, and legislation.
- Demonstrated high-level and effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective broad-range working relationships and proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams.
- Willingness to work in a frenetic and fluid legislative/political environment.
- Flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with key federal and state legislative staff, as well as other mission-related advocacy organizations.
- Awareness of the current political environment and ongoing strategic implications that affect the legislative activities of ADF.
- Ability to reach out and effectively use grassroots networks to advance a policy agenda.

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 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 $114,000—$200,000 USD

## About Alliance Defending Freedom

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is the world’s largest legal organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights through litigation, advocacy, and attorney training.
- **Entity Type**: Private (501(c)(3) religious nonprofit)
- **Headquarters**: Scottsdale, AZ, USA (with additional offices in Lansdowne, VA; Washington, D.C.; Lawrenceville, GA; and Dallas, TX)
- **Founded**: 1994
- **Founders**: A coalition of more than 30 prominent Christian leaders

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Legal advocacy and public-policy litigation
- **Target customers**: Clients (individuals, churches, ministries) defending religious liberty and free speech; allied attorneys and law students; donors (Ministry Friends); and the broader alliance of partner organizations.
- **Mission**: To keep the door open for the gospel by advancing every person’s God-given right to live and speak the truth. ADF pursues strategic victories in law, policy, and the public square.

## Products & Services
- **Direct Litigation (Legal Representation)**: ADF takes cases pro bono for clients whose God-given rights are threatened. It has won nearly 80% of its cases, including 20 victories at the U.S. Supreme Court.
- **Attorney Network & Training**: Over 5,300 allied attorneys worldwide who receive training, mentorship, and resources to advance religious freedom in their own jurisdictions.
- **ADF Action & ADF Church & Ministry Alliance**: Advocacy and educational arms that equip pastors, churches, and ministry leaders in defending their constitutional rights.
- **Viewpoint Diversity Score Business Index**: A tool that rates Fortune 100 companies on their respect for free speech and religious liberty, used to encourage corporate policy change.
- **Blackstone Legal Fellowship**: A high‑profile summer legal training program for law students, preparing the next generation of constitutional lawyers.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not applicable (nonprofit); annual revenue not publicly disclosed.
- **Key Metric**: Total network of 5,300+ allied attorneys; 20 U.S. Supreme Court victories; ~80% overall win rate.
- **Notable Donors/Partners**: Fully funded by private donations (Ministry Friends); no government funds. Partners include a wide alliance of Christian ministries, churches, and individual supporters. ADF does not charge clients for representation.
- **Growth Signals**: Five U.S. offices; continued expansion of the attorney network; recent Supreme Court wins (e.g., *303 Creative v. Elenis*); increasing visibility through the Viewpoint Diversity Score Business Index.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Scale**: World’s largest legal organization focused on religious liberty and family rights.
- **Track Record**: Unmatched Supreme Court success (20 wins) and an ~80% overall case‑win rate.
- **Attorney Network**: A ready‑made force of over 5,300 allied lawyers who can be deployed nationwide.
- **Strategic Patience**: The “generational wins” approach seeks lasting legal and cultural change rather than short‑term victories.
- **Funding Model**: No government or corporate strings attached – fully donor‑supported, enabling principled litigation.

## Strategic Focus
- **Five Generational Wins**: Protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights.
- **Policy & Corporate Engagement**: Expanding influence beyond the courtroom via the Viewpoint Diversity Score and corporate‑affairs initiatives.
- **Training the Next Generation**: Scaling the Blackstone Legal Fellowship and other attorney‑training programs to ensure long‑term bench strength.
- **Global Reach**: Expanding the alliance model internationally through allied attorneys and partnerships.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & Mission**: A faith‑based, collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to grow spiritually and professionally. Daily chapel, prayer gatherings, and a full‑time chaplain are central to the workday.
- **Work‑Life Balance**: Generous paid time off (PTO), 12 paid holidays, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, and free personal finance advisory services.
- **Compensation & Benefits**: 100% employer‑paid medical and dental premiums for employee and family; health savings account with employer contribution; 401(k) with 4% match; life, AD&D, disability, and long‑term care insurance; access to a vast library of online professional education courses.
- **Office & Flexibility**: Five U.S. offices (Scottsdale, AZ; Lansdowne, VA; Washington, D.C.; Lawrenceville, GA; Dallas, TX). Roles are generally office‑based; the interview process includes an in‑person final round.
- **Interview Process**: Typically 3–4 weeks, involving a recruiter screen, a deeper discussion with the hiring manager, and a final day of multiple in‑person interviews.
- **Employment Requirement**: All team members must share and uphold ADF’s Statement of Faith, grounded in the Apostles’ Creed and historic Christian tradition.

## Sources
1. [ADF Careers Page](https://adflegal.org/careers/)
2. [ADF About Us](https://adflegal.org/about/)
3. [ADF Homepage](https://adflegal.org/)
4. [ADF Career Opportunities](https://adflegal.org/careers/career-opportunities/)
5. [ADF LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-defending-freedom)

## Other roles at Alliance Defending Freedom

- [Audience Growth Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/audience-growth-program-manager-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-0zxy7detwv1j) — Lansdowne, VA / Scottsdale, AZ / Dallas, TX
- [HR Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/hr-coordinator-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-38ja3y4pcd5e) — Lansdowne, VA
- [Senior Counsel, Federal Public Policy](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-counsel-federal-public-policy-alliance-defending-freedom-washington-mv0bgadzd0ec) — Washington, DC
- [Sr. Technical Support Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-technical-support-specialist-alliance-defending-freedom-washington-6xfhrresdsxj) — Washington, DC
- [Legal Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/legal-administrative-assistant-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-0es4ecvje6pn) — Lansdowne, VA
- [Legal Counsel, Government Affairs](https://feeny.ai/job/legal-counsel-government-affairs-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-bfrapxsc12fa) — Lansdowne, VA / Washington, DC
- [Audio Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/audio-engineer-alliance-defending-freedom-scottsdale-rv3cec3z3h9x) — Scottsdale, AZ
- [Sr. Director, Talent Development](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-director-talent-development-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-p765p00s7f2r) — Lansdowne, VA / Scottsdale, AZ
- [Sr. Counsel, Director of Center for Free Speech](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-counsel-director-of-center-for-free-speech-alliance-defending-freedom-hp0v04gsgs95) — Lansdowne, VA
- [Senior Counsel, Counter Censorship Task Force](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-counsel-counter-censorship-task-force-alliance-defending-freedom-a29j2dxcnp76) — Lansdowne, VA