---
title: 'Senior Counsel, Federal Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-counsel-federal-public-policy-alliance-defending-freedom-washington-mv0bgadzd0ec'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Senior Counsel, Federal Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom

- **Company:** Alliance Defending Freedom
- **Location:** Washington, DC
- **Compensation:** $196k–$229k
- **Posted:** 2026-09-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/alliancedefendingfreedom/jobs/5414072008?gh_jid=5414072008

## 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: Washington D.C.

## Team Overview

The Senior Counsel will serve on the government affairs team that manages ADF’s legislative and public policy work. This position will report to the Vice President of Public Policy. It will focus on providing legal counsel on federal legislation and policies regarding all of ADF’s core issue areas, including free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. The role requires monitoring and engaging with a comprehensive federal legislative portfolio, coordinating with issue experts within ADF to analyze federal legislation, conducting in-depth legislative review and analysis, and regularly meeting with and presenting to Congressional staff and policy allies to advance ADF’s policy priorities within the federal government.

## Key Responsibilities

- Draft federal 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 legislative portfolio of bills affecting ADF’s issues and strategic priorities.
- Develop and implement strategies to promote and incorporate ADF’s legislative priorities into federal legislation, including appropriations and funding legislation.
- Quickly develop a working knowledge of new legislation and its impact on ADF’s core issue areas.
- Build and facilitate effective working relationships with key government officials, Congressional offices, and policy allies.
- 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 federal legislative priorities.
- Provide frequent in-person, virtual, and written presentations and testimony on proposed legislation, including ADF’s position on legislation and its legal implications.
- Advocate and coordinate support for ADF’s positions on federal governmental policies and legislation in conjunction with the government affairs team and ADF.
- Speak publicly to Congressional offices, the media, and before crowds.
- Travel to meet with and educate lawmakers on policies and legislation.
- Work collaboratively within the ADF team and with external allies.

## 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.
- 5+ years of experience in public policy advocacy, governmental relations/affairs, or legislative work at the federal level.

## Preferred Qualifications

- 10+ years of legal experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with federal legislative processes and procedures.
- Experience with policy and constitutional issues related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.
- Proven legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.

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 $196,000—$229,000 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

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- [HR Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/hr-coordinator-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-38ja3y4pcd5e) — Lansdowne, VA
- [Legal Counsel, Public Policy](https://feeny.ai/job/legal-counsel-public-policy-alliance-defending-freedom-lansdowne-943f1afq683j) — Lansdowne, VA / Dallas, TX
- [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
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