Everyone says they want to change the world. We're looking for people who actually will.
ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people. Please visit our career site to view our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives.
Legal Counsel
ADF International is looking for a highly professional Legal Counsel to join us in our London, UK Office. As Legal Counsel, UK, you are a vital part of the International Advocacy Team, serving ADF International (UK). In this role, you will conduct high-quality legal advocacy in the United Kingdom to win the battle for religious liberty, life, marriage, the family, and the rights of parents.
Your Essential Responsibilities:
In this position, you will:
- Conduct in-depth and high-quality legal work.
- Draft legal documents and memorandums and, where appropriate, advise others.
- Identify cases that could further the mission and help draw together, as appropriate, potential clients, external lawyers, and other supporting professionals.
- Engage in written and oral advocacy at the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the European Court of Human Rights, and related institutions, draft interventions and submissions.
- Engage with parliamentarians, civil servants, and members of the legal profession.
- Build coalitions alongside allies to promote the sanctity of life, marriage and the family, and religious freedom.
- Build a growing alliance of lawyers, law students, church leaders, public intellectuals, NGO leaders, business leaders, academics, diplomats, policymakers, and lawmakers to advance the mission of ADF International (UK).
- Advise allied lawyers on legal issues within areas of competence.
- Develop and execute strategies to identify and support cases that will, secure positive precedents at the highest available courts and institutions.
- Draft scholarly articles, present at conferences, and conduct training events
- Cooperate with the Development team, including on speaking engagements and other fundraising events.
- Interact with the media regarding cases and issues through op-eds, commentaries, and interviews on radio or television in support of our mission.
- Provide training to lawyers who are seeking to engage with our work.
Other Responsibilities:
- You may be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned within the general scope of the position.
Skills you need to succeed:
Knowledge of:
- British (or similar commonwealth jurisdiction) and international public law, particularly human rights law, and understands the processes of the EU, European Court of Human Rights, and the United Nations
- Familiarity with appellate litigation in the UK (or similar commonwealth jurisdiction) preferred
- Key threats to life, marriage and the family, and religious freedom in Europe and the wider international context
- Political affairs of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Running successful advocacy campaigns
Demonstrated proficiency in:
- Legal analysis, research, and writing
- Alliance-building, networking, and relationship development
- Capacity to handle multiple complex matters working with a multi-disciplinary team
- Public speaking
Ability to:
- Fluently speak and write in English
- Live and work in London, UK, and travel internationally, sometimes at short notice
Education and/or experience:
- Qualified solicitor or barrister
- Ideally, two or more years of relevant experience
Valid work permit or UK citizenship required.
