Everyone says they want to change the world. We’re looking for people who actually will.
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith. Please visit www.adflegal.org/about-us/careers to view our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives.
Appellate Legal Counsel
Alliance Defending Freedom is looking for a highly professional Appellate Legal Counsel to join us in our Lansdowne, VA, Scottsdale, AZ or from a remote home office. As Appellate Legal Counsel, you are a vital part of the US Legal Division Team. This position will focus in particular on appellate advocacy. In this role, you will report to the Vice President of Appellate Advocacy, Sr. Counsel. Legal Counsel is an experienced attorney capable of undertaking complex litigation and appellate advocacy without substantial oversight by senior attorneys. Legal Counsel will focus on the practice of civil litigation with emphasis on Constitutional law and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights actions, formulate legal strategy, draft legal briefs, advise clients as to legal rights, and practice other phases of law by performing the following duties. Legal Counsel also oversees administrative and paralegal support functions.
Your Essential Responsibilities:
In this position, you will:
- Collaborate with the team to strategically assess, develop, and initiate appellate advocacy that advances the objectives of ADF
- Litigate complex cases at appellate court levels, including preparing research, strategy, briefs, and related documents and participating in oral argument preparation
- Draft legal briefs and memos on matters before state and federal appellate courts
- Argue cases before state and federal appellate courts
- Cooperate with Development team, including speaking engagements and other events
- Interact with media regarding cases and issues
- Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence
- Network and develop relationships with allied attorneys and/or potential allied attorneys
Other Responsibilities (Non-Essential):
- You will be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned
Skills you need to succeed:
Demonstrated proficiency in:
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and Westlaw
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Excellent analytical skills
- Strong attention to detail and proven project management skills
- Excellent problem solving skills
- Proven customer service and excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to:
- Professionally handle confidential information
- Work, motivate, and initiate within a team
- Prioritize and achieve deadline goals
Education and/or experience:
- Bachelor’s degree
- J.D., licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction
- Clerkship with the U.S. Supreme Court
- 3-4 years of Litigation experience or clerk experience
To complete your application, please attach a writing sample and copy of your transcripts to your application or if the files are too large, email to hr@adflegal.org.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ORGANIZATION WITH A COMPETITIVE
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE, TOO?
We have it! Alliance Defending Freedom offers team members a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes major medical insurance, dental care, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care insurance, and life insurance. We also offer a 401(k) plan with a generous company match. Work and life balance is important to the well-being of our team members. You will receive paid time off (PTO) that starts accruing from your hire date and 11 paid holidays per year.
