Legal Counsel, Public Policy

Alliance Defending Freedom•Lansdowne, VA

8d•$114,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their government affairs team. This role will focus on ADF’s legislative and public policy work, providing legal counsel on federal and state legislation and policies impacting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. The position involves monitoring legislative portfolios, analyzing legislation with issue experts, and engaging with government officials and policy allies to advance ADF’s priorities. The role requires extensive travel, especially during state legislative sessions, to advocate for policy positions. The Legal Counsel will also be responsible for drafting legislation, providing testimony, and speaking publicly to the media and other groups.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.