Legal Counsel, Church & Ministry Alliance
This position is no longer accepting applications (closed Oct 31, 2026).
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 to ensure we’re a fit for you.
Location: Lansdowne, VA
Team Overview
In this role, you will primarily serve as a resource to ministries and ministry leaders, providing day-to-day operational and legal assistance in support of their religious missions. You will conduct legal review of church and ministry governing documents, handbooks, policies, and some contracts; consult directly with churches and ministries to advise on their legal rights and responsibilities; assist in preparing and revising legal resources; and engage in public advocacy such as speaking, blogging, and appearing in all forms of media upon ADF’s request. You will meet established legal service objectives and be responsible for providing exceptional service to CMA members.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day operational legal assistance to faith-based ministries to enable them to effectively carry out their religious missions.
- Formulate legal advice, resources, policies, and best practices addressing various aspects of ministry operations.
- Assist ministries in the adoption, initial implementation, and consistent application of such policies, procedures, & practices. Advise ministries about threats to the religious liberty of the Church, and steps to protect that religious liberty, whether generally or in response to specific situations through speaking engagements, publications, conference calls, webinars, web-based resources, and other means.
- Cultivate a growing knowledge base & develop various resources on topics related to churches, ministry organizations, and Christian schools.
- Advise Allied Attorneys on referred matters within areas of legal competence. As well as, network and develop relationships with potential Church & Ministry Alliance members.
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 legal experience
Pay & Benefits
At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and growth. 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.
As published by greenhouse · 17 questions · 1 written answer
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Preferred First Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter
Short answers (6)
- What is the name of your church and your pastor?
- If you were referred by an employee, please enter their name. optional
- In what state(s) are you admitted to practice? What date(s) were you admitted? What is your Bar number(s)?
- What is your minimum-maximum desired salary range?
- LinkedIn Profile optional
- Please provide your current home address (street, city, state, ZIP).
Pick from a list (9)
- Have you read and do you agree with ADF’s Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives?
- Do you attend church regularly?
- How did you learn about this opportunity?
- Attorney applicants must either be admitted to the bar of [jurisdiction] or be able to become a member by passing the bar exam or being admitted on motion (waiving in) within one year of beginning employment. Are you an attorney, and can you comply?
- Please select any events or trainings you have attended with Alliance Defending Freedom or ADF International.
- Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work within the United States?
- Are you currently an active member of any of the Reserve components of the Armed Forces or National Guard?
- If required, are you willing to relocate for the opportunity?
Written answers (1)
- Briefly describe your Faith Testimony and any church involvement you have.
Attachments (1)
- Please attach a writing sample and a copy of your law school transcripts to your application.