Senior Counsel, Europe Litigation

The role

You will lead high-level European litigation focused on freedom of speech. This includes shaping case strategy, representing clients before the ECtHR and CJEU, and supervising junior lawyers.

What you will do

• Develop and implement litigation strategies for generational wins in Europe.
• Identify and select cases to secure positive precedents at high courts.
• Lead and litigate complex cases from domestic proceedings to the ECtHR and CJEU.
• Represent ADF and clients before the ECtHR and CJEU through drafting and oral arguments.
• Coordinate with counsels in German and French courts.
• Produce, review, edit, and file legal papers including briefs and pleadings.
• Conduct advanced legal research on European human rights law, EU law, and German and French law.
• Monitor legislative and judicial developments affecting free speech in Europe.
• Supervise and mentor mid-level and junior lawyers.
• Represent ADF's free speech advocacy in the court of public opinion and media.

Required qualifications

• Master's level law degree or higher
• Qualified lawyer, admitted to the bar in an EU Member State or other Council of Europe jurisdiction, with an active practicing license in good standing
• Rights of audience permitting representation of parties before the CJEU and the ECtHR
• Ten or more years of relevant litigation experience, including substantial EU law experience
• Proficiency in complex and appellate litigation
• Proficiency in legal analysis, research, and writing
• Proficiency in case strategy and management of multi-jurisdictional litigation
• Proficiency in alliance-building, networking, and relationship development
• Proficiency in leadership and supervision of lawyers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications
• Fluently speak and write in English
• Valid work permit for the EU/Belgium or EU citizenship required

Nice to have

• Specialised qualification in EU or European human rights law
• Experience litigating before the ECtHR and/or the CJEU
• German and/or French

Before you apply

• Valid work permit for the EU/Belgium or EU citizenship required

About the company

Alliance Defending Freedom is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.