Legal Counsel, Public Policy

The role

The Legal Counsel will serve on the government affairs team to manage legislative and public policy work. This person will provide legal counsel on federal and state legislation and policies affecting free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.

What you will do

• 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.
• Develop a working knowledge of new legislation and its impact on core issue areas.
• Work with issue area experts to develop analysis, position papers, and summaries of legislation.
• Conduct research and prepare reports analyzing court precedent impacting legislative priorities.
• Travel to meet with policy groups, legislators, legislative staff, and other stakeholders.
• Provide in-person, virtual, and written testimony and presentations on 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.

Required qualifications

• J.D.
• active license in at least one US state bar
• 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 have

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 100% covered medical and dental insurance
• medical and dependent care reimbursement
• paid disability
• long-term care
• life insurance
• 401(k) plan with a 4% company match
• paid time off
• 12 paid holidays each year

Before you apply

• Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

About the company

Alliance Defending Freedom protects religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights.