Senior Counsel, Parental Rights

Career Opportunities – Alliance Defending Freedom

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Lansdowne, VA Dallas, TX Until 8/22/2026 10+ years exp First posted May 16, 2026 Last posted May 16, 2026
Job 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.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA; Dallas, TX; Scottsdale, AZ

Key Responsibilities

  • Initiate, lead and litigate complex lawsuits in support of parental rights, often directly representing parents and their children.
  • Develop strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of cases.
  • Produce high-quality legal papers, including briefs, motions, and memoranda.
  • Represent and argue on behalf of clients in court.
  • Provide advanced legal research on novel issues of law.
  • Conduct fact and expert discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
  • Interview and interact with media regarding cases and issues.
  • Advise allied attorneys on legal issues within areas of competence.
  • Network and develop relationships with current or potential allied attorneys and groups.
  • Work with the Development team on speaking engagements and other events.

Minimum Qualifications

  • JD., licensed to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction
  • 10+ years of experience required

Preferred Qualification

  • Trial experience

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. 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.

Virginia Salary Range
$195,000$230,000 USD

Compensation (from employer):
Virginia Salary Range — 195,000 – 230,000 USD — (<p><span data-teams="true"><em>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.</em></span></p>)

About this role

Summary

Lead complex lawsuits and provide legal counsel on parental rights.

Job title

Senior Counsel, Parental Rights

Experience level

10+ years

Minimum experience

10+ years exp

Industry

nonprofit

Location requirements

Lansdowne, VA; Dallas, TX; Scottsdale, AZ; remote not specified

Salary

$195k–$230k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

JDlaw license

Preferred skills

trial experience

Specializations

parental rightslitigationlegal researchtrial experience
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Lansdowne, VA, USA

On-site City

Dallas, TX, USA

On-site City

Scottsdale, AZ, USA

On-site City