Sr. Counsel, Director of Center for Free Speech
The Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Free Speech at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is a pivotal role within the Legal Advocacy Team, based in Lansdowne, Virginia. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Litigation Strategy and is responsible for leading the Center for Free Speech. The role involves setting strategic objectives, developing litigation strategies to combat censorship—particularly digital censorship—and defending free speech in the age of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the director will work to prevent international censorship from influencing the United States and address governmental pressures on private entities to suppress speech. Managing and mentoring a team of litigators, the director will oversee complex litigation and advocacy efforts, build coalitions with allies opposing censorship, and represent ADF in public forums on free speech issues.
Key responsibilities include assessing, developing, initiating, and leading legal litigation and advocacy that advance the objectives of the ADF Center for Free Speech. The director will develop creative litigation strategies to combat censorship, maintain free speech in the age of artificial intelligence, resist international censorship, and prevent government pressures on private actors to silence speech. Executing these litigation plans aggressively and tenaciously is essential. Leading and supervising a team of attorneys to undertake advanced and complex litigation is a core aspect of the role, ensuring superior quality in legal filings through drafting, review, and editing. The director will lead the team in conducting advanced legal research on novel questions of law and train attorneys in all phases of state and federal litigation. Additional duties include litigating complex cases before trial and appellate courts, proactively investigating potential cases, building coalitions with allies protecting free speech, and speaking publicly on free speech and censorship issues.
The minimum qualifications for this position include a Bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, with licensure to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in practicing law, including supervisory roles. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Westlaw software is required. The compensation package is competitive, with a salary range of $238,300 to $275,000 USD annually, reflective of the position's location in Lansdowne, VA. 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. Paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year are also provided.
Alliance Defending Freedom is a Christian legal advocacy nonprofit dedicated to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. The organization offers a collaborative and mission-driven environment, providing opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact in defending fundamental freedoms.