Legal Counsel, Investigations & Oversight

Complete Guide: Legal Counsel (Investigations & Oversight) at Alliance Defending Freedom

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a prominent non-profit legal organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life, is seeking a highly skilled and intellectually curious professional for the position of Legal Counsel, Investigations & Oversight. This full-time, mid-senior level role is based in Lansdowne, Virginia, and offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within ADF's Counter Censorship Task Force.

Role and Team Overview

As part of the Counter Censorship Task Force, the Legal Counsel will play a vital role in supporting investigative, transparency, and research initiatives. These efforts provide the critical factual foundation required for litigation, legislative drafting, and strategic responses to censorship-related challenges. This position is ideal for an attorney possessing strong research capabilities, deep intellectual curiosity, and a desire to contribute to complex, high-impact investigative projects.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for executing tasks across three primary domains:

• Investigative Research: Conducting comprehensive legal and factual research into institutions, policies, and initiatives related to censorship and free expression. This includes collecting, organizing, and analyzing publicly available information, as well as preparing detailed research memoranda and analytical reports for senior leadership.
• Public Records & Transparency Work: Drafting and submitting public records and transparency requests at federal, state, and international levels. The counsel will track deadlines, manage follow-up communications, monitor compliance, and analyze records obtained through these requests, as well as assist in transparency enforcement actions.
• Investigative Support: Mapping relationships among relevant institutions, organizations, and programs. The role involves compiling factual records to support litigation development, legislative initiatives, and oversight efforts, alongside developing investigative research files and briefing materials.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for this position must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• An active license to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant legal or investigative experience.
• Alignment with ADF's mission and Statement of Faith.

Compensation and Benefits

ADF offers a highly competitive compensation package comparable to top non-profit law firms. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 100% covered medical and dental insurance.
• Medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Paid disability, long-term care, and life insurance.
• A 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% company match.
• Generous work-life balance provisions, including paid time off and 12 paid holidays annually.