Sr. Counsel, Director of Center for Free Speech

About the role

As Senior Counsel, Director of Center for Free Speech, you are a vital part of the Legal Advocacy Team. You will report to the VP of Litigation Strategy and are responsible for leading the Center for Free Speech. This includes working with ADF leadership to set strategic objectives, developing creative litigation strategies to combat censorship (particularly digital censorship), maintaining free speech in the age of artificial intelligence, resisting international censorship, and stopping governments from pressuring private actors to silence speech.

Responsibilities

• Assess, develop, initiate, and lead legal litigation and advocacy that advances the objectives of the ADF Center for Free Speech.
• Develop creative litigation strategies to combat censorship (particularly digital censorship), maintain free speech in the age of artificial intelligence, resist international censorship from creeping into the United States, and stop governments from pressuring private actors to silence speech.
• Aggressively and tenaciously execute litigation strategies to combat censorship.
• Lead and supervise a team of attorneys to undertake the most advanced and complex litigation handled by ADF, including:
  • Ensuring that legal filings are of superior quality through drafting, review, and editing.
  • Leading the team in conducting advanced legal research on novel questions of law.
  • Training entry, mid-level, and senior attorneys in all phases of state and federal litigation.
  • Leading the Center for Free Speech in administration, personnel, supervision, and litigation.
• Litigate complex cases and represent clients before trial and appellate courts as well as administrative agencies.
• Proactively investigate potential cases and review potential intake matters, and when necessary, initiate immediate legal action to protect free speech or oppose censorship in urgent circumstances.
• Build coalitions and develop collaborative relationships with allies that are protecting free speech and opposing censorship.
• Speak publicly and in media appearances on free speech and censorship issues.
• Act as a servant leader by training, encouraging, coaching, and developing your team members.
• Foster a spirit of trust, innovation, creativity, and excellence on your team.
• Meet regularly with your team members to discuss their progress and complete performance reviews.
• Approve PTO requests, timecards, and expense reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; JD, licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction.
• 10+ years of experience in practicing law, including in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Westlaw software.

Benefits

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

Pay

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Lansdowne, VA. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Virginia Salary Range: $238,300—$291,900 USD