Sr. Counsel, Director of Center for Life

About the role

Location: Lansdowne, VA. As Senior Counsel, Director of Center for Life, you are a vital part of the Legal Advocacy Team. In this role, you will report to the VP of U.S. Litigation and are responsible for leading the Center for Life litigation team in all respects. This includes, but is not limited to, setting strategic objectives for the team in collaboration with the VP of U.S. Litigation and Chief Legal Counsel; managing and mentoring team members; supervising and leading litigation and advocacy efforts of the team in order to meet stated objectives; building coalitions among pro-life groups; speaking and presenting on pro-life issues; coordinating across teams within ADF and coordinating allies outside of ADF to meet stated objectives; and other similar responsibilities related to directing the Center for Life.

Responsibilities

• Strategically assess, develop, initiate, and successfully lead legal advocacy that advances the objectives of the ADF Center for Life.
• Lead and supervise a team of attorneys able to undertake advanced and complex litigation, including ensuring that legal filings are of superior quality through drafting, review, and editing.
• Lead the team in conducting advanced legal research on novel questions of law.
• Train junior, mid-level, and senior attorneys in all phases of state and federal litigation.
• Lead the Center for Life team in administration, personnel, supervision, and litigation.
• Litigate complex cases and represent clients before trial and appellate courts as well as administrative agencies.
• Exercise initiative to investigate potential cases; when necessary, initiate immediate legal action to protect life or secure constitutional rights in urgent circumstances.
• Facilitate coalition building with pro-life groups nationwide.
• Network and develop relationships with allied attorneys and/or potential allied attorneys.
• Engage in public speaking and media appearances on pro-life issues.
• Act as a servant leader by training, encouraging, coaching, and developing team members.
• Foster a spirit of trust, innovation, creativity, and excellence on the team.
• Meet regularly with team members to discuss their progress and complete performance reviews.
• Approve PTO requests, timecards, and expense reports.

Qualifications

• 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

Pay

Virginia Salary Range $238,300—$275,000 USD. Compensation is competitive with top non‑profit law firms (specific range not disclosed).

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