Senior Counsel, Parental Rights

About the role

This role calls for a seasoned attorney who will own the full lifecycle of complex litigation advancing parental rights, from initial client consultation and case assessment through sophisticated investigation and discovery design. You will spearhead the development of overarching legal strategy, crafting persuasive theories and arguments that resonate with judges and juries in service of preserving parental authority over a child's upbringing. A core part of this position involves leading high-stakes litigation in both federal and state courts, directly representing parents and their children in emotionally charged and constitutionally significant matters. You will translate intricate factual records into compelling narratives by drafting high-level legal papers, including motions, briefs, and expert reports that stand up to rigorous judicial scrutiny. This position demands intellectual rigor, courtroom poise, and a deep commitment to defending the constitutional right of parents to direct the care, custody, and control of their children without government overreach. You will also serve as a key advisor to allied counsel and collaborating organizations, ensuring consistency and excellence across a network of allied attorneys handling parallel or related matters. Finally, you will contribute to public education and outreach by working with the Development team on strategic speaking engagements, media interviews, and other opportunities to clearly communicate the importance of parental rights to the broader community.

Key facts

What you'll do

Draft and file petitions, complaints, and motions that frame the legal issues in favor of protecting parental liberty against unconstitutional state interference.

Lead complex litigation from investigation through trial, managing case theory, witness preparation, and persuasive oral argument before judges and juries.

Conduct sophisticated legal research into emerging questions of constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and precedent that directly affect the parent-child relationship.

Interview and prepare parents, children, and expert witnesses to uncover critical facts and present a coherent, credible record in court.

Coordinate closely with investigators to gather documentary evidence, medical records, and school files that substantiate claims of parental fitness and necessity.

Supervise the discovery process, including drafting targeted interrogatories, requests for production, and handling document review in a sensitive and efficient manner.

Take and defend depositions of opposing parties and experts, using precise questioning to lock down key facts and expose weaknesses in the opposition's narrative.

Collaborate with trial consultants and experts to design demonstrative evidence, exhibits, and trial notebooks that clarify complex factual issues for decision-makers.

Advise allied attorneys on points of law, procedure, and strategy to ensure consistent advocacy across multiple cases and jurisdictions.

Network with other attorneys, organizations, and coalitions to identify new cases, share best practices, and strengthen the broader parental rights movement.

Prepare clear and accessible written and oral communications for media representatives, helping to explain case developments and the legal principles at stake.

Partner with the Development team to plan and participate in speaking events, community outreach, and fundraising initiatives that support the mission.

Manage multiple matters simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines, meticulous file control, and an organized approach to case documentation.

Ensure all work product complies with court rules, ethical duties, and Alliance Defending Freedom's internal quality standards and policies.

Contribute to the growth of the organization by mentoring junior staff, associates, and co-counsel on practical skills and institutional knowledge.

Requirements

Admitted to practice law in good standing in the relevant jurisdiction and in excellent standing with the bar, with a current and valid JD credential.

Possess a minimum of 10 years of post-licensure legal experience, with a demonstrated record of handling complex litigation from start to finish.

Maintain a professional license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and be eligible for admission or admission in related jurisdictions as required for case participation.

Demonstrate the ability to analyze dense factual records and synthesize them into clear, legally sound strategies that protect constitutional freedoms.

Show a strong commitment to religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights as core components of the rule of law.

Be willing to sign Alliance Defending Freedom's Statement of Faith and to conduct all professional work in alignment with its religious and mission-based principles.

Have significant experience drafting appellate and trial-level legal documents, including motions, briefs, memoranda, and evidentiary filings.

Comfortable working independently and as part of a team, managing competing priorities and exercising sound judgment in confidential and high-pressure situations.

Practical notes

This position operates without a specified hourly schedule, and engagement details are determined by case demands and team assignments. Travel may be required between the Lansdowne, Virginia, Dallas, Texas, and Scottsdale, Arizona offices to support cases, attend hearings, and participate in meetings. No specific visa sponsorship information is provided in this source material, and candidates must ensure eligibility to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for the jurisdictions where practice is required. Application deadlines are not outlined in the provided source, so interested candidates should submit materials as early as possible to be considered for active matters.