Job Information
Alliance Defending Freedom Appellate Fellow in Lansdowne, Virginia
Everyone says they want to change the world. We’re looking for people who actually will.
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith. Please visit www.adflegal.org/about-us/careers to view our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives.
Appellate Fellow
Alliance Defending Freedom is looking for a highly professional Appellate Fellow to join us in our Lansdowne, VA office. As an Appellate Fellow, you are vital to the Legal Advocacy Team and will advocate within a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. In a yearlong program, Fellows will work full-time assisting seasoned practitioners on constitutional cases largely focused in federal circuit courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Their assistance may include evaluating trial-level decisions to access strategic benefits to an appeal, collaborating with legal teams from multiple disciplines, drafting appellate court documents, preparing advocates for oral arguments, and arguing motions before a court. Fellows may also contribute to public policy through legal scholarship and public advocacy.
Your Essential Responsibilities:
In this position, you will:
Collaborate with the team to strategically assess, develop, and initiate legal advocacy that advances the objectives of ADF.
Litigate complex cases at appellate court levels, including preparing research, strategy, pleadings, briefs, and related documents; and participating in oral argument.
Serve as a resource for legislative and policy work that is aligned with ADF objectives.
Provide legal advice for individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Network and develop relationships with allied attorneys and/or potential allied attorneys.
Travel occasionally.
Other Responsibilities (Non-Essential):
- You will be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned by your Team Leader.
Skills you need to succeed:
Demonstrated proficiency in:
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills.
Excellent public speaking skills.
Strong attention to detail and project management skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent problem solving skills.
Ability to:
Work, self-motivate, and collaborate within a team.
Prioritize and achieve strict deadlines under pressure.
Professionally handle confidential information.
Travel as needed.
Education and/or experience:
J.D. degree, appellate clerkship is required and federal appellate clerkship is preferred.
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and Westlaw software.
To complete your application, please submit a writing sample and a copy of your law school transcripts and any letters of recommendation to hr@adflegal.org or attach with your application.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ORGANIZATION WITH A COMPETITIVE
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE, TOO?
We have it! Alliance Defending Freedom offers team members a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes major medical insurance, dental care, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care insurance, and life insurance. We also offer a 401(k) plan with a generous company match. Work and life balance is important to the well-being of our team members. You will receive paid time off (PTO) that starts accruing from your hire date and 11 paid holidays per year.