Summer Associate

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA

Team Overview

We are seeking talented, mission-driven law students to join ADF's new Summer Associate Program. This competitive, two-summer pathway is designed for top-tier 1L and 2L students who want to build practical litigation experience, compete for post-graduation employment, and pursue a legal career centered on religious liberty, the sanctity of life, freedom of speech, and marriage and family. Summer Associates are embedded directly within ADF litigation teams, working alongside experienced attorneys on active cases while building the relationships and track record that can lead to a Lawyer Fellowship or full-time offer with ADF.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an embedded member of an ADF litigation team, contributing legal research, writing, and case support under attorney supervision.
• Draft memoranda, briefs, and other legal work product for review and evaluation by supervising attorneys.
• Conclude the 1L summer by submitting a written legal brief for evaluation and comparison with peers.
• Participate in the Blackstone Legal Fellowship training and mentorship curriculum, as applicable.
• Engage with ADF clients and case teams to gain hands-on litigation and case-development experience.
• Attend team meetings, case strategy sessions, and relevant training to build practical legal skills.
• Build relationships with ADF attorneys and staff that support consideration for the Lawyer Fellowship program or a future full-time offer.
• Represent ADF professionally at recruiting events, dinners, and campus visits, as requested.
• Complete performance evaluations and feedback sessions with mentors and team leads.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a 1L or 2L student in good standing at an accredited law school
• Demonstrated interest in ADF's mission and a desire to pursue a legal career in mission-driven advocacy
• Strong academic performance

Preferred Qualifications

• Participation in the Blackstone Legal Fellowship 

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