$70K - 120K a year
Advocate for religious freedom through litigation, legal research, client representation, training, and public engagement.
JD, 3-5 years federal civil litigation experience including trial court motion practice and discovery, strong research and advocacy skills, and agreement with CLS faith statements.
Company Or Organization Christian Legal Society Location: Springfield, Virginia Job Description The nation’s oldest Christian religious freedom advocacy organization is seeking an exceptional and experienced litigation attorney to join its legal team. If you are dedicated to serving Jesus Christ, the principles of religious freedom, and the sanctity of human life, consider the Center for Law & Religious Freedom. We are looking for a highly qualified litigator to advocate through amicus briefs, as well as through direct litigation, with unusually sound judgment commensurate with one’s legal experience. Responsibilities • Enhance one’s expertise in the law applicable to religious freedom and the sanctity of human life • Conduct legal research, analyze court rulings, statutes, and regulations • Interview prospective clients • Draft complaints, motions, briefs, and other court filings • Conduct discovery • Represent clients in courts, before agencies, and in oral argument on appeal • Develop trusted working relationships with an ecumenical spectrum of other religious freedom advocacy groups • Train attorneys at CLS National Conferences, regional retreats, chapter meetings, and webinars on religious freedom • Occasionally share with the public at donor engagements and with the media • Respond to requests for assistance from victims of religious freedom violations • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor. Requirements • Agree with the CLS Statement of Faith and abide by CLS Community Life Statement • Thorough research and persuasive advocacy skills (oral and written) • Exceptional analytical skills and mature (i.e., humble) judgment • At least 3 – 5 years of civil litigation experience in federal courts, including trial court motion practice and discovery (trial experience desirable) • JD and where you will reside[1] • Ability to communicate effectively with attorneys, law students, the general public, and the media • Organizational and computer skills • Strong attention to detail and proven project management skills Compensation And Benefits CLS offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and a benefits package that includes health and dental benefits and a retirement plan. Work and life balance is important to the well-being of our team members. TO APPLY Qualified, passionate candidates should submit the following in one PDF file with your name in the file: • Résumé • Cover letter detailing your philosophical interest in the position, and where you are licensed to practice. • Include a writing sample preferably a “Motion” that you have written. While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Apply only by email (smcfarland@clsnet.org AND jwoodruff@clsnet.org); not social media (e.g., Linked In) or phone please. You may address your cover letter to Steve McFarland. [1] If not already a member, the candidate must become licensed in that state within 12 months of being hired if necessary under that state’s court rules. Location: Springfield, Virginia
This job posting was last updated on 10/21/2025