Fellowships and Internships

Litigation Fellowship

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The Alliance Defending Freedom Litigation Fellowship gives attorneys within their first three years of practice with a passion for religious liberty, protecting life, and defending the family the opportunity to get hands-on experience litigating constitutional cases. Fellows will assist a variety of seasoned practitioners with litigation cases, from the investigative stages, through discovery and motions practice, and into trial. In some cases, Fellows may have the opportunity to assist with cases on appeal. Assistance may include case evaluation and development, legal research, and drafting of legal briefs. Fellows may also contribute to public policy through legal scholarship and public advocacy. In short, Fellows will be an integrated, contributing part of the ADF Legal Advocacy team. The Fellowship will produce specialized training that will position new lawyers for success and provide a competitive advantage for those interested in pursuing public interest law.

Fellowship terms are for one year and offer a competitive salary and benefits. Applications for the Fellowship are accepted each year between October 1 and December 31 for a Fellowship typically beginning the following September. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews typically conducted in late fall or early winter and offers made by the end of February.

Fellows will work from the ADF Office in Lansdowne, VA. Applicants are expected to have sat for a state bar examination prior to beginning their Fellowship. 

Interested applicants should submit the following:

Appellate Fellowship

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The Alliance Defending Freedom Appellate Fellowship gives exceptional recent law clerks immediate, hands-on experience litigating cases focused on building First Amendment precedent to promote religious liberty, protect life, and defend the family. Under the mentorship of experienced attorneys with practices focused on the U.S. Supreme Court and federal circuit courts, Fellows will participate in all aspects of appellate litigation, gaining valuable experience in litigation strategy, research, writing, and preparation for oral advocacy. Fellows may also contribute to public policy through legal scholarship and public advocacy. In short, Fellows will be an integrated, contributing part of the ADF Appellate Advocacy team. The Appellate Fellowship is an excellent stepping stone to additional judicial clerkships, government service, private appellate practice, or public interest law.

Fellowship terms are for one year and offer a competitive salary and benefits. Applications for Fellowships are accepted each year between October 1 and December 31 for Fellowships typically beginning the following September. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews typically conducted in late fall or early winter and offers made by the end of February.

Fellows will work from the ADF Office located in Lansdowne, VA. Applicants are expected to be a licensed member of a state bar.

Interested applicants should submit the following:

Law Student Summer Internship

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The Alliance Defending Freedom Summer Internship is an 8-10 week program that gives outstanding law students with a passion for religious liberty, to protect life, and to defend the family the opportunity to get hands-on experience advancing the law. Interns will assist seasoned practitioners prepare to advocate for freedom engaging in public advocacy, case evaluation and development, legal research, and providing support for all stages of litigation. In short, interns will get hands on experience as an integrated, contributing part of the ADF Legal Advocacy team. Interns will also get training on the foundations of the law and Constitutional interpretation that will position law students for success and provide a competitive advantage for those interest in pursuing public interest law.

Internships are ideal for law students during the summer following their first year or second year of law school and includes a stipend to contribute to expenses. Applications for the internship are accepted each year between December 1 and January 31. Final consideration will be given after receipt of first semester grades and offers made by the end of February, on a rolling basis.

The internship is coordinated with the Blackstone Legal Fellowship. Acceptance into both programs is required. The internship will take place in the ADF Office in Lansdowne, VA.

Interested applicants should submit the following: