Defending Freedom, Advancing Truth

For Regent University alumnus David Cortman, J.D., Senior Counsel and Vice President of U.S. Litigation at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the path to arguing and winning landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court began with a simple, life-altering question: What was he doing for God’s kingdom?

“It’s a long story, but I’ll try to give the CliffsNotes version,” David shares. “I graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in business and an emphasis in accounting, aiming to become a CPA. I realized in my senior year that I no longer wanted to be an accountant and didn’t know what to do next.” Then, after nearly a decade helping run the family restaurant, came a moment of divine prompting: “God poked me when I was about 29 years old and asked what I was doing for His kingdom,” David recalls. “I said, ‘Who, me? Umm, not much.’”

Through prayer and what he describes as six “fleeces” — tests of God’s will, like Gideon in Judges 6 — David discerned God’s calling to attend law school. “After several months and all six fleeces being answered by God (yes, He is patient with us), I received a scholarship, moved away from my family in Florida to Virginia, and attended Regent,” he says.

At Regent Law, David found more than academic training; he encountered a transformative integration of faith and legal study. “I had a great experience at Regent,” he says. “Nearly every class began with devotions … But the added perspective, which most other law schools did not provide, was a Biblical worldview to each subject.” This foundation proved essential. “It was a great learning experience that combined law with Scripture, which was a helpful perspective when we all graduated and began practicing law.”

That perspective would shape a career defined by courage and conviction. At ADF, David has argued and won pivotal cases before the Supreme Court, including Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer (7–2) and Reed v. Town of Gilbert (9–0), advancing religious liberty and free speech protections nationwide.

“Regent provided a great balance between learning the law and applying it through a Biblical lens,” David shares. “Once in practice, it was important to apply those lessons to decide which cases to take, which clients to assist, and which issues matter most. And, as we say at ADF, religious freedom is our first freedom. Without it, all other freedoms falter.”

Founded to boldly defend constitutional freedoms, ADF has played a leading role in some of the most consequential legal battles of our time. David is quick to point to the source of that success: “God has blessed ADF over the years with great success across the globe, including at the U.S. Supreme Court … Importantly, ADF’s theme verse is John 15:5, ‘…apart from Me you can do nothing’ (NASB). We acknowledge that all of our successes are directly from the Lord.”

David’s work reflects the vision of Regent’s founder, Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, whose mission to equip Christian leaders continues to influence generations. “Dr. Robertson was a great champion of the faith,” he insists. “I was impressed by his unabashed witness. ADF likewise takes a bold stand in defense of the gospel, ensuring that it can continue to be spread across the globe without hindrance. I only hope to mirror, even in a small way, his witness for Christ in the cultural and legal battles we face.”

In a rapidly shifting culture, David believes Christian leaders must rise with clarity and conviction. “There is too much moral compromise, and what is always needed is a steady force of Christians pointing the way to the Savior: the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6),” he says.

That calling extends beyond the courtroom to every sphere of influence. “ADF intentionally engages all these key areas of influence: law, government, public policy, media, etc.,” David says. “And all are essential because to positively change culture, no single area can do so alone. Someone will set culture, someone will influence our kids, and someone will defend the gospel, but will it be us? I say yes.”

David’s journey is also a powerful testament to the impact of faithful generosity. Financial support made his Regent education and his lifelong calling possible. “The blessing of receiving financial assistance was immeasurable,” he explains. “It truly was the difference between attending law school and pursuing another career. This financial help was an answer to prayer … that initially allowed me to pursue this career and to continue it at ADF over the past 20 years.”

Today, he sees firsthand how donor investment continues to bear fruit. “ADF works very closely with Regent,” he says. “We also regularly hire Regent grads. So, we’re able to see firsthand the fruit of donors’ gifts and the invaluable, long-lasting investments they are making in the kingdom.”

To those who give, David offers a heartfelt message: “All of those who have supported Regent over the years … are having kingdom impacts far beyond what they will ever know this side of heaven. So, from me to them, thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.”

Through leaders like David Cortman, Regent University’s mission of “equipping Christian leaders to change the world for God’s glory” is not only fulfilled but multiplied.

You can play a powerful role in training Christian leaders like David. Invest in Regent students today — visit regent.edu/giving.