Overview

AARP's Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of vulnerable Washington, D.C. seniors 60-plus, providing free legal and social work services to those in need - empowering, defending, protecting, and helping thousands of clients each year in many areas of civil law.

As a Legal Associate, you will provide legal representation to clients in community settings in evaluating their legal issues and determining appropriate assistance needed. Assistance may include, but not be limited to, conducting investigative work, such as gathering evidence, searching records and documents, preparing forms, claims, and other legal papers, drafting correspondence, and corresponding with government agencies. You will represent clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney, engage in community outreach/ education and provide guidance and training to volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct legal assistance to clients in a variety of brief legal matters at six community partnering Self Help Office (SHO) sites throughout DC under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.
• Performs investigative work to gather information, documents and evidence needed for client representation.  
• Uses various research strategies to gather information and documents evidence needed for client representation. Analyzes data and policies in support of advocacy objectives.
• Prepares, coordinates, and participates in community outreach and training presentations. Develops relationships with community partners to achieve client-centered and organizational goals.
• Develops and maintains relationships and contacts with various local and federal government agencies to ensure timely processing of client claims, applications, and appeals related to their legal matters.
• Works with and supervises interns and volunteers assigned to tasks on practice work.
• Participates as a member of practice area team and on cross-organizational working groups to develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery for organization's clients. 

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Experience gained through work, law school clinic, or volunteer opportunities with the elderly or low- income population
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances
• Excellent technology skills
• Knowledge of DC government agencies, DC neighborhoods, and community resources a plus

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.