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 member of LCE's Consumer Advocacy and Homeownership Preservation practice, you will provide legal counsel and represent clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings, typically in matters of foreclosure defense, predatory lending, and financial exploitation. Prepares cases and participates in trial preparation, preparation of amicus or other briefs, discovery, negotiations, and mediations. Engages in systemic advocacy related to areas of expertise. Conducts community outreach and education. Supports and counsels clients in representing themselves.

Responsibilities

• Provides timely, accurate information, legal advice, representation including in complex litigation and/or significant non-litigation matters, referral, self-help materials, guidance, and/or other assistance to eligible clients within and related to the attorney's practice area.
• Engages in or supports systemic advocacy relating to areas of expertise, including testimony and advocacy before legislature and governmental agencies.
• Conducts community outreach, education, and training events.
• Provides guidance, refers cases, and monitors work of more junior attorneys and pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, and legal support staff on assigned cases.
• Develops and maintains expertise in primary areas of responsibility.
• Collaborates with other legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders with the purpose of collaborating on systemic issues.
• Manages projects within practice area including creating and expanding on existing projects and identifying ways to make the practice more effective and efficient.
• Steps in as manager with day-to-day responsibilities over the practice group as needed.
• Assists with grants/funder relationships and reporting.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree, member in good standing of the D.C. Bar or eligible to waive in.
• Minimum of 6 years of post J.D. experience, including significant litigation experience, with at least 3 years of consumer law practice.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and multi-tasking skills required.
• Demonstrated commitment to poverty/public interest law.
• Experience working with older adults, people who have mental/physical health disabilities, and/or other vulnerable populations.
• Able to work/ lead staff and interact with a wide variety of people, including volunteers, pro bono partners, and community members in a professional and collaborative manner.
• Spanish-speaking a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

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.