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.

The Managing Attorney oversees pro bono access to justice practice, including individual representation matters, clinics, and systemic projects. The Attorney develops matters for placement with pro bono counsel, recruits pro bono counsel, provides mentorship to pro bono counsel, and maintains relationships with pro bono community partners. As the Attorney, you will coordinate and support LCE's advocacy strategy with the organization's practice areas and the AARP DC state office. This position will collaborate with management to identify opportunities to streamline service delivery preparation processes, develop new procedures and manage service delivery, people and legal work of staff within the practice area.

Responsibilities

• Manages and oversees others providing timely, accurate information, legal advice, representation in litigation and/or non-litigation matters, referral, self-help materials, guidance, and/or other assistance to eligible clients within and related to the managing attorney's practice area. Ensures a high quality of legal work and quality case management by staff.
• Develops advocacy strategies and oversees others engaging in and personally engaging in advocacy activities at the local/state level. Collaborates with cross-functional teams, as well as internal and external partners to achieve the organization's legislative goals. Provides direction for managing relationships with elected officials.
• Develops and implements outreach, education, and training activities to client community and organizations that serve our client community. Represents organization within the local and nationwide legal community on workgroups, committees, and professional presentations and serves as a liaison with local community partners on issues affecting the client community.
• Supports financial activities of LCE by contributing to preparation of grant applications, grant data collection, completing reports and proposals for internal and external distribution, and representing LCE as needed with grantors.
• Ensure strong people management across team, monitoring and supporting employee engagement and volunteer engagement as appropriate. Collaborate with and provide support to staff across the organization on issues related to the practice area impacting the work of others.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree; member in good standing of D.C. Bar or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-J.D. legal experience including 5 years directly involving civil litigation and trial practice; a minimum of 3 years of ongoing experience working on and/or managing pro bono matters.
• Excellent verbal and written skills required with the ability to independently perform legal analysis and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work with senior management and other staff and collaborate with a wide variety of people, including volunteers, pro bono partners, government officials and community members in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor other attorneys on legal matters.
• Experience preparing life planning documents (wills, powers of attorney, etc.) and advocating before DC Council or DC agencies, a plus.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.

Please include a cover letter with your application (attach to your resume).

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.