Staff Attorney

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

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 Legal Aid Attorney provides legal counsel and/or represents clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings. Prepares and files large estate administration probate petitions and deeds, drafts estate planning documents for clients in probate and estate planning cases, and participates in limited trial preparation, preparation of amicus or other briefs, discovery, negotiations, and mediations. Engages in systemic advocacy relating to areas of expertise. Conducts community outreach and education. Supports and counsels clients in representing themselves.

Responsibilities

• Provides timely and accurate information, legal advice, representation in litigation or 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 related to the attorney's area of expertise.
• Conducts community outreach, education, and training events.
• Provides guidance, refers cases, and monitors work of 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 on systemic issues.
• Participates as a member of practice area teams and on cross-organizational working groups to develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery for organization clients.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree.
• Current D.C. Bar or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar.
• Minimum of 1 year of directly related experience with probate and estate planning.
• Foreign language skills, particularly Spanish, 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.