Advocacy Attorney

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 Advocacy Attorney leads and coordinates Legal Counsel for the Elderly's policy and advocacy work primarily with District of Columbia legislative and rulemaking bodies focusing on issue areas relevant to LCE's long-term health care and legal agenda. Has lead responsibility for building and cultivating relationships with Council offices to inform, update and educate on issues related to seniors and policies that facilitate the mission of LCE. This position ensures that LCE is able to track legislative activity, articulate its legislative priorities, and facilitate enactment of rules and regulations that promote the ability of older, low-income adults to age with dignity and self-determination within the District of Columbia.

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. Performs quality controls for the practice area.
• Engages in significant systemic advocacy relating to areas of expertise, including impact litigation as well as testimony and advocacy before legislative and governmental agencies.
  Provides supervision and training, refers cases, and supports work of Attorneys I, pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, and legal support staff on assigned cases. Oversees and conducts community outreach, education, and training events.
• Develops and maintains expertise in primary areas of responsibility. Conducts professional presentations locally and nationally and writes articles for journals and other periodicals and/or preparation of manuals.
• Collaborates with other legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders with the purpose of collaborating on systemic issues and develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery to clients.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree.
• DC Bar or the ability to waive in.
• 8 years of legal experience or advocacy experience, with at least 5 years directly involving advocacy or policy work before local legislative bodies and agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding rental housing, foreclosure, consumer, long-term care, and State Medicaid funding.
  Extensive background and knowledge of legislative environment on Capitol Hill or at DC Council, and with Federal and/or District agencies (Treasury, FHA, DCRA, DCHA, DHCF, DHS, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability in drafting legislation.
• Advanced written and communication skills, particularly to convey information effectively and to write persuasively.
• Ability to build consensus with varying stakeholders and populations.

Preferred

• Public Interest experience is highly valued.

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.