Business Unit Description

Founded in 1975, Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of vulnerable Washington, D.C. seniors, 60 and older, providing free legal and social work services to those in need - empowering, defending and protecting.

LCE staff help 6,000+ clients each year in many areas of civil law. Attorneys represent seniors facing foreclosures, evictions, and consumer fraud. LCE handles Medicaid and Social Security cases, provides benefits checkups to assure that seniors and Veterans are receiving the benefits they are due, prepares Wills and Powers of Attorney, and educates elders in ways to avoid Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Clients come to LCE directly through the LCE Legal Hotline, they are referred by partner organizations and the courts, and LCE attorneys, plus its more than 800 volunteers, are regularly in the community meeting elders at senior centers and faith-based organizations. LCE also accommodates homebound seniors by providing legal services in their homes.

LCE houses the office of the D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates on behalf of seniors in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and those receiving home health care. LCE has a strong relationship with a number of pro bono law firms that assist staff with approximately 600 cases a year. LCE staff testify and make recommendations regarding laws before the D.C. Council that affect seniors, and have been instrumental in bettering conditions for D.C. seniors through assistance with local legislation. More than 40 years after its founding, LCE continues to develop innovative, cost-effective ways to deliver legal services, serving as a model for organizations around the country. LCE is incorporated as a 501(c) (3) and is an affiliate of AARP.

Summary

Provides legal representation in court and with government agencies, generally in the area of foreclosure defense, debt collection defense, real property fraud, financial exploitation, and other consumer protection matters to carry out mission of the Consumer Fraud and Financial Abuse Unit.

Responsibilities

1. Provides extended representation in the D.C. Superior Court, the Federal Court, and governmental agencies.

2. Provides representation and/or timely accurate information, legal advice, referral, and guidance largely in area of expertise.

3. Maintains a high quality of legal practice as measured by regular case reviews, outcomes achieved, lack of substantiated grievances, and responses from client satisfaction surveys.

4. Effectively carries out activities for the Consumer Fraud and Financial Abuse Unit, including working with other agencies, participating in case management meetings, and ensuring that client problems are identified and resolved.

5. Prepares materials, reports, and trainings.

6. Maintains accurate, timely, and complete records concerning cases handled.

7. Supervises volunteers and law students in carrying out objectives of Unit.

8. Presents at community education events.

9. Attends continuing legal education courses and/or other relevant subject matter trainings.

10. Identifies and develops systemic law reform projects for older DC residents, in coordination with other LCE staff. When appropriate, participates on committees with other legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders with the purpose of working on larger issues.

11. Provides guidance, refers cases, and monitors work of volunteer attorneys and paralegals on assigned cases. Provides back-up support and technical assistance to the legal hotline, the outreach program, pro bono panel, long-term care ombudsman program, less experienced staff, and other projects, as assigned.

12. Demonstrates AARP values at all times.

Requirements

Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree and a member of the D.C. Bar (or eligible to waive in) and a minimum of 2 years legal experience, preferably in a legal services setting (clinical experience may count toward this requirement). Strong problem-solving and multi-tasking skills required. Demonstrated commitment to poverty/public interest law. Knowledge of the D.C. legal and social service communities a plus. Good organizational and communication skills. Amenability to local travel, including client home visits. Spanish-speaking and experience with consumer protection a plus.

Benefits Offered

AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.

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.