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

The Manager and Legal Aid attorney will report to the executive director of Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) and will be responsible for the Consumer Fraud and Financial Abuse practice area. Strong problem-solving and multi-tasking skills required. Collaborates with other staff in the Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) office. Supervises volunteers who assist with cases and provides training on areas of expertise to other LCE staff, as needed. Position interacts with clients daily and must listen with empathy, allow the client dignity, and provide accurate legal advice. Ability to interface with internal and external clients and contacts at all levels.
Responsibilities

1. Oversees and provides timely, accurate information, legal advice, referral, self-help materials, guidance, and other assistance to clients in the area of consumer protection, homeownership preservation, elder abuse and financial exploitation prevention, on a high volume basis.

2. Directs manages and provides extended representation in D.C. Superior Court, Federal Court, and governmental agencies, sometimes involving complex and novel litigation theories. Ensures a high quality of legal work conducted by the staff.

3. Represents LCE within the DC legal services community on workgroups and committees, and serves as a liaison with community partners on issues affecting the LCE client community.

4. Ensures expenses do not exceed available resources. Manages assigned fundraising, outreach, and administrative efforts, especially pertaining to grant proposals, internal and external reports, and related coordination.

5. Recruits, trains and supervises staff and volunteers to work in the unit. Provides direction and guidance, as needed. Performs career development, performance management, and input into pay determination.

6. Develops and implements case management procedures adhering to deadlines and guidelines that facilitate efficient case handling.

7. Conducts periodic training and community education events. Attends continuing legal education courses.

8. Develops systemic law reform projects for older D.C. residents that may be worked on in collaboration with pro bono attorneys.

9. Provides guidance, refers cases to, and/or supervises volunteer attorneys and paralegals on new and pending cases.

10. Maintains accurate and complete records concerning cases handled. Completes reports, proposals and applications as needed for internal and external distribution.

11. Represents LCE as needed at AARP and externally with grantors, community groups and in the community generally.

12. Writes articles for journals and other periodicals.
Requirements

Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree, a member in good standing of the D.C. Bar, 10 years of legal experience, with 5 years directly involving civil litigation and trial practice (at least 3 years in substantive area of law - real property and consumer protection) and 3 years of management/supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position.
Incumbent must have:
-Experience working with elder clients or other vulnerable populations
-Excellent verbal and writing skills
-Demonstrated track record of collaboration with various stakeholders such as funders, law firm attorneys, and government officials
-Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a variety of work styles
-Strong organizational skills with the ability to delegate
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.