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

Conducts legal research and writes legal memoranda. Interviews clients, evaluates their legal problems, and determines appropriate assistance required. Provides additional litigation support, as required. Incumbent(s) in this position may perform all or a significant combination of duties depending on designated operational assignment.
Responsibilities

1. Performs case work under the supervision of an attorney including gathering facts and evidence, searching records and documents, conducting research, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information.

2. Conducts legal research, writes legal memoranda, and assists with client work related to individual case representation, systemic issues, or special projects.

3. Maintains accurate, contemporaneous, and complete records and notes in the case management system concerning cases handled.

4. Prepares educational materials and participates in community outreach and workshops as requested.

5. Assists with the provision of legal information through speaking engagements, workshops, self-help seminars, and other ways to inform the public of our services.
Requirements

-Possesses a demonstrated interest in public interest law.
-Completion of a Bachelor's degree, with a minimum of 1 year at an accredited law school.
Benefits Offered

This Fellowship position is not eligible for employee 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.