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 also 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 Senior Staff Attorney provides legal representation on behalf of District of Columbia (D.C.) 60+ residents in the Tenant Advocacy and Support Practice (TAS) of Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE). The position involves practice predominantly before the Landlord Tenant Branch of the District of Columbia Superior Court and other governmental agencies such as the D.C. Housing Authority Office of Fair Hearings, D.C. Office of Administrative Hearings, and D.C. Office of Human Rights. Representation involves advocating for older DC residents to ensure safe, affordable, and habitable housing. Responsibilities include handling complex administrative cases and managing systemic law reform projects related to the mission of the practice.
Responsibilities

1. Provides direct representation and legal assistance, both in terms of individual litigation and systemic advocacy that impacts low income senior renters throughout D.C.

2. Monitors policy reform and changes to federal and local laws impacting D.C. tenants.

3. Provides client-centered representation involving a team of social workers and legal associates.

4. Prepares and conducts trainings to D.C. tenants and community partners on topics related to tenant rights.

5. Develops systemic law reform research projects related to older DC tenants.

6. Mentors pro bono attorneys on individual cases and systemic advocacy projects.

7. Participates on committees with other legal services advocates, social workers, professionals, clients, and community members with the purpose of furthering the Tenant Advocacy and Support Practice's mission.

8. Mentors TAS junior staff and interns, and assigns tasks, research and other duties related to case representation. Also provides guidance to, refers assignments, and monitors work of volunteers and interns on assigned cases.

9. Prepares educational materials, grant reports, and manuals for the Tenant Advocacy and Support Practice.

10. Participates in community outreach to senior tenant community in the District.

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

12. Attends training courses and conferences related to the work of TAS and other trainings as needed.

13. Possesses a demonstrated interest in public interest law, the elderly, and especially service to low income tenants.

14. Understands the needs of the needs of the elderly persons with diminished cognitive capacity.

15. Demonstrates AARP Values and Leadership behaviors in all interactions.

16. Exercises a high level of autonomy and independent judgment, navigating through complex, sensitive, and confidential legal issues.
Requirements

Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree; member in good standing of D.C. Bar or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar. Minimum of 4+ years of post J.D. legal experience including 3+ years of litigation and D.C. housing law expertise/practice. Ability to independently perform legal analysis. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written communication. Ability to work with and lead other staff and interact with a wide variety of people, including volunteers, pro bono partners, and community members in a professional and collaborative manner. Prior legal services or public interest experience preferred. Comfort collaborating with senior management and high-level government officials.

*Please attach a cover letter when submitting your application.*
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.

At AARP, the health and well-being of our candidates, employees, and members is a top priority. As a result of the COVID pandemic, all interviews will be held virtually and all non-essential employees will continue to work remotely until further notice. AARP has established social distancing policies to ensure the safety of our essential employees.
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.