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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.

As the Staff Attorney in LCE’s Consumer Advocacy and Homeownership Preservation practice, you will provide legal representation to District of Columbia (D.C.) residents, age 60+, in civil litigation and other legal proceedings typically in matters of foreclosure defense, predatory lending, and financial exploitation. You will provide guidance to interns, volunteers and pro-bono attorneys who assist with cases and provide training on consumer issues to other LCE staff and the community. You will collaborate with staff to engage in systemic advocacy relating to consumer protections and conduct community outreach and education. As the Attorney, you will support and counsel clients in representing themselves. This position reports to the Manager, Consumer Advocacy and Homeownership Preservation practice.

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

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree and member in good standing of D.C. Bar or eligibility to waive into the D.C. Bar.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-Juris Doctorate legal experience, including 3 years of litigation and D.C. consumer law expertise/practice.
• Ability to independently perform legal analysis and 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.
• Ability to speak Spanish a plus.

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.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work 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 and tuition reimbursement.

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.