Join the World's Top Legal Talent Network

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.

The Staff Attorney- Hotline provides legal counsel, brief services, referrals, and intake for in-house representation to clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings. Engages in systemic advocacy relating to areas of expertise. Conducts community outreach and education. Supports and counsels clients in representing themselves.

Responsibilities

• Provides timely and accurate information, legal advice, representation in litigation or non-litigation matters, referral, self-help materials, guidance, and/or other assistance to eligible clients within and related to the attorney’s practice area.
• Engages in or supports systemic advocacy related to the attorney’s area of expertise.
• Conducts community outreach, education, and training events.
• Provides guidance, refers cases, and monitors work of pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, and legal support staff on assigned cases.
• Develops and maintains expertise in primary areas of responsibility.
• Collaborates with other legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders on systemic issues.
• Participates as a member of practice area teams and on cross-organizational working groups to develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery for organization clients.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree and a member in good standing of the D.C. Bar or eligible to practice while waiving into the D.C. Bar.
• 4+ years of legal experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position.
• Ability to work in-person at community outreach sites and/or the LCE office up to 4 days per week.
• Ability to navigate through complex, sensitive, and confidential legal issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume limited-scope legal caseload.
• Experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and/or people with low income. 

Preferred:

• Spanish language and/or other language skills are desired, but not required.
• Competence in one or more of the Legal Counsel for the Elderly’s (LCE) core legal issue areas (e.g., landlord/tenant, foreclosure, consumer protection, life/estate planning, probate, public benefit.)

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.