Abe Krash Law Fellow (Summer)

AARP • Washington, DC

14d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.
Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) seeks a current second-year law student for the Abe Krash Law Fellow, established through the support of Arnold & Porter to honor Abe Krash’s legacy of advancing the right to counsel in criminal matters and his commitment to pursuing the equally important right to counsel in civil matters. The Krash Fellow will work with LCE’s Tenant Advocacy and Support practice to expand access to justice for low-income senior tenants at risk of homelessness in Washington, DC. As the Krash Fellow, you will gain hands-on experience with client representation, legal research and writing, and community “Know Your Rights” engagements. In addition to the legal work, the fellow will explore ways to expand DC’s Housing Right to Counsel efforts by conducting policy research and supporting advocacy aimed at expanding DC tenants’ right to counsel in eviction proceedings. This paid fellowship will begin in Summer 2026 and may continue until mid-August.

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 2 years completed at an accredited law school at the start of the fellowship
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest, with a preference for landlord-tenant law
• Direct experience and familiarity with the legal services setting (clinical experience may count toward this requirement)
• Superb written and oral communication skills
• Amenability to local travel
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of DC housing laws, DC government agencies, DC neighborhoods, and community resources is a plus
• Ability to speak languages in addition to English is a plus, but is not required

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in providing legal representation to tenants in housing matters
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents
• Participate in client meetings, gather evidence, and help investigate cases
• Prepare education materials and participate in outreach efforts to educate senior tenants of their rights and protections in eviction proceedings
• Analyze housing right-to-counsel initiatives in other jurisdictions and identify strategies to strengthen efforts in DC
• Collaborate with attorneys, social workers, community-based organizers, and policy advocates to address client needs and systemic issues

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees