Advocacy Attorney

AARP • Washington, DC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) champions the dignity and rights of vulnerable Washington, D.C. seniors age 60 and older by providing free legal and social work services. The Advocacy Attorney advances LCE’s policy and advocacy work in the District of Columbia, promoting legislative and regulatory solutions that improve older adults’ lives. The role builds relationships with D.C. Councilmembers and helps policymakers understand the challenges seniors face and the policies needed to address them. Through legislative monitoring, strategic advocacy, and participation in rulemaking, the attorney advances systemic change to help low-income older adults live with dignity, independence, and self-determination.

The attorney provides legal services to eligible clients, including advice, representation, referrals, self-help resources, and other assistance. The position also supports complex litigation and significant non-litigation matters, develops expertise in its practice areas, and manages projects and day-to-day practice-group responsibilities as needed. It provides supervision and training to colleagues and other contributors, conducts community outreach and education, and collaborates with legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders. The role operates in a hybrid environment; AARP designates Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays except for essential functions, and remote work must be performed within the United States and its territories.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Active membership in the DC Bar or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar.
• At least 8 years of legal or advocacy experience, including at least 5 years of direct advocacy or policy experience before local legislative bodies and government agencies.
• Strong knowledge of public policy issues related to rental housing, foreclosure, consumer protection, long-term care, and state Medicaid funding.
• Extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory environment on Capitol Hill and/or the DC Council, and experience working with relevant federal and District agencies.
• Demonstrated experience drafting legislation and translating policy objectives into effective legislative language.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly and write persuasively.
• Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and populations.
• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgment in evaluating options and making sound decisions.
• Ability to work effectively in an in-office/open-office environment with moderate noise.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Public interest experience is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and accurate information, legal advice, representation, referrals, self-help materials, guidance, and other assistance to eligible clients within and related to the attorney’s practice area.
• Handle complex litigation and significant non-litigation matters and perform quality controls for the practice area.
• Conduct systemic advocacy, including impact litigation, testimony, and advocacy before legislative and governmental agencies.
• Monitor legislation, engage in the rulemaking process, and advance legislative and regulatory solutions for older adults.
• Build and maintain relationships with D.C. Councilmembers and help policymakers understand seniors’ challenges and policy needs.
• Supervise and train Attorneys I, pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, and legal support staff on assigned cases; refer cases and support their work.
• Oversee and conduct community outreach, education, and training events.
• Develop and maintain expertise in primary areas of responsibility; give local and national presentations and write articles or prepare manuals.
• Collaborate with legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders on systemic issues and innovative approaches to service delivery.
• Manage projects within the practice area, develop or expand projects, and identify ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Assume day-to-day management responsibilities over the practice group as needed.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 100% company-funded pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision plans
• Life insurance
• Paid time off, including company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave
• Performance-based and peer-based recognition
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree