Legal Associate

AARP•Washington, DC

5h•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. As a Legal Associate, you will provide legal representation to clients in community settings in evaluating their legal issues and determining appropriate assistance needed. Assistance may include, but not be limited to, conducting investigative work, such as gathering evidence, searching records and documents, preparing forms, claims, and other legal papers, drafting correspondence, and corresponding with government agencies. You will represent clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney, engage in community outreach/ education and provide guidance and training to volunteers.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Experience gained through work, law school clinic, or volunteer opportunities with the elderly or low- income population.
Reliable transportation.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
Excellent technology skills.
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.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of DC government agencies, DC neighborhoods, and community resources

Responsibilities

Provides direct legal assistance to clients in a variety of brief legal matters or at legal clinics under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.
Performs investigative work to gather information, documents and evidence needed for client representation.
Uses various research strategies to gather information and documents evidence needed for client representation. Analyzes data and policies in support of advocacy objectives.
Prepares, coordinates, and participates in community outreach and training presentations. Develops relationships with community partners to achieve client-centered and organizational goals.
Develops and maintains relationships and contacts with various local and federal government agencies to ensure timely processing of client claims, applications, and appeals related to their legal matters.
Works with and supervises interns and volunteers assigned to tasks on practice work.
Participates as a member of practice area team and on cross-organizational working groups to develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery for organization’s clients.