VP, Litigation-Income/Consumer

AARP • Washington, DC

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
The Vice President, Litigation manages litigation functions, provides legal counsel, and represents clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings affecting older adults with low income. Oversees the development, investigation, and preparation of cases for filing, discovery, motion practice, trial, and settlement negotiations. Identifies vehicles for amicus participation and oversees the drafting and filing of amicus briefs. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop long-term strategic plans to achieve the organization’s litigation goals. Acts as an expert on legal and policy matters to advise on organization priorities. Primary practice areas include labor and employment, employee benefits, and consumer protection.
This is a leadership position within AARP Foundation, which hosts a public interest law firm that launches high impact litigation to combat senior poverty. It is not an in-house counsel position within AARP. To learn more, please visit aarpfoundation.org/litigation.

Requirements

• JD required; must be a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible for admission.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a track record of leading successful legal teams.
• At least 5 years managing complex litigation and 3 years supervising attorneys and support staff, including performance management and professional development.
• Expertise in labor and employment, employee benefits, or consumer protection legal matters.
• Proven ability to foster an inclusive workplace that values diversity and individual differences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on developing innovative legal theories and approaches.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and manage relationships with staff, clients, co-counsel, and others; applies investigative, analytical, and litigation expertise to provide effective supervision and guidance.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in case selection and strategy, with experience effectively representing individuals, classes, and institutional clients.
• AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic counseling and advice to the Senior Vice President, Litigation and other executives as a key member of the Litigation leadership team.
• Oversees the planning, strategy, and execution of litigation in federal and state courts nationwide.
• Supervises, coaches, develops, and evaluates experienced litigators and litigation support staff.
• Reviews and edits memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Oversees investigations of potential cases to determine whether to recommend filing a lawsuit or an amicus brief.
• Executes cross-functionally within the organization to promote strategic objectives.
• Provides thought leadership on legal and policy priorities.

Benefits

• 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
• tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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