Advocacy Attorney

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 Advocacy Attorney is a driving force behind Legal Counsel for the Elderly’s policy and advocacy work in the District of Columbia, championing legislative and regulatory solutions that improve the lives of older adults. The Attorney cultivates strong relationships with D.C. Councilmembers, helping policymakers understand the challenges facing seniors and the policies needed to address them. Through legislative monitoring, strategic advocacy, and engagement in the rulemaking process, the Advocacy Attorney turns LCE’s priorities into action and advances systemic change that helps low-income older adults live with dignity, independence, and self-determination.

• Provides timely, accurate information, legal advice, representation including in complex litigation and/or significant non-litigation matters, referral, self-help materials, guidance, and/or other assistance to eligible clients within and related to the attorney’s practice area. Performs quality controls for the practice area.
• Engages in significant systemic advocacy relating to areas of expertise, including impact litigation as well as testimony and advocacy before legislative and governmental agencies.
• Provides supervision and training, refers cases, and supports work of Attorneys I, pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, and legal support staff on assigned cases. Oversees and conducts community outreach, education, and training events.
• Develops and maintains expertise in primary areas of responsibility. Conducts professional presentations locally and nationally and writes articles for journals and other periodicals and/or preparation of manuals.
• Collaborates with other legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders with the purpose of collaborating on systemic issues and develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery to clients.
• Manages projects within practice area including creating and expanding on existing projects and identifying ways to make the practice more effective and efficient. Steps in as manager with day-to-day responsibilities over the practice group as needed.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required.
• Active membership in the DC Bar or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar.
• Minimum of 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, as well as 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 communicate complex information clearly and write persuasively.
• Proven ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and populations; public interest experience is highly valued.

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.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 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 and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.