Description:

Overview:
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 Staff Attorney provides legal advice and brief services to District of Columbia (D.C.) tenants, age 60+, needing assistance with housing issues. You will supervise interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys who assist with cases and will provide training on housing issues to other LCE staff and the community as needed. Collaborates with other staff in the LCE office and engages in systemic advocacy relating to housing issues. Also, conduct community outreach and education. Support and counsel clients in representing themselves.

This position reports to the Managing Attorney, Tenant Advocacy and Support (TAS) practice and will work closely with more experienced attorneys.

Responsibilities:

Provides timely, accurate information, legal advice in litigation and/or non-litigation matters, referral, self-help materials, guidance, and/or other assistance to eligible clients with housing issues.
Engages in or supports systemic advocacy relating to areas of expertise.
Conducts community outreach, education, and training events.
Provides guidance, refers cases, and monitors the work of pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, and legal support staff on assigned cases.
Develops and maintains expertise in primary areas of responsibility.
Collaborates with other legal services advocates, clients, and community leaders with the purpose of collaborating on systemic issues.
Participates as a member of the practice area team and on cross-organizational working groups to develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery for the organization's clients.

Qualifications:

Completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree and member of the DC Bar or eligible to waive in.
A minimum of (3 )years of housing law experience, preferably in a legal service setting (clinical experience may count toward this requirement). Superb written and oral communication skills.
Strong problem-solving and multi-tasking skills are required.
Demonstrated commitment to poverty/public interest law.
Spanish speaking is a plus.

Additional Requirements:

Regular and reliable job attendance
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
Independent judgment in evaluation options to make sound decisions
In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting 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; tuition reimbursement; among others.

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.