Investigates, initiates, and leads complex litigation, including cases that raise issues of first impression to help vulnerable people 50+ secure the essentials, particularly through the promotion of solutions that reduce isolation and increase social connectedness. Exercises a fair degree of autonomy in this role, with guidance and direction from Senior Attorneys and AARP Foundation Litigation Management.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Litigates in federal and state courts nationwide to promote:
- The well-being of individuals 50 and older, with a focus on preventing, reducing, and alleviating senior poverty, particularly with respect to the causes and consequences of social isolation and, as appropriate, other aspects of AARP Foundation’s work; and
- AARP’s advocacy agenda and policy priorities.
- Leads interdisciplinary and cross-cutting efforts to use litigation and advocacy to:
- Promote elder justice and social connectedness by, among other things, combatting elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and
- Support AARP Foundation’s strategy of continuously developing social innovations that increase our ability to provide practical and scalable solutions to address the needs of the low-income 50+.
- Works with Senior Attorneys and AARP Foundation Litigation Management in the planning, strategy, and execution of the case.
- Seeks and investigates potential cases to determine whether to recommend filing a lawsuit or an amicus brief by considering the importance of the case, the weight of evidence, the potential costs, the impact on AARP Foundation strategic plan outcomes, and other factors.
- When litigation is approved, works with other AARP Foundation attorneys and co-counsel, if any, to perform legal analyses; prepare pleadings, briefs, and other court filings; conduct discovery; engage
- When an amicus filing is approved, prepares or works with outside counsel to prepare a top-quality brief and arranges for its filing.
- Works with colleagues across AARP Foundation, especially AARP Foundation’s Programs, to identify and integrate legal, programmatic, and policy solutions to the biggest challenges facing the low-income 50+ and their families.
- Proactively seeks opportunities and partnerships to grow and maximize impact.
- Serves as an internal and external thought leader concerning senior poverty, especially with respect to elder justice issues, such as:
- Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation;
- Guardianship;
- Disability and other forms of discrimination;
- Community integration, including Olmstead;
- Long-term care services and supports;
- Barriers to social connectedness (e.g., planning, design, transportation, etc.);
- To a limited extent, assists AARP in federal and state legislative and regulatory advocacy.
Educational Background:
Completion of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree
Skills/Experience:
- At least 5 years of post-J.D. experience as a practicing attorney, with at least 2 years of experience handling complex litigation. Must be a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or be eligible for admission to the District of Columbia Bar.Superior academic credentials.
- Experience with class or collective actions, especially on behalf of plaintiffs, is desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully litigate cases individually or in teams.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
- Highly self-motivated and entrepreneurial.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in legal matters concerning
- elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation;
- guardianship;
- disability and other forms of discrimination;
- community integration, including Olmstead;
- long-term care services and supports; and
- barriers to social connectedness (e.g., planning, design, transportation, etc.).
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced professional environment. Discretion and respect for confidentiality essential.
Compensation/Benefits:
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Apr 22 2018
Active Until:
May 22 2018
Hiring Organization:
AARP
industry:
Nonprofit