AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
AARP Foundation is AARP’s 501 c3 charitable affiliate. We are a public charity with revenue from federal agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals. AARP Foundation’s vision is a country free of poverty where no older person feels vulnerable. Staff are located in Washington DC and throughout the US.
Every year, AARP Foundation helps millions of struggling older adults 50 and over win back opportunity by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face each day. Through the Foundation’s many groundbreaking and innovative programs and services, we create and advance effective solutions to meet their basic needs for nutritious food, safe and affordable housing, adequate income and much-needed personal connections.
Summary Statement
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 enable such people to earn a living. Exercises a fair degree of autonomy in this role, with guidance and direction from Senior Attorneys and others.
This position requires:
¿ mission-driven commitment to preventing, reducing, and alleviating poverty, especially through advocacy for maximizing the opportunity to earn a living;
¿ demonstrated interest or experience in using litigation as a tool to drive social change and impact, especially in the context of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity;
¿ entrepreneurial spirit to develop innovative legal theories, partnerships, and approaches to achieve results;
¿ interest or experience in establishing and managing relationships within and across complex organizations, including with clients, co-counsel, opposing counsel, witnesses, etc.;
¿ ability to effectively represent individuals and classes of individuals, as well as institutional clients (i.e., AARP and AARP Foundation);
¿ investigative, analytical, and litigation skills that enable the Attorney to work on all aspects of a case;
¿ sound judgment in the selection of cases, clients, partners, case strategy, and tactics;
¿ superior research and writing skills;
¿ drive to work in cross-functional teams and to engage different units across the Foundation -- especially the Vice Presidents for Strategy and Innovation, Impact Areas, and Workforce Programs -- and the AARP enterprise to achieve AARP Foundation’s mission.
Will have a very high impact on AARP Foundation’s ability to execute its strategy and reach both its short- and longer-term goals.
Responsibilities
Litigates in federal and state courts nationwide to promote:
i. the well-being of individuals 50 and older, with a focus on preventing, reducing, and alleviating poverty, particularly with respect to their ability to earn a living, and, as appropriate, other aspects of AARP Foundation’s income impact area, as well as the isolation, housing, and hunger impact areas;
ii. AARP’s advocacy agenda and policy priorities.
2. Leads interdisciplinary and cross-cutting efforts to use litigation and advocacy to:
i. reduce public and private barriers to innovation and economic opportunity through entrepreneurship and employment, including self-employment;
ii. support AARP Foundation’s strategy of continuously developing social innovations that increase our ability to provide practical and scalable solutions to the needs of the low-income 50+.
3. Works with Senior Attorneys and Vice Presidents in the planning, strategy, and execution of cases.
4. 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, and other factors.
i. 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 in mediation and settlement negotiations; and participate in hearings and trial.
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ii. When an amicus filing is approved, prepares or works with outside pro bono counsel to prepare a top-quality brief and arrange for its filing.
5. Works with colleagues across AARP Foundation, especially AARP Foundation Programs, to identify and integrate legal, programmatic, and policy solutions to the biggest challenges facing the low-income 50+ and their families.
6. Proactively seeks opportunities and partnerships to grow and maximize impact.
7. Serves as an internal and external thought leader concerning law, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. May also serve as a thought leader on law and policy in one or more of the following or related subjects:
Income:
¿ employment discrimination;
¿ employee benefits, including pensions and investments;
¿ consumer litigation, including fraud and misrepresentation and unfair, deceptive, abusive, and anti-competitive practices.
Isolation:
¿ elder justice (abuse, neglect, and exploitation);
¿ community integration, including Olmstead;
¿ long-term services and supports;
¿ barriers to social connectedness (e.g., planning, design, transportation, etc.).
Hunger:
¿ food security;
¿ malnutrition.
Housing:
¿ aging-in-place;
¿ fair housing;
¿ mortgage lending and servicing;
¿ unlawful takings, including eminent domain abuse.
Requirements
Completion of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree and 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.
Demonstrated interest or experience in addressing barriers to innovation and economic opportunity to enable individuals 50+ to earn a living.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
Highly self-motivated and entrepreneurial.
Experience in legal matters concerning low-income or older populations desirable, especially with respect to public/private barriers to economic opportunity, including employment, entrepreneurship,
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and self-employment.
Experience in the following or related areas are also desirable:
Income:
¿ employment discrimination;
¿ employee benefits, including pensions and investments;
¿ consumer litigation, including fraud and misrepresentation and unfair, deceptive, abusive, and anti-competitive practices.
Isolation:
¿ elder justice (abuse, neglect, and exploitation);
¿ community integration, including Olmstead;
¿ long-term services and supports;
¿ barriers to social connectedness (e.g., planning, design, transportation, etc.).
Hunger:
¿ food security;
¿ malnutrition.
Housing:
¿ aging-in-place;
¿ fair housing;
¿ mortgage lending and servicing;
¿ unlawful takings, including eminent domain abuse.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced professional environment. Discretion and respect for confidentiality essential.
Benefits Offered
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.
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.