Legal Associate

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 Legal Associate assists attorneys in researching and analyzing pertinent law documents.

Assists internal and external clients to evaluate their legal issues and determines appropriate assistance needed.

Supports attorneys with investigative work, such as gathering evidence, searching records and documents, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information.

Represents clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney, including the preparation of legal papers and communication with third parties.

Engages in community outreach and education.

Provides guidance and training to volunteers.

• Provides direct legal assistance to clients in a variety of brief legal matters or at legal clinics under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.
• Performs investigative work to gather information, documents and evidence needed for client representation.
• Uses various research strategies to gather information and documents evidence needed for client representation.
• Analyzes data and policies in support of advocacy objectives.
• Prepares, coordinates, and participates in community outreach and training presentations. Develops relationships with community partners to achieve client-centered and organizational goals.
• Develops and maintains relationships and contacts with various local and federal government agencies to ensure timely processing of client claims, applications, and appeals related to their legal matters.
• Works with and supervises interns and volunteers assigned to tasks on practice work.
• Participates as a member of practice area team and on cross-organizational working groups to develop innovative approaches to enhance service delivery for organization’s clients.
• Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree, member DC bar, eligible to waive in, or planning to take DC bar.
• Strong problem-solving and multi-tasking skills;
• Good organizational and communication skills;
• Good public speaking skills and interest in conducting training for others;
• Demonstrated commitment to poverty/public interest law;
• Demonstrates cultural awareness and humility, understanding of racial inequities, and ability to work across differences while carrying out responsibilities;