Legal Associate

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Job 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 Schedule H Project Legal Associate coordinates a program to assist clients in obtaining the DC Schedule H tax credit. Position includes conducting clinics for law firm pro bono attorneys; engaging in outreach efforts to educate seniors about Schedule H and promote applying for the tax credit communicating with clients, accurately preparing forms; engaging with the Office of Tax and Revenue regarding payments and appeals; and assists with other special projects as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Screens homeowner and renter clients for eligibility through detailed telephone interviews, after conducting initial research through the Office of Tax & Revenue (OTR) property tax database and LCE database, identifying clients for whom a standalone Schedule H application is appropriate and likely to succeed.
• Plans, develops and conducts LCE Schedule H Pro Bono Clinics either at law firms or on-line, providing training and supervision of pro bono lawyers and review of completed applications.
• Follows up with clients to obtain any needed documentation, and files completed applications with OTR. Tracks all applications submitted to ensure clients receive the money to which they are entitled. If benefits are denied or delayed, follow up with OTR to determine the reason, and if appropriate, seek assistance from OTR supervisors to obtain a favorable outcome.
• Trains and supervises volunteer law students, paralegals and attorneys to assist with screening, interviews, documentation preparation, filing, and follow up with OTR. Helps ensure the volunteers give legally accurate information to clients and responds to volunteer attorney and paralegals' questions and concerns.
• Updates Schedule H manual, presentations, and other training materials for volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students.
• Administers computerized tracking process and ensures that all data is accurately and completely entered into the database. Provides information as needed for grant reporting.
• Participates in meetings with OTR to discuss Schedule H changes and areas for improvements. Coordinates with AARP Foundation Property Tax Aide and other community tax preparation providers by providing trainings, sharing information, and referring clients as needed.

Qualifications

• 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;
• Amenability to local travel; and
• Commitment to the goals and priorities of AARP and to the representation of elderly individuals with low incomes.
• Moderate Noise (Examples: Business Office with Typewriters and/or Computer Printers, Light Traffic )

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.