Lead Attorney
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jul 31, 2026.
AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
The Lead Attorney role provides legal counsel and represents clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings that will have a significant and equitable impact on senior poverty. Leads the investigation of potential cases, preparation of cases for filing and trial, the conduct of discovery (including e-discovery) and settlement negotiations, and the preparation of amicus briefs. Collaborates with senior management to develop strategic plans to achieve the organization’s litigation goals while adapting to meet evolving legal, economic, and technological conditions.
Responsibilities:
- Leads and supervises litigation matters including the planning, strategy, and execution of a case.
- Oversees and investigates potential cases to determine whether to recommend filing a lawsuit or an amicus brief.
- Performs legal analyses, drafts pleadings, briefs, and other court filings as needed
- Conducts written and oral discovery, including taking and defending depositions. Conducts research and writes amicus briefs as needed.
- Leads mediation and settlement negotiations on behalf of the clients. Argues procedural and dispositive motions.
- Researches and writes amicus briefs.
Qualifications:
- J.D. required.
- 8+ years of post-J.D. experience as a practicing attorney, with 2+ years of experience as first chair or as lead counsel in litigation matters with responsibility for leading the planning, strategy, and execution of complex cases.
- Must be a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or be eligible for admission to the District of Columbia Bar.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully litigate cases individually or in teams along with capability to multi-task in a fast-paced professional environment.
- Highly self-motivated and entrepreneurial with an ability to exercise discretion and respect for confidentiality.
- Experience with class or collective actions, especially on behalf of plaintiffs, including e-discovery in these complex cases.
Preferred
- Proficiency leading employment discrimination or consumer protection litigation matters.
- Knowledge in legal matters concerning low-income or older populations.
AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Additional Requirements
- Regular and reliable job attendance
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
- Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
- In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
Hybrid Work Environment
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work 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 and tuition reimbursement.
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.