Polydor Law Fellow (Summer Start - 12 months)

AARP • Washington, DC

2d • $21 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.
In honor of long-time volunteer Cheryl Polydor, the Polydor Law Fellow will support the work of the Systemic Advocacy Practice at Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) and the Office of the DC Long Term Care Ombudsman. The Fellow may also conduct factual investigations, interact with clients, and collaborate with attorneys and staff of both LCE and the LTC Ombudsman Program. In addition, the Fellow may help draft pitches to recruit volunteer pro bono attorneys to work on Systemic Advocacy/Ombudsman projects and help manage and track the completion of those projects. The anticipated start date of the Polydor Fellow is the Summer of 2026, with an end date of May 2027 (12 months).

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 1 year completed at an accredited law school at the start of the fellowship, and remain academically enrolled throughout the fellowship
• Possess a demonstrated interest in public interest law, with a preference for those with a strong interest in long-term care and systemic reform for the elderly
• During the Summer of 2026, the candidate will work 40 hours per week for eight weeks, followed by a maximum of 12 hours per week during the school year
• AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Conducts legal research, writes legal memoranda, and assists with work related to individual case representation, systemic issues, or special projects
• Prepares summaries of proposed systemic and other special projects to engage pro bono attorneys to work on such projects and assists in managing and tracking such projects to completion
• Maintains accurate, contemporaneous, and complete records and notes in the case management system concerning cases and projects handled
• Performs case work under the supervision of an attorney, including gathering facts and evidence, searching records and documents, conducting research, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information
• Prepares educational materials and participates in community outreach and workshops as requested

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern