Pickering Law Fellow (Fall 2026 through Spring 2027)

AARP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Part time

Job summary

AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly seeks a Pickering Law Fellow for Fall 2026 through Spring 2027 in Washington, DC. The fellow conducts legal research, interviews clients, and supports veterans advocacy and public benefits work under attorney supervision.

The role involves casework, outreach, and documentation in a busy clinic setting, with a strong emphasis on civil law and veterans benefits. Veterans and spouses of veterans may be served, and the fellowship lasts through Spring 2027.

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 1 year completed at an accredited law school and remain academically enrolled throughout the fellowship.
• A demonstrated interest in public interest law.
• Current or former military experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs case work under the supervision of an attorney, including gathering facts and evidence, searching records and documents, requesting records, conducting research, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information
• Conducts legal research, writes legal memoranda, and assists with client work on individual case representation, systemic issues, or special projects
• Maintains accurate, contemporaneous, and complete records and notes in the case management system concerning cases handled
• Prepares educational materials and participates in clinics, community outreach, and workshops as requested
• Assists with the provision of legal information through speaking engagements, workshops, self-help seminars, and other ways to inform the public of our services
• Provides additional litigation support as required
• Incumbent(s) in this position may perform all or a significant combination of duties depending on the designated operational assignment

Skills

Legal research

Client interviews

Education

Bachelor's degree

1 year law school

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.

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 Pickering Law Fellow conducts legal research and writes legal memoranda, interviews clients, evaluates their legal problems, and determines the appropriate assistance required. The Fellow works primarily with attorneys in the Veterans Advocacy Project (VAP), assisting with direct representation of veterans and spouses of veterans regarding veterans, other VA-related benefits, public benefits, and outreach events. The Fellow will also assist with operations at our VAP community clinics as directed. The fellowship will last from Fall 2026 through Spring 2027.

Responsibilities

• Performs case work under the supervision of an attorney, including gathering facts and evidence, searching records and documents, requesting records, conducting research, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information
• Conducts legal research, writes legal memoranda, and assists with client work on individual case representation, systemic issues, or special projects
• Maintains accurate, contemporaneous, and complete records and notes in the case management system concerning cases handled
• Prepares educational materials and participates in clinics, community outreach, and workshops as requested
• Assists with the provision of legal information through speaking engagements, workshops, self-help seminars, and other ways to inform the public of our services
• Provides additional litigation support as required
• Incumbent(s) in this position may perform all or a significant combination of duties depending on the designated operational assignment

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 1 year completed at an accredited law school and remain academically enrolled throughout the fellowship
• A demonstrated interest in public interest law
• Current or former military experience is a plus

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

Compensation And Benefits

The hourly rate is $21. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

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.

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.