VP, Litigation-Income/Consumer

AARP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AARP Foundation seeks a Vice President, Litigation to lead nationwide litigation efforts affecting older adults with low income. The role provides strategic counsel to the Senior Vice President, Litigation and executive leadership, and oversees experienced litigators across the organization.

The position requires a JD, 15+ years of trial experience, and DC Bar eligibility, with expertise in labor/employee benefits/consumer protection and a proven history of building inclusive, high‑performing

Qualifications

• JD required; must be admitted to or eligible for the DC Bar.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a track record of leading successful legal teams.
• At least 5 years managing complex litigation and 3 years supervising attorneys and support staff, including performance management and professional development.
• Expertise in labor and employment, employee benefits, or consumer protection legal matters.
• Proven ability to foster an inclusive workplace that values diversity and individual differences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on developing innovative legal theories and approaches.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and manage relationships with staff, clients, co‑counsel, and others; applies investigative, analytical, and litigation expertise to provide effective supervision and guidance.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in case selection and strategy, with experience effectively representing individuals, classes, and institutional clients.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic counseling and advice to the Senior Vice President, Litigation and other executives as a key member of the Litigation leadership team.
• Oversees the planning, strategy, and execution of litigation in federal and state courts nationwide.
• Supervises, coaches, develops, and evaluates experienced litigators and litigation support staff.
• Reviews and edits memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Oversees investigations of potential cases to determine whether to recommend filing a lawsuit or an amicus brief.
• Executes cross‑functionally within the organization to promote strategic objectives.
• Provides thought leadership on legal and policy priorities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical thinking

Education

JD

DC Bar eligibility

Job description

Overview

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 Vice President, Litigation manages litigation functions, provides legal counsel, and represents clients in civil litigation and other legal proceedings affecting older adults with low income. Oversees the development, investigation, and preparation of cases for filing, discovery, motion practice, trial, and settlement negotiations. Identifies vehicles for amicus participation and oversees the drafting and filing of amicus briefs. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop long‑term strategic plans to achieve the organization’s litigation goals. Acts as an expert on legal and policy matters to advise on organization priorities. Primary practice areas include labor and employment, employee benefits, and consumer protection.

This is a leadership position within AARP Foundation, which hosts a public‑interest law firm that launches high‑impact litigation to combat senior poverty. It is not an in‑house counsel position within AARP. To learn more, please visit aarpfoundation.org/litigation.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic counseling and advice to the Senior Vice President, Litigation and other executives as a key member of the Litigation leadership team.
• Oversees the planning, strategy, and execution of litigation in federal and state courts nationwide.
• Supervises, coaches, develops, and evaluates experienced litigators and litigation support staff.
• Reviews and edits memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Oversees investigations of potential cases to determine whether to recommend filing a lawsuit or an amicus brief.
• Executes cross‑functionally within the organization to promote strategic objectives.
• Provides thought leadership on legal and policy priorities.

Qualifications

• JD required; must be a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible for admission.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a track record of leading successful legal teams.
• At least 5 years managing complex litigation and 3 years supervising attorneys and support staff, including performance management and professional development.
• Expertise in labor and employment, employee benefits, or consumer protection legal matters.
• Proven ability to foster an inclusive workplace that values diversity and individual differences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on developing innovative legal theories and approaches.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and manage relationships with staff, clients, co‑counsel, and others; applies investigative, analytical, and litigation expertise to provide effective supervision and guidance.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in case selection and strategy, with experience effectively representing individuals, classes, and institutional clients.

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.