Advocate for the Elderly
Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of Washington, D.C., seniors by providing free legal and social work services to those in need — empowering, defending and protecting low-income seniors.
As a volunteer, you can:
Work Alongside Dedicated Attorneys and Social Workers
Help LCE staff prevent eviction, foreclosure and homelessness; provide critically important services to homebound clients; protect against fraud; and help seniors obtain the benefits they deserve and need.
Offer Attorney Pro Bono Support
Your time will help LCE with a variety of legal issues and extend our reach to even more people who would otherwise go unrepresented.
Give Back to Your Community
Discover how rewarding it is — both personally and professionally — to share your talents.
Assist Medicare Beneficiaries
You will work with our Senior Medicare Patrol to prevent, detect and report health care fraud, errors and abuse through outreach, counseling and education.
Advocate for Long-Term Care Residents
You will work with LCE’s Office of the DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman as a resource and advocate for people living in long-term facilities.
Feel Good
Enjoy how it feels when you make a meaningful difference in a senior’s life.
Volunteer Roles
Legal Support Volunteers
(Washington, D.C.)
Support our legal and social work teams in assisting low-income DC elders. Volunteers will conduct research, perform administrative duties, make follow-up calls to clients, witness document signing, assist clients in gathering necessary documents and information, and more.
Requirements:
- No legal background required
- Must take provided training
- Must submit to a background check
- Comfortable with computer skills, such as email, data entry, and research
Time/Frequency:
- 4-hour monthly commitment
For more information, contact Tiffany Grant at VLP@aarp.org or 202-434-6392
Nursing Home Resident Advocate/Long-Term Care Ombudsman
(Washington, D.C.)
Advocate for residents in long-term care facilities, assisting in problem resolution and enhancing their quality of life. Volunteer Ombudsmen visit residents in facilities, listen to their concerns, and collaborate with staff and others to reach resolutions.
Requirements:
- No legal background required
- Must take provided training
- Must submit to a background check
- Comfortable with computer skills, such as email, data entry, and research
Time/Frequency:
- 10-hour monthly commitment
For more information, contact Lorena Ruiz at ORuiz@aarp.org or 202-434-2190
Senior Medicare Patrol
(Washington, D.C.)
Empower and educate Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, along with their families and caregivers, to detect, prevent, and report Medicare fraud. Our volunteers conduct presentations, participate in community outreach events, and more. Training, support, and guidance is provided.
Requirements:
- No legal background required
- Must take provided training
- Must submit to a background check
- Comfortable with computer skills, such as email, data entry, and research
Time/Frequency:
- 4-hour monthly commitment
For more information, contact Darnetta Bascomb at DBascomb@aarp.org or 202-434-2099
Volunteer Attorney
(Washington, D.C.)
Assist with consumer protection, financial exploitation, foreclosure, eviction prevention, life planning documents, and public and veterans' benefits casework. May also help review veterans' service records and screen clients for financial assistance programs.
Requirements:
- Must be a licensed DC attorney in good standing
- Must take provided training
- Must submit to a background check
- Comfortable with computer skills, such as email, data entry, and research
Time/Frequency:
- Time commitment varies depending on project
For more information, contact Tiffany Grant at VLP@aarp.org or 202-434-6392
Learn More About Legal Counsel for the Elderly
For more than 45 years, LCE has championed the dignity and rights of Washington, D.C.'s most vulnerable elderly
Search For Volunteer Roles by Cause
Find ways to help causes that are important to you you such as caregiving, health and veterans
Volunteer with AARP Programs
Explore a number of community service and volunteer opportunities through AARP's great programs
Featured AARP Member Benefits