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  1. AARP Foundation. For a future without senior poverty.
  2. What We Do

AARP Foundation Legal Advocacy

AARP Foundation attorneys protect the rights of older adults in the nation’s courts, advocating to help older people stay connected to their communities and tear down barriers to economic and social stability.

The Foundation team covers a broad range of issues, from fair housing and age discrimination to consumer fraud, employment benefits, pension rights and more. Their primary mission is to ensure that older adults have a voice and proper representation in the legal system.

AARP Foundation attorneys participate both in litigation cases, directly representing clients in individual and class-action cases, and by filing amicus, or friend-of-the-court, briefs.

Meet the Team

Justice sign over courthouse entrance

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On the Docket: Active in the Courts for You

Explore recent cases (in reverse chronological order of activity) in which AARP Foundation attorneys have filed, or that have been decided by the court.

Active Litigation Cases

Follow cases in which attorneys with AARP Foundation are engaged.

Recent Amicus Cases

Read recently filed amicus briefs.

Our Expertise Provides A Voice in the Courts

Attorneys with AARP Foundation have expertise spanning many specific areas of federal and state law. Please view cases from the current and prior two years in the following categories:

 

Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.,

Age Discrimination in Employment

In vigorous defense of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), AARP Foundation attorneys defend the rights of older adults in cases involving hiring and promotions; training and opportunities; reductions in force (layoffs); employee health and welfare benefits; and pension benefits and rights.

 

Social Connectedness

AARP Foundation attorneys have advocated to keep older people connected with their loved ones and combat the consequences of social isolation. Among the issues addressed is stopping the use of chemical restraints with nursing facility residents who have dementia. 

Housing and Livable Communities

AARP Foundation attorneys have been fighting for the right of older adults to stay in their homes as they age and promoting fair housing, preserving each person’s dignity and independence so that they can live the lives they choose in their own communities. 

 

Low-income Benefits, Consumer Protection and Health

AARP Foundation attorneys participate in a diverse array of cases, including situations involving Social Security, Medicare and SNAP benefits; disability issues; predatory financial practices and debt collection; unfair utility practices; and prescription drug costs, in-home care, nursing facility care and liability.

In the News

People Using Wheelchairs Facing Housing Discrimination

A suit filed in New York alleges discrimination against people using wheelchairs. "Banning residents who use wheelchairs to get around their home and their community is blatant discrimination on the basis of disability and a violation of federal law," said Susan Silverstein, senior attorney with AARP Foundation.

Louisiana Legislation on Nursing Facility Camera Installation

A lawsuit initiated by AARP Foundation, Graff v. Heritage Manor, was instrumental in the enactment of the Louisiana legislation on the placement of video cameras in the rooms of nursing facility residents.

Age Bias Lawsuit Reaches Settlement

A lawsuit in which AARP Foundation attorneys acted as co-counsel has reached settlement, yet highlights the prevalent practice of age discrimination. The two women in the case were forced to retire in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Ohio State will use the case to change its employment policies.

Supreme Court Decision Will Help Lower Drug Prices

AARP Foundation's brief noted the importance of expediting the removal of invalid patents that increase healthcare costs.

Attorney Bagby Interviewed Regarding Patient Dumping

"Patient dumping" is a serious issue that can confront vulnerable residents of nursing facilities. Attorney Kelly Bagby discusses ongoing litigation regarding one case of this practice with KSRF-FM's Mary Lou Cooper.

In the Spotlight

Dental Hygienists Will Continue to Provide Life-Saving Dental Care

AARP Foundation attorneys helped win a case against the California Department of Health Care Services to continue providing life-saving dental care for developmentally disabled and elderly people in care facilities.

Fifty Years of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

In the article (33 A.B.A. J. Lab. & Emp. L. 89 (2018)), AARP Foundation's age discrimination expert Laurie McCann discusses the enactment of the ADEA fifty years ago. Unfortunately, although changes have been achieved and the landscape has evolved regarding this social ill, age discrimination remains a pervasive and prevalent problem that the attorneys with AARP regularly confront and challenge.

Contact Us

Facebook: facebook.com/AARPFoundation

Twitter: @AARPFoundation

Email: giving@aarp.org

Toll-free Nationwide: 1-800-775-6776

Toll-free TTY: 877-434-7598

AARP Foundation Tax ID: 52-0794300

Charity Rating

AARP Foundation earns a high rating for accountability from a leading charity evaluator. 

Eighty-one cents of every dollar we spend goes toward programs and services that help low-income older adults. We have met every one of the Better Business Bureau’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.