AARP Foundation Legal Advocacy

AARP Foundation conducts legal advocacy through its litigating arm, AARP Foundation Litigation (AFL). AFL advocates for systemic change in federal and state courts nationwide to advance the legal rights and interests of people 50 and older, particularly low-income and vulnerable individuals. Through representation in significant cases and participation as amicus curiae (“friend of the court”), AFL addresses harmful, widespread practices or policies of industry, business, or government. AFL helps older people stay connected to their communities by tearing down barriers and establishing pathways to economic opportunity and social stability.

                                                                                                                                         MEET THE TEAM

ECONOMIC  OPPORTUNITY - AARP Foundation attorneys litigate on behalf of older adults to secure opportunities to generate income and to protect their assets. 

Earning - Create opportunities to earn a living

AFL defends the rights of older adults in cases involving hiring, promoting, and terminating in the workplace.

• Discrimination and other barriers to employment

Saving - Protect savings and assets

AFL protects savers, investors, and consumers through legal advocacy concerning employee health and welfare benefits; pension benefits; and fraudulent, predatory, and discriminatory commercial practices (financial exploitation).

• Consumer litigation
• Employee  pensions and benefits 
• Investor protection

SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS - AARP Foundation attorneys litigate to keep older adults connected with their loved ones, safe in their homes, and engaged in their communities.

Connecting - Promote elder justice

AFL combats the causes and consequences of social isolation, including protecting older adults from physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

• Long-term care services and supports, (including nursing home and in-home care) 
• Disability discrimination (including Olmstead)

Housing - Improve the ability to age in place

AFL expands access to affordable, accessible, and healthy housing.

• Housing, including predatory mortgage lending, and livable communities

Other impactful efforts on behalf of vulnerable older adults

AARP Foundation Attorneys Vigorously Fight Many Facets of Elder Abuse in Nursing Facilities

"Avoiding Drugs as Chemical Restraints," a discussion between AARP Foundation Litigation Attorney, Kelly Bagby with partnering organization The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care's Lori Smetanka as recorded, July 8, 2020. Watch/Listen

Explore

Watch - NBC's video expose on the "dumping" of nursing facility residents through eviction or transfer.

Read - Englehart's article, accompanying her NBC video, highlights the plight of the most vulnerable who are discharged from nursing home facilities.

"Avoiding the Use of Chemical Restraints in Long-Term Care," partnership established between AARP Foundation and National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

"When Doctors Go Off Script," AARP Bulletin, Oct. 2019

The Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit reversed the trial court and remanded this Olmstead case. Now a class of approximately 1000 nursing facility residents wanting to live in their own homes with the same kind of medical services and supports as they receive in nursing facilities need D.C. to provide assistance. Read

AARP Foundation filed a class action lawsuit against Yale University for violating both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrination Act (GINA) by requiring employees to participate in Yale's workplace wellness program or be charged $1,300 annually. Listen