Legal Counsel
About Ascend Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students—regardless of background—have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead. For more information on Ascend’s model, approach, and core values, please visit our website.
About the Role Ascend seeks a dynamic and motivated Legal Counsel to help grow the Legal and Compliance function of our school network. As Legal Counsel, you will support and advise on a variety of legal and schooling matters across the organization. The Legal Counsel will report to the Associate General Counsel and will work collaboratively both within our Strategy Team, and across all functions at Ascend.
This role is an opportunity for a motivated and driven attorney to join an in-house legal team dedicated to supporting Ascend schools in delivering free, public education to over 6,000 students across Brooklyn.
Responsibilities include, but will not be limited to:
- Researching and advising on legal questions touching all aspects of Ascend, with a primary focus on education law and employment law.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts while enhancing the organization’s contract management systems for greater efficiency and risk mitigation.
- Leading on charter governance, including the charter renewal process, and managing the relationship with Ascend’s authorizer.
- Managing and coordinating active litigation in partnership with outside counsel, ensuring timely coordination, alignment, and clear risk assessments.
- Assisting with compliance and reporting requirements, collaborating cross-functionally as needed.
- Assisting Legal team in continuously improving organizational policies and procedures to best support Ascend schools and ensure legal compliance.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree and an active membership in the New York Bar in good standing.
- A minimum of two years of prior legal experience; preferable in education, employment law, or nonprofit law.
- Strong research and analytic skills, demonstrated ability to synthesize complex legal topics into clear guidance with an uncompromising attention to detail.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound legal judgment, providing clear, strategic guidance on complex issues while assessing risk and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Strong ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively across functional areas and put the needs of the organization first.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to take direction as well as work independently.
- Willingness to operate in a lean legal department, take on varied responsibilities, and support evolving needs of the organization.
- Unwavering commitment to the Ascend educational mission.
- Commitment to transparency in all dealings, exacting ethical standards at all times, and a sensitivity to the level of scrutiny to which Ascend and its schools are subject, as recipients of public funds.
- Strong academic record and recommendations that speak to both legal knowledge and professionalism.
Compensation and Benefits The salary will range between $95,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience. This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
- Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits
Location & Work Arrangement Based in our Brooklyn, NY office Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week. Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community through its hiring practices and focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into their approach to educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. Ascend Charter Schools welcomes all applicants who share their mission and vision. To learn more about Ascend’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism please visit: https://www.ascendlearning.org/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-anti-racism
