General Counsel

Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfills, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

Reporting to the CEO & President, the General Counsel will provide leadership to the organization that mirrors the values, mission and provides critical insights into the strategy of the Company. As a member of the company's senior leadership team, the General Counsel will provide counsel on general corporate matters, including corporate strategies and initiatives, projects, operations, construction and commercial contracts, and proactively identify and resolve business and legal issues in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Additionally, this role will manage the Company's transactional agreements, provide advice on corporate governance, and oversee our intellectual property portfolio.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a key advisor and provide legal support and counsel on corporate strategies and initiatives across the organization, including delivering timely legal advice to the company's leadership team.
• Review agreements for the Company, including projects, construction and commercial contracts, leases, licensing and other material contracts in conjunction with Supply Chain and other constituents.
• Coordinate oversight of intellectual property portfolio, including patents.
• Identify and resolve routine and complex legal issues related to corporate compliance, construction and commercial matters, leases, and other contracts, regulatory matters (DOE, state and transportation agencies etc.), due diligence, intellectual property (including pre-filing strategies, patents, and trademarks), litigation, and employment law.
• Manages grant compliance and reporting.
• Provide legal support through an initial public offering or other commercialization opportunities.
• Represent the company with clients, investors, and business partners, as appropriate.
• Assist, as needed, in raising additional capital.
• Participate in due diligence activities and stock purchase and stock option administration.
• Ensure conformance with our standard operating practices, business controls as well as compliance with all internal and regulatory standards.
• Resolve claims, disputes and litigation in a constructive, efficient and economical manner.
• Draft, implement, and oversee various corporate legal compliance policies and procedures.
• Manage all aspects of corporate governance, including preparation of Board of Director meeting agenda and presentation materials, attendance at Board of Director meetings, and maintenance of corporate minute books and serve as Corporate Secretary.
• Provide summary analysis of issues and recommendations for consideration.
• Strategically utilize outside counsel in cost effective manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires a JD and a minimum of 15 years of relevant law experience
• Prior corporate law firm or global legal department experience strongly preferred
• Ability to provide legal assistance to multiple departments
• Manage internal and external legal costs within budget
• Experience interacting with Boards of Directors and/or Executive Leadership teams
• Experience developing and managing a team in an ever-changing environment
• Proactive, solution-orientation with exceptional judgment and creativity. Ability to think strategically and give practical advice appropriately weighing legal and business objectives.
• Decisive decision-making abilities. Strong internal ethical code.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.

Personal Characteristics:

• Results oriented.
• Self-motivated with a high level of enthusiasm, coupled with a strong work ethic.
• High level of integrity, safety awareness, innovation and creativity.
• Strong communication and stellar teamwork and collaboration skills with the proven ability to express ideas and opinions and gain consensus.
• A strategic thinker who can see beyond functional responsibility and operate from a macro corporate perspective.
• Recognizes the value of process and balances with execution.
• A management philosophy that supports dignity and respect throughout the organization.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.