Part Time Attorney

THE ROLE: Part Time Attorney

American Student Assistance™ (ASA) is national nonprofit that is changing the way kids learn about careers and prepare for their futures through access to career-readiness information and experiences.

ASA fulfills its mission through free digital-first direct experiences, philanthropy, advocacy, thought leadership, groundbreaking research, and impact investing. We believe that exploring career possibilities, as early as middle school, and providing access to education-to-career pathways aligned with one’s passions and goals will result in greater confidence and long-term success for all students.

We are seeking an experienced Part-Time Attorney (20-25 hours per week) to provide legal support for our non-profit organization. This role will be responsible for managing contracts, reviewing board meeting minutes, policies, reviewing and drafting motions and legal documents, and submitting them for board approval. The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of non-profit organizations, non-profit tax law, funding contracts, intellectual property (IP), trademarks, and governance matters.

The Part-Time Attorney will work closely with executive leadership, board members, and external counsel to ensure legal compliance, risk mitigation, and strategic legal decision-making.

The successful candidate would have: Experience working in non-profit organizations, foundations, or NGOs; Knowledge of government grants and compliance with federal and state funding contracts; Familiarity with non-profit employment law and labor regulations; and Experience providing legal support for fundraising and donor agreements.

What You’ll Do:

1. Contract Management & Legal Review

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including funding agreements, service contracts, vendor agreements, and grant-related contracts.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing non-profits.
• Maintain a contract management system, tracking key dates, renewals, and compliance requirements.

2. Board Meeting Legal Support

• Review board meeting minutes, motions, and legal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and submit motions, legal opinions, and governance documents for board approval.
• Ensure board actions are properly documented and aligned with organizational bylaws.

3. Non-Profit Governance & Compliance

• Advise on corporate governance best practices, bylaws, and policies.
• Ensure the organization maintains 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and adheres to IRS non-profit regulations.
• Provide legal oversight of board structures, conflicts of interest policies, and fiduciary responsibilities.

4. Intellectual Property (IP)

• Advise on intellectual property, licensing agreements and data protection.

5. Non-Profit Tax & Funding Contract Compliance

• Provide legal guidance on non-profit tax law, including unrelated business income (UBI) and charitable contributions.
• Review and ensure compliance with federal, state, and private funding contracts and grants.
• Work with finance teams to mitigate risks related to funding restrictions and compliance reporting.

6. Risk Management & General Legal Support

• Identify and address legal risks related to operations, employment law, and regulatory compliance.
• Work with external counsel on litigation, dispute resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Stay informed on changing laws and regulations impacting non-profits and provide guidance to leadership.

About You:

Education & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar license in Massachusetts (or ability to obtain a limited practice license if required).
• 5+ years of legal experience in non-profit law, contract law, or corporate governance.
• Experience with board governance, funding agreements, and IRS non-profit compliance is highly preferred.

Technical & Legal Expertise

• Strong understanding of 501(c)(3) regulations, tax-exempt compliance, and funding contract laws.
• Experience with trademark registration, IP protection, and licensing agreements.
• Proficiency in contract drafting, negotiations, and risk assessment.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Detail-oriented and organized with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a part-time capacity.
• Collaborative approach to working with executive teams and board members.

Why ASA?

ASA offers a wide range of perks and benefits to Associates, including weekly lunches, commuter benefits, and tuition reimbursement.

We also heavily prioritize a healthy work/life balance, which is why we offer Summer Fridays (every Friday off between Memorial Day and Labor Day) and a company holiday break between December 25th and January 1st.

ASA works in a Hybrid schedule (2) two days a week in our Boston HQ. We prioritize strategic thinkers, collaborators, and work/life pros who are looking to help make a difference in kid's education and career goals.