Ascend is a partnership-driven management services organization (“MSO”) purposely built to help law firms operate with greater efficiency, scale with confidence, and achieve their long-term potential — while preserving the independence, identity, and culture that make each firm unique.
At Ascend, we believe attorneys should be able to focus on practicing law, not managing the burdens of running a business. We provide the infrastructure, operational support, and growth expertise that allow firms to modernize, expand, and thrive in an increasingly competitive legal landscape.
Our team brings deep experience in practice operations, private equity, and multi-site professional services. We know what it takes to drive sustainable growth — whether it’s optimizing back-office functions, improving workflow efficiency, integrating technology, enhancing client experience, or supporting partners with strategic guidance.
We don’t acquire firms. We partner with them.
And in every partnership, we lead with respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to helping attorneys build stronger, more resilient practices.
Together, we create the conditions for long-term success: better systems, smarter operations, improved financial performance, and a platform that supports attorneys at every stage of their journey.
We help firms reach their next level — without giving up what makes them great.
Who we are
How does Ascend differ vs. a traditional private equity MSO model?
Ascend is a pioneer in the legal services MSO segment
Unlike traditional private equity MSOs, our model is partner-owned, non-controlling, and built around long-term operational support — not short-term financial engineering.
We don’t buy firms or replace their leadership; we empower partners with shared services, growth resources, and modern infrastructure while allowing them to maintain full ownership and control of their practice.
Independence
We care about your legacy and independence
Traditional Private Equity
PE firm controls ALL transaction, operational, and financial decisions
Law firm’s brand may be diluted by being folded into platform
Partners retain full control of practice and MSO
Partners keep their practice name and culture
We support and optimize your operations, rather than “rationalize” them
Operations
Traditional Private Equity
PE firm seeks to drive value through cost cuts (i.e., cost rationalization)
Value from operational improvements must be shared with PE firm
Value driven through growth optimization and operating leverage
All value from operational enhancements flows directly to the law firm partners
PE firm doesn’t allow for ongoing distributions to law firm partners
Monetization is limited to upfront value at a suboptimal multiple, with unsustainable / uncertain future liquidity
We enable law firm partners to realize sustainable monetization of the practice equity while continuing to receive 100% of go-forward distributions
Financial
Traditional Private Equity
Law firm partners receive 100% of go-forward distributable income from both the MSO and practice
Law firm partners realize significant upfront and sustainable future equity monetization
Contact us
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