Lead Counsel

ZOLA iNTELLIGENCE
San Mateo, CA

Company Introduction


At ZOLA iNTELLIGENCE (ZOLAi), we are redefining what’s possible in emerging markets by building the AI control layer for the world’s most critical and inefficient energy infrastructure. Our vision is bold: Energy Equality for All.


The challenge is immense: nearly 3 billion people still lack reliable, affordable energy—a barrier that has fueled inequality in income, healthcare, and education for centuries. We believe technology can finally close that gap.


Building on 15 years of operational experience and data as pioneers in distributed energy (with roots as ZOLA Electric in Tanzania), ZOLAi is driving the industry's shift to Agentic Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) Technology. Our AI-native platform is the bridge between intelligent hardware, humans, and autonomous AI agents—managing growth, fleet operations, and finance—we empower our customers, Energy Service Providers, to scale resilient networks with unprecedented efficiency and ROI.


ZOLAi's technology has already impacted millions of lives across 100,000+ networked facilities, 6 countries, and 2 continents ensuring energy independence and opportunities for generations to come. If you're ready to tackle this challenge with cutting-edge AI, join us.


Always PAMOJA—one team, one mission.


Position Overview

We seek a highly capable part-time Lead Counsel to assume General Counsel level responsibilities. The ideal candidate will possess 5–7 years of corporate legal experience and strong proficiency in Artificial Intelligence (AI) legal tools (i.e. Spellbook, Luminance, Gemini, etc.). This role will join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in safeguarding ZOLA’s interests, enabling business growth, and ensuring strong governance.


Key Responsibilities

  • Global Dealmaking: Drive high-stakes international transactions across emerging markets—securing contracts, licensing, and financing that maximize our rights and minimize our risks.
  • Risk Defense & Resolution: Proactively anticipate and neutralize legal risks, navigate cross-border regulatory matters, and manage litigation or inquiries, effectively directing external counsel when necessary.
  • AI-Powered Legal Ops: Architect scalable, AI-driven workflows that accelerate business growth, speed up deal velocity, and seamlessly align with cross-functional teams.
  • Strategic Board Counsel: Serve as Company Secretary and trusted advisor to the executive team, steering global corporate governance and enterprise risk management.


Requirements and Skills

  • Proven Legal Excellence: A distinguished legal background (Degree in Law) with a strong track record of driving complex, cross-border corporate transactions.
  • Comprehensive Legal Foundation: Versatile knowledge spanning the full corporate spectrum—from complex M&A, global contracts, and equity transactions to IP, labor law, and dispute resolution.
  • AI-Powered Agility: You don't just adapt to technology; you lead with it. Fluent in next-gen AI tools, CLM platforms, and automated workflows to supercharge productivity and modernize legal operations.
  • Strategic Business Partner: You see the big picture. You possess sharp business acumen that seamlessly balances robust risk management with ambitious commercial growth and innovation.
  • Dynamic Execution: A hands-on builder who operates with high energy and focus, shifting effortlessly between high-level boardroom strategy and tactical, ground-level execution.
  • Mission-Driven: Deeply passionate about our purpose. You are eager to protect ZOLAi and make a tangible, global impact in people’s lives.


Why Join ZOLAi?

You aren't just taking a job, you are taking a strategic seat at the table. You will collaborate with a brilliantly diverse, global team of visionaries, diving headfirst into an unmatched learning curve that will challenge you to do the best work of your life. Here, your voice drives innovation, your growth is limitless, and your relentless dedication is recognized with a competitive package and high ownership.


Compensation:

This is a part-time consulting role with a base compensation range of $60,000 to $80,000 annually, with possible equity, based on 30 hours per week under the SOW.


Ready to apply?

We can’t wait to meet people who are passionate, driven, and inspired by what we’re building. Apply now and help us shape the future of energy access.

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