About Zum:

Zum is a rapidly expanding Series E startup backed by industry leaders Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Spark Capital, and GIC, with a bold mission to transform the stagnant school transportation industry. Operating in over 15 states across the United States—with flagship hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle—we are actively extending our reach to the East Coast and Midwest regions. As a technology-driven company, we deploy cutting-edge solutions to manage and operate school district transportation systems while also launching our own charter platform and developing proprietary SaaS offerings. Additionally, we are spearheading a nationwide initiative to electrify school transportation fleets, simultaneously supporting local utilities by feeding much-needed energy back into the grid. We have been recognized as CNBC 50 disruptor, Financial Times 500 fastest growing companies, Fast Company World Changing Ideas.

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Deputy General Counsel with a strong background in litigation and risk management to join our team. Reporting to the General Counsel, this critical role will be responsible for directing and managing litigation and risk management strategies consistent with Zum’s business strategy, culture, and values. This role will ensure legal and regulatory compliance, mitigate risks, and safeguard the company’s interests in a dynamic and highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate will be a commercially minded and strategically agile legal professional who can proactively contribute to Zum’s business strategies.

Responsibilities:

Litigation Management:

• Proactively manage a diverse litigation caseload from inception to conclusion, including matters involving commercial auto, personal injury, and employment matters in multiple jurisdictions and forums.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis pertaining to transportation laws, regulations, and legal standards, with a focus on federal and state guidelines impacting school transportation.
• Manage a litigation budget and oversee outside counsel. Work proactively with insurance carriers and third-party claims administrators to manage claims.
• Represent the company in arbitrations and mediations.
• Negotiate settlements and other agreements on behalf of the company, demonstrating strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Prepare case analysis reports for stakeholders, developing proactive resolution strategies to mitigate financial and reputational impacts.
• Monitor the evolving landscape of civil litigation trends and reform across the U.S, which significantly impact the transportation industry.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Work cross functionally to develop and implement plans and practices to reduce the likelihood of accidents, mitigate liability risks, and lessen exposure to litigation.
• Collaborate effectively with internal departments, including operations, safety, and human resources, on safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures and related labor relations matters, including representation of the Company before the National Labor Relations Board.
• Ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards governing school transportation.
• Maintain the Company’s intellectual property portfolio and monitor the market for potential infringement of the Company’s intellectual property.
• Advise on and implement strategies to manage risks associated with data privacy and security and related rules, regulations and contractual commitments governing student and employee data.
• Stay informed about industry developments, changes in regulations, and legal precedents related to the company’s business, proactively contributing to the company's long-term business goals.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in California.
• 15+ years of litigation experience in private practice and/or litigation management roles for companies. General casualty and/or employment litigation experience preferred.
• Experience working with a union represented workforce is strongly preferred.
• Superior analytical skills to assess legal risks within a commercial context and provide pragmatic problem-solving.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders clearly, concisely, and confidently.
• Sophisticated technical skills relevant to legal practice and data management.
• Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, linking legal issues to long-term business goals and pivoting between daily tasks and big-picture considerations.
• High degree of agility and adaptability to respond to regulatory shifts and unexpected legal issues in a fast-paced, highly regulated sector.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including emotional intelligence and diplomacy, to build trusted relationships across departments.
• A curiosity for and commitment to proactive learning, staying abreast of emerging areas and ongoing legal developments.

Compensation:  The estimated annual base salary for this position is $280,000 – $320,000, but could be higher depending on the level of candidate. This position will be eligible for the company's bonus program and equity program.

Zum has exclusively engaged Kerwin Associates to conduct this search.  Any resumes sent directly to Zum will be forwarded to Kerwin Associates. If interested in this role, please contact Anne Kerwin Payne (anne@kerwin.com) and Danielle Ryan (danielle@kerwin.com) at Kerwin Associates.‍