Senior Counsel, Land Use & Real Estate
Zipline
About Zipline
Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our goal is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building, manufacturing, and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally—wherever they are. From providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart, to enabling healthcare providers to bring care directly to U.S. homes, to powering Rwanda’s national blood delivery network and Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Zipline is redefining how things move for businesses, consumers, and governments. The technology is complex, but the idea is simple: a teleportation service that delivers what you need, when you need it. Through our technology, we are decarbonizing delivery, reducing road congestion, and cutting fossil fuel consumption and air pollution—all while providing equitable access for billions of people and building a more resilient global supply chain.
About You and The Role
Zipline is entering a period of rapid expansion across the U.S., and we’re seeking a seasoned Land Use & Real Estate Counsel to lead our efforts in securing and maintaining land use and zoning approvals for customer sites and charging infrastructure nationwide. This role sits at the intersection of municipal, environmental, commercial, and property law. You will partner closely with Zipline’s operations, real estate, and customer success teams to enable the rapid and repeatable deployment of Zipline’s uncrewed aerial systems and related infrastructure across metropolitan regions.
This position reports to Zipline’s General Counsel and is based at our South San Francisco HQ, with flexibility for a remote arrangement in Texas for the right candidate.
What You'll Do
- Develop and execute Zipline’s strategy for securing operationally critical land use, zoning, and permitting approvals in key U.S. markets—including Texas and other major metropolitan areas.
- Interpret, draft, and analyze municipal ordinances affecting Zipline’s operations and site development.
- Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, planning and zoning commissions, city councils, and local staff.
- Support community engagement efforts and represent Zipline in public hearings and stakeholder meetings regarding land use and zoning matters.
- Address and resolve complex property law matters, including easements, boundary lines, and access rights.
- Partner with Operations, Real Estate, and Engineering teams to ensure legal strategies align with technical and operational realities.
- Serve as a trusted advisor within the Legal Team, stepping in to address novel or urgent state and local legal issues as Zipline’s business evolves.
What You'll Bring
- A strong command of U.S. land use, zoning, and municipal law, with experience obtaining complex or first-of-their-kind regulatory approvals.
- At least 8 years of relevant legal practice, ideally including partner-level or senior counsel experience in land use, zoning, or municipal law at a respected firm or in-house environment.
- Persuasive written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage regulators and community stakeholders with diplomacy and credibility.
- Pragmatic, business-oriented risk assessment skills, with the ability to make confident, independent judgment calls and escalate when appropriate.
- A proven track record of delivering high-stakes regulatory approvals under tight timelines, while maintaining composure and focus.
- A proactive, resourceful mindset with an eagerness to tackle novel challenges and shape scalable regulatory strategies.
- Unwavering ethics, strong relationship-building instincts, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
What Else You Need to Know
- JD Degree required
- Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar
- Must be eligible to work in the United States
