Brad Zachary – Rhythm Energy

As general counsel for Rhythm Energy, Brad Zachary doesn’t just provide legal advice—he helps power a company that’s redefining how Texans consume electricity. From regulatory compliance to strategic acquisitions, Zachary plays a vital role in shaping the business’s direction while strengthening its legal foundations. At the intersection of innovation and compliance, he serves as both guardian and guide for one of the nation’s largest independent green-energy retailers.

Founded to provide an alternative to the traditional electric utility experience, Rhythm Energy is a Texas-based retail electricity provider that emphasizes exceptional customer service and transparent pricing, all while providing 100% clean electricity plans.

As Zachary explains, “Rhythm was founded to be the energy company of the future, with a vision to build tools that give customers control over their bills, set the bar for digital customer experience, and create a technology platform that connects Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to energy markets.”

Rhythm’s business model is lean, technology-enabled, and reliant on internal experts and strategic partnerships, making its legal challenges distinct and often complex.

From M&A to GC

Zachary didn’t always envision himself in the energy sector. After earning a history degree and then a JD from UCLA School of Law, he began his legal career in-house—first at one of the world’s largest distributors and providers of comprehensive supply chain management services to the global aerospace industry publicly-traded aerospace supply chain and then as part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s legal department, where he was trained through a law-firm-style onboarding and development program.

“I always knew I wanted to work in-house. I liked the idea of becoming embedded in a company’s culture, working alongside the business, and helping it grow,” he says.

At HPE, Zachary focused on public and private M&A, corporate governance, advising on venture capital investments, and global supply chain matters. But after several years, he sought something different: a smaller, faster-moving company where he could broaden his skillset.

“I wanted to become the kind of lawyer who touches every legal issue at a company,” he says.

That search led him to Rhythm in January 2022, where he initially joined as the second attorney and now serves as its general counsel.

“I didn’t expect to step into the GC role so quickly,” Zachary admits. “But I’ve learned that you can’t always plan the path—sometimes it’s about staying open, sharp, and saying yes to the opportunity.”

Navigating regulation, risk & rapid growth

Zachary’s day-to-day responsibilities at Rhythm are as wide-ranging as they are strategic. He oversees litigation, corporate governance, commercial contracting, and regulatory compliance.

“As a retail electric provider, we’re regulated by multiple agencies. Ensuring compliance across marketing, sales, and operations is a non-stop effort,” he explains.

But his role is far more than reactive legal work. He serves as a core member of Rhythm’s leadership team, quarterbacking major transactions and growth initiatives. One of the most impactful projects in recent years is the acquisition of Inspire Clean Energy, which has helped position Rhythm as one of the country’s largest independent green energy providers.

To facilitate the Inspire deal, Zachary led the expansion of Rhythm’s working capital facility and worked closely with stakeholders to secure additional equity investment.

In parallel, Zachary contributed to Rhythm’s Power Shift Plans, an innovative program designed to align customer behavior with the needs of the electricity grid. Customers who shift their usage to off-peak times can save money while helping reduce demand during high-stress periods, lessening the likelihood of bringing additional fossil fuel plants online.

“I helped the sales and marketing teams think through the product structure and legal implications. It’s a good example of how legal can be a strategic partner, not just a gatekeeper,” he says.

A legal mindset built on curiosity & community

Zachary’s legal philosophy centers on enabling rather than obstructing.

“Nobody wants to be the legal department of ‘no,’” he says. “I see my role as figuring out how to say, ‘Yes, but let’s structure it in a way that doesn’t expose us to unnecessary risk.’”

His broad purview allows him to guide Rhythm’s business units through emerging issues, whether adapting to new data privacy laws or exploring AI tools to improve efficiency.

On that note, Zachary is cautiously optimistic about AI’s role in legal work.

“It’s great for administrative or repetitive tasks—drafting, summarizing, first-level research—but over-reliance can be a real risk,” he notes. “I treat it like a launchpad, not a crutch, and I’m eager to see the rapid development of AI tools that will re-shape how lawyers work.”

Grounded in family, driven by variety

Zachary’s journey into law was shaped by the example of his parents, both nonprofit professionals who inspired a strong work ethic and a pragmatic approach.

“They were always overworked and underpaid,” he recalls.

A family friend, a lawyer, sparked his interest in high school, and he’s been riding that bike ever since.

“I’ve always believed that it’s easier to change directions as long as you’re headed somewhere. I chose the law with the idea that I could pivot later if it weren’t a good fit—but it turns out, I love what I do.”

Today, Zachary balances his demanding career with a busy home life. He and his wife are raising four children—two boys and identical twin girls—and spend most of their weekends outdoors.

“Fishing, biking, swimming—anything where the kids can burn energy,” he laughs. He’s also a diehard country music fan and never misses a chance to catch a live show. “Brooks & Dunn last weekend—that was a highlight.”

Looking ahead, Zachary hopes to continue embracing change and challenge professionally and personally.

“My biggest fear is getting too comfortable. The most rewarding moments in my career have come when I’ve said yes to something beyond my depth. That’s where the real growth happens.”