• Principal Corporate Counsel

    Microsoft Corporation (Washington, DC)


    Join the legal team behind Microsoft’s Industry Solutions Delivery (ISD) organization, where innovation meets complex deal-making—empowering global transformation through strategic counsel, responsible AI deployment, and strategic partnerships that shape the future of global industries.

     

    The Corporate and External Legal Affairs (CELA) organization is seeking a **Principal Corporate Counsel** to support ISD, a global powerhouse within Microsoft, accelerating cloud growth through industry-specific innovation and large-scale delivery. ISD leads Microsoft’s most strategic consulting engagements with an AI-first approach, combining deep industry expertise, engineering capabilities, and sales acumen to deliver outcome-based solutions through accountability for end-to-end project delivery.

     

    In this role, you will partner with senior business leaders on high-impact engagements where ISD orchestrates across product, engineering, sales, and industry teams. You will advise on contractual implications and risks such as IP ownership, ensure alignment on strategic initiatives, and support ISD’s partner ecosystem by clarifying contracting models and providing counsel on go-to-market offerings. You will also help navigate evolving global regulatory requirements to ensure compliant implementation of contractual commitments.

     

    Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we are dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our Culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.

    Responsibilities

    Legal Advice and Counsel

    + Support the ISD team by anticipating and addressing complex legal and business issues and serving as a key strategic partner and advisor to business clients.

    + Support complex technology transactions and develop negotiation strategies.

    + Creatively solve problems and coordinate across CELA and business team subject matter experts.

    + Advise on partner strategies, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and contractual commitments.

    + Stay informed of rules, regulations, and other statutory requirements relating to Microsoft business and advise business clients and CELA colleagues accordingly.

    + Communicate clearly to support negotiations, resolve issues, and advance projects.

    + Support the business teams in ensuring legal compliance and in providing solutions to mitigate risks.

    Culture

    + Embody our culture and values

    + Foster inclusive practices ensuring diverse perspectives are included.

    + Support colleagues and clients with empathy and respect.

    + Embrace a global mindset, respecting similarities, and differences in others.

    Qualifications

    Required Qualifications:

    + Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 4+ years' experience as a practicing commercial/business attorney

    + OR equivalent experience.

    + Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.

    Additional or Preferred Qualifications:

    + Demonstrated experience with negotiation and legal drafting for complex deals (i.e., IP).

    + Experience with cloud computing, generative and traditional AI, and their related legal issues.

    + Legal analysis, consideration of business goals, and managing stakeholder priorities.

    + Partnering with cross-functional teams to solve complex issues through collaboration to generate consensus across diverse points of view.

    + Experience working in an agile environment and openness to adapt practice in response to evolving business strategies and transformation.

    + Project management skills to work efficiently and meet deadlines in the face of competing priorities.

     

    Legal Counsel IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $132,200 - $232,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,800 - $248,600 per year.

     

    Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

     

    Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 12th, 2025.

     

    _By applying for this position, you are being considered for multiple positions with the same required qualifications. Position specifics, including hiring team, location and position details, will be determined during the interview process. The job description should make clear the job responsibilities and required qualifications._

    \#CELA

    Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .