Principal Corporate Counsel, Procurement & Construction

Overview
Microsoft’s Corporate and External Legal Affairs (CELA) team has an exciting opportunity within the CELA Infrastructure Legal Affairs team supporting Microsoft’s Cloud Operations + Innovation division to build hyperscale infrastructure for its rapidly expanding global cloud. We are seeking an experienced commercial attorney to support one of the world’s largest cloud infrastructures, responsible for operating all Microsoft online products and services, including AI tools such as Copilot. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering a trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide.  This is a fast-growing division that is investing in datacenter capabilities and innovative projects around the world that can truly make a difference.

 

As the Principal Corporate Counsel, Procurement and Construction, you will support supply chain procurement and construction for our datacenter builds. This is a unique opportunity to help Microsoft build hyperscale infrastructure for its rapidly expanding global cloud.

 

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 Solutions: 

• Provide legal oversight for a high volume of complex procurement, design, and construction related agreements in support of cloud and datacenter infrastructure.
• Partner closely with business teams in negotiations with manufacturers, contractors, designers, consultants, and key suppliers; advising business partners on risk allocation, deal structure, compliance, and other aspects of contracts.
• Providing day-to-day legal support for procurement processes and construction projects, including counseling on contract administration, notices, and claim and dispute resolution and avoidance.
• Managing outside counsel and specialized advisors, including commercial advice, contract negotiation, and dispute management.
• Collaborating with team members within and across organizational boundaries, including engineering, procurement, finance, compliance and other teams.

 

Operational Excellence:

• Supporting the development and continuous improvement of playbooks, templates, and clause libraries; driving process improvements to improve quality and reduce contract cycle time; collaborating with business teams in the development of new deal structures.
• Developing trusted advisor relationships with business clients and executives by providing practical, risk-based guidance that supports timely project delivery.
• Able to quickly and accurately identify legal issues in a complex and ambiguous environment and develop solutions through sound judgment.
• Apply technology, including AI, to improve legal work and efficiency.

 

Culture:

• Approaching the day-to-day work with curiosity and flexibility.
• Effective collaboration and seeking out diverse perspectives.
• Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 4+ years experience as a practicing attorney
  • OR equivalent experience.

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

 

Additional Preferred Qualifications

 

• 4+ years experience advising on complex commercial transactions, including developing, negotiating, and documenting contracts and counseling on disputes/claims.
• 4+ years experience with complex supply chain processes and infrastructure projects, including product purchase, A/E services, and different construction delivery models (e.g., EPC and design-build).

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

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. 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 with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.