Principal Corporate Counsel

Microsoft
United States, Washington, Redmond
Jul 31, 2025
OverviewWe are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated, and experienced Principal Corporate Counsel to support Microsoft's global cloud expansion. The legal team supporting the Cloud Operations + Innovation division has an immediate opening for a Principal Corporate Counse to support the worldwide datacenter operations and network acquisition teams. In this unique role, this attorney will be tasked with creating a scale contracting program to manage datacenter procurement and to support the growing datacenters operations team, and with advising on the acquisition of subsea network infrastructure. Cloud Operations + Innovation is the team behind 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. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. ResponsibilitiesCreation of a scale procurement legal function. Drafting, negotiating, and counseling the operations business on high impact supplier goods/services agreements and the subsea network acquisition team on consortium arrangements, capacity leases, and network builds. Providing legal counsel to the datacenter services/operations business and subsea network acquisition team. Creating legal guidance to empower datacenter services/operations team and the subsea network acquisition team in their daily work. Collaborating with team members within and across organizational boundaries, including on regulatory compliance, employment, privacy, security, environmental, health, safety, and sustainability. Develop trusted advisor relationships with business clients and executives. Exercising independent judgment on legal matters to counsel middle and senior management business partners. Creating new contract models, templates, training, and process enhancements to improve quality and reduce contract cycle time for datacenter operations. Supporting the subsea network acquisition team in planning and diligencing strategic infrastructure projects, including engaging with cross-functional stakeholders. Embody our culture and values