Overview
The Infrastructure Legal Affairs team supporting the Cloud Operations + Innovation division has an immediate opening for a lawyer in the role of Assistant General Counsel, Grid Compliance to build a grid code compliance practice, initially focused on emerging FERC and US regional requirements for computational loads. The position will also be responsible for coordinating legal support in the US East region, working closely with the in-house and outside attorneys who support electricity infrastructure agreements and related legal support applicable to datacenter development and operations in the region.
Microsoft has ambitious targets to build datacenters that are positive for local communities and enhance the grid with investments in infrastructure and carbon-free energy. This is a unique role for an experienced attorney to work on developing a new practice to support emerging datacenter grid compliance requirements in connection with hyperscale datacenters.
Cloud Operations + Innovation is the team behind the world-leading datacenters at the foundation of 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 energy projects around the world that can truly make a difference.
Responsibilities
- Defining rules, processes, and governance that will support business teams in developing and implementing a grid compliance program that is responsive to emerging grid compliance requirements globally, and developing an execution strategy jointly with business partners to execute on this program of work.
- Working the policy leads and technical experts to develop an advocacy strategy, and supporting front line teams on advocacy related to developing grid code compliance standards and their adoption.
- Management and coordination of the energy law attorneys supporting the US East region.
- Collaborating with team members within and across organizational boundaries, including business partners, in-house lawyers, outside counsel, government affairs, and communications professionals.
- Exercising independent judgment on legal matters to counsel senior management business partners.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 9+ years experience as a practicing attorney providing legal support for electricity transactions and regulations in the US. Knowledge of FERC, NERC, and grid code compliance programs implemented in other sectors is an advantage.
- OR equivalent experience.
Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.
Additional or Preferred Qualifications
Desire and ability to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
Keen business sense, ability to think creatively and strategically
The ability to deliver impact through collaboration.
Results orientation, customer focus, a commitment to providing the highest quality client service, and a desire to develop trusted advisor relationships with business clients.
Capability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment, prioritize workflow, and adjust to frequent fluctuations in workload and business imperatives.
A passion for working in the technology sector and including a keen interest in applying technology, including AI, to improve legal work and efficiency.
Legal Counsel M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $160,700 - $284,400 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 $207,700 - $311,500 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.**