Principal Corporate Counsel, Privacy, Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs

Microsoft Microsoft · Big Tech · Redmond, WA +1 · Legal Counsel

This role is for a Principal Corporate Counsel focused on privacy, advocacy, and regulatory affairs. The responsibilities include engaging with data protection authorities, supporting customer inquiries, collaborating with internal teams on privacy descriptions and guidance, building stakeholder relationships, and facilitating compliance with privacy laws and the Microsoft Privacy Standard. The role also involves driving innovation using AI and other technologies where appropriate, and fostering a growth mindset. Qualifications include a JD degree, active law license, and experience in privacy and data protection, with preferred experience in related digital regulatory domains and an interest in technology like AI.

What you'd actually do

  1. Respond to and interact with data protection authorities regarding Microsoft’s compliance with privacy laws and Microsoft’s personal data processing practices across the full range of Microsoft products.
  2. Provide commercial CELA with support to respond to and resolve enterprise customer inquiries and concerns concerning privacy and data protection.
  3. Collaborate with product and commercial CELA and other domain experts to provide simple and understandable (i) external descriptions of Microsoft’s processing practices and compliance with privacy and digital laws and (ii) internal guidance regarding privacy and digital laws.
  4. Build and maintain strong relationships with external and internal stakeholders, including regulators, customers, industry groups, civil society organizations, and engineering and business teams.
  5. Facilitate compliance with privacy laws and regulations, as well as the Microsoft Privacy Standard.

Skills

Required

  • Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree
  • 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.

Nice to have

  • Experience working as in-house counsel (or equivalent experience advising corporate clients)
  • Demonstrated expertise in data protection and privacy
  • understanding of how these areas intersect with broader digital regulatory domains such as cybersecurity, digital safety, responsible AI, consumer protection, and competition law
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • ability to apply practical, risk-based judgment when balancing legal considerations, technological advancement, and innovation
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • ability to collaborate effectively, build trust, and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Proven ability to think strategically and navigate complex, evolving regulatory environments
  • Interest in technology, including emerging areas such as artificial intelligence
  • willingness to build familiarity with Microsoft products and services
  • Alignment with and enthusiasm for Microsoft’s mission and values

What the JD emphasized

  • privacy laws
  • data protection
  • privacy
  • digital laws
  • regulatory environments