Senior Corporate Counsel, Worldwide Payments

Job ID: 200055470Posted: 2026-09-15Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $147,000 - $258,000 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 4 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: LegalDiscipline: Legal CounselCompany: MicrosoftOverviewThe Microsoft Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) department has an immediate opening for a dynamic, motivated and experienced Senior Corporate Counsel to join our Worldwide Payments team within the Corporate Legal Group CELA organization.  This person will work closely with the Treasury team and other teams across Microsoft on payments operations issues, and fintech initiatives across multiple jurisdictions.  This person will work on cutting edge financial and payments regulatory issues that are essential to Microsoft’s business strategy. ResponsibilitiesProvide timely, concise and business-focused legal advice and product development guidance in areas including eCommerce, payments, regulatory compliance, consumer finance, data privacy, consumer protection, and new rules and enforcement actions across multiple jurisdictions Structure and negotiate agreements to enable a global payments strategy, advise executives and stakeholders on liabilities associated with different deals, work with business and functional stakeholders to understand, structure, draft, negotiate and close commercial agreements with external partners Partner with senior business, Treasury, engineering, and legal leaders to develop legal strategies that enable innovation, support business objectives, and advance Microsoft’s global payments strategy. Synthesize global payments and compliance regulations to provide actionable advice for cross-functional stakeholders, and support strategic business decisions involving novel legal and regulatory issues. Demonstrate a solutions-oriented approach by proactively identifying risks and recommending mitigation strategies; document guidance for consumption by members of legal, business, and engineering teams Leverage skills in day-to-day interactions with business clients, lawyers and engineering teams, including concise explanations of complex legal issues, presenting clear recommendations, and communicating actionable guidance to executive decision makers. QualificationsRequired/minimum qualificationsJuris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 6+ years experience as a practicing attorney either in-house (or in an equivalent setting) or at a law firm, with at least 5 of those years focused on payments law, financial services, or fintech law OR equivalent experience.Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.Additional or preferred qualificationsCreative thinker with problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstancesAbility to work both in teams and independentlyAbility to handle multiple assignments simultaneously, with effective resolution of conflicting prioritiesAbility to work effectively with and/or manage outside counselDemonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with executives and influence decision making on complex legal and business issuesOpenness to adapting their practice in response to the changing landscape of the industryFacilitate a team-based approach to subject matter management and knowledge sharing, and comfort with a flexible, agile environment that emphasizes collaboration and team performance over management hierarchyDesire and ability to work as part of a team and embodies our culture and values Legal Counsel IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $147,000 - $258,000 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 $185,900 - $278,900 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: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.