Principal Corporate Counsel

Microsoft is all in on open source and open source AI models. Open datasets, open source AI models, open source software, and standards collaborations are fueling the current AI revolution. Our Open Source, Standards, Open ML & Data (OSSOM – pronounced “Awesome”) team has an immediate need in the role of Principal Corporate Counsel focused on data usage for AI training. This role presents a unique opportunity to help Microsoft meet the AI moment while continuing its firm commitment to open ecosystems.

The OSSOM team is a small group of highly collaborative, deeply curious legal professionals who enjoy learning from each other, like working collaboratively, and have a commitment to legal innovation. As an attorney on our team, you’ll help Microsoft navigate and succeed in this open environment and play a vital role in building tools and designing processes that shape the future of legal practice in these areas.

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.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positivelyimpactour culture every day.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree or Equivalent International Degree
• OR Completion of a Legal Apprenticeship.
• Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.
• 5+ years experience as a practicing attorney and experience in data rights, data privacy, and data governance related to AI training
• OR equivalent practice of law.
• Experience with patents, copyright, software licensing, and technology transactions.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Negotiation and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse groups and communities and as part of a geographically distributed team.
• The ability to effectively balance legal risks against business interests.
• A bias for action and driving client-focused results.

Legal Counsel IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $124,800 - $222,000 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 $159,000 - $238,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

CELA

Responsibilities

• Partnering with engineering to drive the legal engine behind Microsoft’s systems, processes, and tooling that enables Microsoft to engage in responsible data use for AI training at scale.
• Advising, counselling, and coaching clients on a broad range of topics including data usage, AI training, open source AI, open source, standards, and software licensing.
• Being a data, open source AI, open source, and standards thought leader internally and externally, including engaging in policy decisions in these areas.
• Representing Microsoft in relevant open ecosystem foundations, committees, and communities.
• Collaborating with experts across the company on issues such as patents, copyright, privacy, antitrust, trade, and corporate law.
• Embody our culture and values.