Principal Corporate Counsel, Export Controls & Sanctions

Job ID: 200044644Posted: 2026-07-31Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $132,200 - $232,800 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 4 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: LegalDiscipline: Legal CounselCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft's Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) Global Trade Legal team advances Microsoft's mission through international trade policies, strategies, and solutions that foster a culture of compliance, trust, and innovation across Microsoft with our partners and customers worldwide.The Export Controls and Sanctions team within CELA's Global Trade organization focuses on advancing Microsoft's commitment to compliance with export control and sanctions laws and regulations in the countries where Microsoft operates. The team has an immediate opening for a highly motivated Principal Corporate Counsel with deep economic sanctions expertise to counsel and collaborate with business, engineering, trade compliance, and CELA teams to build and continuously improve durable, risk-based sanctions and export control compliance programs and tools, including through the responsible use of AI. In this role, you will help lead the advancement and implementation of economic sanctions compliance strategies and solutions, while also supporting the team's export control matters and contributing directly to Microsoft's broader trade compliance program. You will partner with stakeholders across all levels and disciplines of the organization to identify and resolve legal and business risks, advise on regulatory and compliance matters, and handle day-to-day project-related legal issues.To be successful, you will demonstrate sound, principled, and consistent judgment in fast-paced, ambiguous environments; a thorough understanding of export control and sanctions laws and regulations, including those issued and administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and comparable regulatory authorities in relevant jurisdictions; a track record of cross-functional collaboration; a commitment to integrity; solution-driven creativity and a business-enabling mindset; and the ability to bring clarity to complex legal and business issues.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.ResponsibilitiesServe as a trusted legal advisor to business, engineering, and trade compliance stakeholders, providing strategic counsel on international trade laws, with a particular focus on sanctions laws and regulationsCounsel key stakeholders on a broad range of export control- and sanctions-related regulatory, commercial, and contracting mattersOversee export control and sanctions compliance and regulatory matters, including stakeholder escalations and government inquiries and disclosuresPartner with cross-functional teams to develop, implement, and continuously improve export control and sanctions compliance programsSupport the design and implementation of scalable compliance frameworks, operational processes, training, policies, and procedures that enable compliance-by-designProvide practical, strategic, and timely guidance aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirementsDrive risk reduction and operational excellence by identifying opportunities to simplify processes, improve decision-making, and leverage automationMonitor and assess legal and regulatory developments, communicate business impacts to leadership, and support external advocacy for effective approaches to export control and sanctions policyQualificationsRequired Qualifications Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 4+ years experience as a practicing attorneyOR equivalent experienceActive license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdictionPreferred Qualifications Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 6+ years experience as a practicing attorney in the area of international trade, with an emphasis on U.S. sanctions laws and regulations, including at a law firm and/or in-house or U.S. government experience OR equivalent experienceKnowledge of other international trade laws and regulations, including EU and UK sanctions laws and regulations and U.S., EU, and UK export control laws and regulationsExperience counseling companies in technology industries, including cloud services, digital services, AI, consumer electronics, and telecommunicationsExperience in a combination of law firm, in-house, and U.S. government legal rolesAbility to adapt to evolving business and regulatory priorities, exercise sound judgment in ambiguous situations, and deliver practical, risk-informed solutionsTrack record of providing legal advice in consideration of business goals, risk tolerance, and stakeholder prioritiesDemonstrated ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams to drive consensus and achieve resultsHands-on project management skills to efficiently manage multiple and varied mission-critical projects and meet deadlinesLegal Counsel IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $132,200 - $232,800 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 $165,800 - $248,600 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.