About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about providing legal counsel on trade, export controls, and customs compliance for Microsoft's datacenter operations. It's an individual contributor position where you'll work closely with business teams and other legal departments to navigate regulatory issues and mitigate risks.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have a law degree with experience in regulatory compliance, particularly in trade and export controls. A collaborative working style and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment will help you thrive here.

Worth noting

The salary range is quite broad, indicating potential for negotiation based on experience. The role emphasizes building relationships with business clients, which may appeal to those who enjoy a consultative approach to legal work.

Overview

Microsoft’s Corporate and External Legal Affairs (CELA) team has an exciting opportunity within the CELA Infrastructure Legal Affairs team supporting Microsoft’s Cloud Operations + Innovation division to build hyperscale infrastructure for its rapidly expanding global cloud.
Cloud Operations + Innovation is the team behind one of the world’s largest cloud infrastructures, responsible for operating all Microsoft online products and services, including AI tools such as Copilot. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering trusted experiences to customers and partners worldwide. This is a fast-growing division that is investing in datacenter capabilities and innovative projects around the world that can truly make a difference.

As the Datacenter Regulatory Compliance Attorney (Trade), you will support Microsoft’s datacenter regulatory compliance work with a focus on trade, export controls, and customs compliance, serve as a trusted advisor to business teams, providing practical, business focused legal guidance on regulatory requirements affecting datacenter operations.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we’re dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our Culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.

Responsibilities

Legal Advice and Counsel

Provide legal support on regulatory compliance issues affecting datacenters, focusing on trade, export control, and customs compliance. Anticipate regulatory risk across global markets to effectively advise the business.

Ability to work collaboratively and extensively with other CELA teams, including trade and government affairs. Partner with CELA teams on responding to proposed regulatory requirements and government inquiries.
Familiarity navigating regulatory frameworks applicable to datacenters to support engagement with regulators and local authorities, including audits, inspections, and information requests.

As needed, manage outside counsel to help provide advice on regulatory matters.

Operational Excellence:

Develop trusted advisor relationships with business clients and executives by providing practical, risk-based guidance.

Work efficiently to meet demanding deadlines and prioritize workflow to adjust to evolving business priorities.

Communication & Culture:

Organize issues and ideas clearly in written and verbal communication and demonstrate effectiveness across diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 6+ 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.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

6+ years experience advising on regulatory issues at either a multi-national law firm or in-house at a multi-national company

6+ years of experience collaborating across time zones and business groups to deliver aligned legal and business solutions in support of company objectives

1+ years of experience using AI to improve legal work and efficiency

#CELA

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:
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.

Skills & Tags

data

Aplyr's read

Microsoft is a technology giant shaping global computing, attracting talent interested in innovation and impact across software, cloud, and AI sectors.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Strong commitment to innovation in AI and cloud computing.
•Diverse range of roles from technical to managerial, offering career growth.
•Financially stable with a robust global presence and market influence.

What to watch

•Complex organizational structure can slow decision-making processes.
•High competition for roles may limit entry-level opportunities.
•Potential for work-life balance challenges in high-demand positions.

Why Microsoft

•Pioneer in personal and business computing with a legacy of innovation.
•Extensive global reach with a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.
•Leader in integrating AI into mainstream software and cloud services.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Microsoft

Microsoft

microsoft.com

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MSFT$399.76+2.31%

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products, services, and devices. Known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, Microsoft has a significant impact on personal and business computing worldwide.