Principal Corporate Counsel

at  Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation has an immediate opportunity for an experienced attorney to join the Corporate Legal Group of the Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) department. in the role of Principal Corporate Counsel. The position offers many opportunities to positively impact Microsoft’s regulatory compliance and reputation among a variety of external stakeholders. Your primary responsibility will be providing business-oriented legal advice to senior executives and others in the Human Resources and Finance organizations at Microsoft.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 4+ years experience as a practicing attorney specializing in compensation and benefits for large U.S. corporations, preferably with in-house experience.
• OR equivalent experience.
• Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of securities laws pertaining to executive compensation disclosures and equity compensation.
• Knowledge of Internal Revenue Code 409A, 162(m), and 280G.
• Writing and proofreading skills.
• Sound judgment that incorporates legal analysis, a pragmatic approach, and consideration of business goals, risk tolerance, and external stakeholder priorities.
• The ability to work collaboratively, negotiate, and generate consensus among diverse points of view.
• Comfort with ambiguity and a bias for action in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Project management skills and the ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines in the face of competing priorities.
• A desire to grow and take on new challenges as they arise.

Legal Counsel IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $129,200 - $227,500 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 $162,000 - $243,000 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
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until November 10, 2024.

• Providing legal advice on executive and director compensation matters
• Assisting in the negotiation and drafting of employment agreements, severance agreements, and other executive compensation-related documents
• Preparing and reviewing compensation related SEC disclosures, including those in proxy statements, Form 8-Ks, Form S-8s, and Section 16 reports
• Advising on Compensation Committee governance and say-on-pay matters
• Drafting and advising on U.S. and International compensation plans, including cash incentive plans, performance share plans, employee stock purchase plans, , deferred compensation plans, and other non-qualified retirement plans
• Advising on the design and maintenance of global equity compensation programs ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations
• Providing guidance on compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and acting as a thought leader regarding developing trends in executive and director compensation, and shareholder and advisor voting policies
• Working closely with HR, finance, and other departments to ensure alignment on compensation strategies and policies