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Job Details
Posted date: Jan 21, 2026
Category: Legal Counsel
Location: Redmond, WA
Estimated salary: $190,400
Range: $132,200 - $248,600
Employment type: Full-Time
Work location type: 4 days / week in-office
Role: Individual Contributor
Description
OverviewThe Corporate External and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization is hiring an attorney to help shape our approach to powering the Microsoft Cloud and the development of new carbon-free electricity generation.
As the Datacenter Energy Attorney you will be part of the Infrastructure Legal Affairs team in the Cloud Operations + Innovation division, supporting electricity infrastructure agreements, electricity regulatory engagements, carbon-free electricity power purchase agreements, and related legal support applicable to datacenter development and operations. Microsoft has ambitious targets to build datacenters that are positive for local communities and enhance the grid with investments in infrastructure and carbon-free energy. This is a unique role for an attorney to work on innovative transactions that help build sustainable community-first datacenters that provide essential services to governments, businesses, and people worldwide.
The Cloud Operations + Innovation division is the team behind the world-leading datacenters at the foundation of Microsoft online products and services, including AI tools such as Copilot. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering a trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide. This is a fast-growing division that is investing in datacenter capabilities and energy projects around the world that can truly make a difference.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we are 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 Solutions:
Negotiating electricity infrastructure agreements and electricity supply for datacenters. Structuring, drafting, and negotiating agreements to support the development of new carbon-free electricity generation.Identifying and resolving business and legal risks, advising on regulatory matters, and providing input on proposals for regulatory evolutions related to datacenter energy.Managing day-to-day project-related legal issues.Exercising independent judgment on legal matters to counsel middle and senior management business partners.
Operational Excellence:
Models compliance and maintains confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, privacy, and the security of data.Work efficiently to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, prioritize workflows, and adjust to frequent fluctuations in workload and business imperatives. Apply technology, including AI, to improve legal work and efficiency.
Communication and Culture:
Collaborating with team members within and across organizational boundaries, including business partners, in-house lawyers, outside counsel, government affairs, and communications professionals. Provide quality client service, and develop trusted advisor relationships with business clients. Embody our culture and values
Qualifications
Minimum Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 4+ years experience as a practicing attorneyOR equivalent experience. Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction. Additional or Preferred Qualifications
5+ years of experience at a law firm or an in-house legal department. 2+ years of experience providing legal support for electricity transactions and regulations in the US.
1+ years experience with electricity transactions and regulations in Canada and/or Latin America.
Experience developing creative legal strategies that align with business goals. #CELA
Legal 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:
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.
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