Senior Corporate Counsel

Overview Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We bring that mission to life through a culture grounded in growth mindset, customer focus, diversity and inclusion, and One Microsoft collaboration. Each day, we build on our values of respect, integrity and accountability to create an environment where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of law, technology and some of the Middle East’s most ambitious digital transformation programmes. You will advise senior business leaders, strategic customers and public sector stakeholders on complex Cloud and AI matters, solve difficult problems, enable responsible innovation and help shape Microsoft’s growth in Saudi Arabia and potentially other Middle East countries. We have an immediate opening for a highly motivated and experienced lawyer to join the Middle East Legal Affairs team within Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA). The position is based in Riyadh and will report to the Head of Legal Affairs for the Middle East. This individual will serve as the lead Legal Affairs lawyer for Saudi Arabia and potentially other countries in the Middle East, contributing to the development and execution of Microsoft’s legal strategy across these markets. Acting as a strategic and legal advisor to subsidiary leadership, the lawyer will work with commercial and public sector teams to achieve business priorities and accelerate responsible Cloud and AI transformation at scale. Role Scope This role supports some of Microsoft’s most important Middle East markets and helps shape and execute strategic business priorities. The lawyer will advise on complex commercial and regulatory matters, review new business models, support strategic public sector transactions, and remove legal blockers to the responsible adoption and consumption of Microsoft’s Cloud and AI services. The role requires close collaboration with Microsoft executives, sales and technical teams, legal peers, external partners, customers, regulators, and regional and global CELA teams. In-country presence in Riyadh and professional fluency in Arabic and English are required. Periodic travel to other Middle East locations may also be required. Responsibilities • Serve as the lead Legal Affairs lawyer for Saudi Arabia and potentially other Middle East countries, advising senior business, sales and subsidiary leaders, participating in relevant country leadership teams, and helping shape and execute strategic business, sales and transformation priorities. • Provide proactive, practical and actionable advice on corporate, commercial, regulatory and compliance matters, including Saudi regional headquarters and MISA requirements, data protection, AI regulation, data-centre matters, financial services regulation and related requirements in other Middle East countries. • Advise commercial and public sector teams on complex transactions, new business models, public procurement and government contracting, intellectual property and licensing, competition law and strategic partnerships. Support opportunities from early engagement through tender, contracting and post-sales matters, and draft and negotiate relevant agreements. • Identify and anticipate legal, geopolitical, country and reputational risks; oversee relevant disputes and regulatory engagements; advise on partner relationships, antitrust risk and exclusivity; and work with business, CELA and compliance colleagues to develop solutions that protect Microsoft while enabling responsible growth. • Build trusted relationships with regulators, senior legal officers at public and private sector customers, external legal professionals and industry associations. Represent Microsoft externally and use insights from those engagements to inform the broader CELA organisation. • Coordinate with CELA specialist teams, the Regional Deal Team, finance, HR, compliance and the national technology organisation to ensure clear allocation and consistent execution of responsibilities. Manage outside counsel and other service providers responsibly to drive cost efficiency and deliver coordinated support to the business. • Leverage AI to drive innovation across the Middle East Legal Affairs team and contribute to the broader transformation of CELA in EMEA, improving service delivery, increasing efficiency and promoting continuous improvement. Qualifications Required qualifications • Law degree and qualification to practise in a recognised jurisdiction, with approximately 7 or more years of relevant post-qualification experience. • Professional proficiency in written, reading and conversational Arabic and English is required, as business operations, drafting, negotiations, customer communications and regulator engagements are conducted in both languages. • Experience advising on public sector transactions, government contracting and public procurement matters. • Outstanding analytical and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues and provide clear, business-oriented advice. • A keen business sense and demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions that appropriately balance legal risk and business objectives. • A demonstrated ability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines, prioritise workflow and adapt to frequent changes in a fast-paced environment. • An ability to work independently while also being a strong collaborator with colleagues in different locations. • Demonstrated leadership capability to influence senior stakeholders, shape strategy, lead through ambiguity and collaborate effectively across functions, cultures and geographic locations. • A high tolerance for ambiguity and change, strong team spirit, sound judgement and a commitment to Microsoft’s standards of integrity and compliance. • Passion for technology, the potential of digital transformation and Microsoft’s diverse range of products and services. Preferred Qualifications • Significant experience practising in sophisticated legal environments, with demonstrable experience in technology, corporate and commercial law, and regulatory compliance. Saudi regulatory and commercial contracting experience is preferred, as is in-house experience at a multinational company or experience at a leading international law firm. • Strong knowledge of technology, data protection, AI, cloud and related regulatory issues. Experience with data centres, financial services regulation, public sector technology matters or other Middle East markets is preferred. The above description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. The actual duties, responsibilities and qualifications may vary. 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), sex