Legal Services Strategy Lead

Microsoft•Washington, DC

About The Position

Microsoft’s Legal Operations team is looking for a Director of Business Management to lead Microsoft’s law firm strategy and engagement program. This is a critical role at a pivotal moment, as AI continues to disrupt the legal industry while generating new opportunities. Success in the role will require working across Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization, along with our outside counsel and legal services partners, to redefine standards and expectations around AI use, value, and transparency. The role will also require external engagement and thought leadership on AI transformation in the legal services industry. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the world's largest legal departments works with outside counsel in the AI era. This is an individual contributor role with significant influence over, and accountability for, strategy and decision making but no people management responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 8+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement OR equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of experience in or adjacent to the legal industry, with significant time in a law firm or legal operations function at a large, multi-national company, including experience managing domestic and international law firms.
Substantive outside counsel management experience and industry knowledge, including negotiations, engagement, onboarding, and billing, with a strong understanding of the market for the delivery of legal services, including law firms’ economic models and incentive structures.
Understanding of how AI and technology are changing the legal services industry, including familiarity with changes and opportunities around billing models, value measurement, and governance frameworks. Experience evaluating and/or implementing legal technology, with a focus on AI.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, in good standing.
Experience using advanced AI tools and applications to generate value in the creation and delivery of legal services.
Strong familiarity with legal operations tools and providers — e-billing platforms, spend analytics, matter management, OCG automation, or AI-assisted invoice review.
Experience structuring and executing AFAs, multi-year deals, and designing or operating law firm pricing models.
Experience drafting or updating outside counsel guidelines, with specific attention to AI use, data security, and billing transparency obligations.
Experience building or scaling RFP and “strategic partner” programs, including AI readiness assessment criteria for law firm selection. Strong focus on value creation.
Experience managing or advising on legal services budgets in a large enterprise.