Principal Corporate Counsel - Datacenter Energy Attorney

Microsoft • Washington, DC

9d • $132,200 - $248,600

About The Position

Microsoft’s Infrastructure Legal Affairs team, supporting the Cloud Operations + Innovation division, is hiring an experienced lawyer to advise on electricity infrastructure agreements, electricity regulatory engagements, power purchase agreements, and related legal matters for datacenter development and operations. The attorney will help develop a new practice addressing emerging grid-compliance requirements for hyperscale datacenters.

Cloud Operations + Innovation operates Microsoft datacenters supporting online products and services, including AI tools such as Copilot. The division is investing in datacenter capabilities and energy projects worldwide, with a focus on smart growth, high efficiency, and trusted customer and partner experiences. Microsoft also aims to build datacenters that benefit local communities and enhance the grid through infrastructure and carbon-free energy investments.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree or international equivalent, and at least 4 years of experience as a practicing attorney providing legal support for electricity transactions and regulations in the United States, or equivalent experience.
• Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and ability to meet admission requirements in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Ability to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
• Business sense, creative and strategic thinking, and a sense of humor.
• Ability to collaborate, think flexibly and analytically, identify legal issues quickly and accurately in a complex environment, and develop solutions using sound judgment in ambiguous situations.
• Results orientation, customer focus, commitment to high-quality client service, and ability to develop trusted advisor relationships with business clients.
• Ability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment, prioritize workflow, and adapt to changing workloads and business imperatives.
• Interest in working in the technology sector and applying technology, including AI, to improve legal work and efficiency.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with electricity and natural gas transactions and regulations in Texas.
• Membership in the State Bar of Texas.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate electricity infrastructure agreements and electricity supply for datacenters.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate agreements supporting the development of new carbon-free electricity generation.
• Identify and resolve business and legal risks, advise on regulatory matters, and provide input on proposed regulatory evolutions related to datacenter energy.
• Manage day-to-day project-related legal issues.
• Collaborate across organizational boundaries with business partners, in-house lawyers, outside counsel, government affairs, and communications professionals.
• Exercise independent judgment on legal matters and counsel middle and senior management business partners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree