Principal Corporate Counsel

Overview

In this role you will provide senior legal guidance on UK national security, defence, and related regulatory matters. You will partner with business leaders and cross‑functional teams to address complex issues while enabling strategic opportunities and responsible AI use. You will lead the UK National Security Team, shaping governance, risk management, and client-facing advice for government and enterprise customers. The position combines law, policy, and technology to support Microsoft’s mission and protect its interests.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior legal advice on interactions with the UK national security, defence and intelligence community
• Offer commercially focused guidance on complex, sensitive regulatory, policy and reputational issues
• Advise on national security matters and work with the National Security Officer on emerging issues
• Lead cross-functional legal teams supporting complex customer engagements and deals with defence and national security customers
• Support governance and risk management for sensitive defence/national security activities and ensure alignment with global frameworks
• Advise on Responsible AI governance in defence, intelligence and national security scenarios
• Lead Microsoft UK’s National Security Team, prioritise and supervise the team’s work
• Represent Microsoft externally at events and build relationships with external legal professionals, customers, and partners
• Manage relationships with outside counsel and collaborate with service providers on strategic solutions
• Support exports control and public procurement considerations; liaise with trade specialists as needed
• Promote best practices, scale work with AI, and adapt to changing requirements
• Attend Reading office as required and travel internationally as needed

Key requirements

• UK qualified solicitor with extensive practicing experience
• Strong understanding of the legal, regulatory and policy environment for UK government and national security customers
• Demonstrated ability to work in highly sensitive environments with good judgment and confidentiality
• In-house experience and ability to coach a team of security professionals
• Ability to balance legal risks with business objectives and deliver creative solutions
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across locations

• written and verbal communication
• stakeholder management
• influencing and negotiation
• national security law and policy
• defence and security regulatory compliance
• Responsible AI governance

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