Overview

The video game industry is at an inflection point where emerging technologies and new business models are changing the way the world plays and connects through digital entertainment.

If you want to play a big part in the success of video game studios and to help deliver exciting new games to a worldwide audience, we have an opening for you. This position will join the team that provides front-line legal support for Xbox Game Studios, the division that builds and publishes games such as Minecraft, Halo, Flight Simulator, Age of Empires, and many more. You will lead the legal support function for some of Microsoft’s most strategic first party game studios, guiding the development and publishing of major game titles in collaboration with teams from Game Pass, marketing, and online services. This job is a unique and inspiring opportunity to work at the intersection of a new age in technologies, entertainment capabilities and regulatory compliance.

A successful candidate for this role will enjoy challenging and often novel issues involving intellectual property, licensing and transactions, privacy, digital safety, and more. The teams building our games and running our game services need a trusted advisor who can provide practical, creative advice—even in areas with uncertain and developing legal and regulatory frameworks. If you are curious, collaborative, and eager to put your legal skills to work for a premier gaming team, we hope you’ll apply now!

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 & Counsel:

• Draft and negotiate transactional documents, including agreements related to strategic partnerships, IP and content use rights, merchandise, TV and movies, and game development.
• Provide front-line counsel and advice to business executives, engineers, and game designers on a broad range of complex and developing legal and business issues related to game development, privacy, online safety, monetization mechanics, intellectual property, game services, PR, marketing, and regulatory compliance.
• Apply strategic thinking and find creative business-oriented solutions to legal issues, balancing legal risks against business interests in complex and ambiguous situations.

Operational Excellence:

• Lead cross-group projects related to core clients and legal initiatives in an efficient manner.
• Provides recommendations to improve efficiency within work group and for the delivery of legal services to clients.

Communication & Culture:

• Collaborate with internal and external legal and policy specialists to guide the business through emerging regulatory challenges.
• Demonstrate a result orientated mindset with a dedicated client focus to establish a trusted advisor relationship with business clients.
• Deliver effective written communication that is clear and organized.
• Embody our culture and values

Qualifications Required Minimum 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.

Preferred / Additional Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience practicing as a commercial business attorney drafting and negotiating a broad variety of transactional agreements.
• Experience in providing legal counsel for the gaming and entertainment industry.

#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.