Senior Corporate Counsel

About the Role

Microsoft is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel to join the Middle East Legal Affairs team within Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA). This full-time position is based in Riyadh and reports to the Head of Legal Affairs for the Middle East. The role involves advising senior business leaders, strategic customers, and public sector stakeholders on complex Cloud and AI matters, contributing to Microsoft's growth in Saudi Arabia and potentially other Middle East countries.

Role Context and Impact

This individual will serve as the lead Legal Affairs lawyer for Saudi Arabia, contributing to the development and execution of Microsoft’s legal strategy across these markets. The Senior Corporate Counsel will act as a strategic and legal advisor to subsidiary leadership, working with commercial and public sector teams to achieve business priorities and accelerate responsible Cloud and AI transformation. The role supports key Middle East markets by advising on complex commercial and regulatory matters, reviewing new business models, and supporting strategic public sector transactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead Legal Affairs lawyer for Saudi Arabia, advising senior business, sales, and subsidiary leaders, and participating in relevant country leadership teams.
• Provide proactive and actionable advice on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters, including Saudi regional headquarters and MISA requirements, data protection, AI regulation, data-centre matters, and financial services regulation.
• Advise commercial and public sector teams on complex transactions, new business models, public procurement, government contracting, intellectual property, licensing, competition law, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify and anticipate legal, geopolitical, country, and reputational risks; oversee relevant disputes and regulatory engagements; and advise on partner relationships, antitrust risk, and exclusivity.
• Build trusted relationships with regulators, senior legal officers at public and private sector customers, external legal professionals, and industry associations.
• Coordinate with CELA specialist teams, the Regional Deal Team, finance, HR, compliance, and the national technology organization to ensure clear allocation and consistent execution of responsibilities.
• Leverage AI to drive innovation across the Middle East Legal Affairs team and contribute to the broader transformation of CELA in EMEA.

Qualifications and Experience

• Law degree and qualification to practice in a recognized jurisdiction, with approximately 7 or more years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• Professional proficiency in written, reading, and conversational Arabic and English is required.
• Experience advising on public sector transactions, government contracting, and public procurement matters.
• Significant experience practicing in sophisticated legal environments, with demonstrable experience in technology, corporate and commercial law, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of technology, data protection, AI, cloud, and related regulatory issues.
• 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.

Required Skills

• 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 balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines, prioritize workflow, and adapt to frequent changes in a fast-paced environment.
• 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.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and change, strong team spirit, sound judgment, and a commitment to Microsoft’s standards of integrity and compliance.

Work Environment

The position requires in-country presence in Riyadh. Periodic travel to other Middle East locations may also be required. The role involves close collaboration with Microsoft executives, sales and technical teams, legal peers, external partners, customers, regulators, and regional and global CELA teams.