Attorney, Copyright (IP&L) - 701439

Job Category: Legal & Corporate Affairs
Location: United States, WA, Redmond
Job ID: 701439 6331
Division: Legal & Corporate Affairs The Copyright and Trade Secrets Team in Microsoft’s Law and Corporate Affairs (LCA) division has a rare and immediate opening for an experienced copyright and trade secret attorney to work on cutting-edge product development and policy issues. This attorney will be part of a small team of lawyers that handle Microsoft’s copyright and trade secret legal practice. The attorney’s primary responsibilities will include:
Advising on a broad range of complex copyright-related strategic business and legal matters to Microsoft product groups (including Windows, Office, Xbox & Xbox Live, Zune, Bing, MSN, and hardware) in order to facilitate the development of cutting-edge products for our customers;

Initiating and managing special projects related to copyright policy and strategy, including analysis of legislative proposals, participation in amicus briefs, and engagement in inter-industry policy efforts, with an aim towards furthering the company’s vision;

Driving greater internal efficiencies for both legal and business groups through the development or redesign of processes for giving sound, comprehensive copyright and trade secret advice; and

Developing and presenting ongoing training to product teams and to colleagues in LCA on copyright and trade secret issues.

Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of law practice experience advising on a broad range of complex copyright and trade secret matters, including litigation, counseling and legislation, as well as a passion for technology, strong communications skills, particularly in counseling or communicating with senior executives, and strong collaboration skills. Experience with international copyright issues is a plus. A strong preference will be given to attorneys with in-depth experience in and/or knowledge of the computer, internet, and new media industries and ability to understand and identify copyright-related strategic and policy opportunities presented by the industry dynamics. Although a technical degree is not required for this position, candidates should have a basic understanding of computer hardware, operating systems and applications, as well as the ability in the course of their daily work to learn about basic concepts relating to software design. Candidates must be excellent team players and possess sound and practical business judgment, as well as superior skills in problem-solving, negotiating, and personnel management. Top academic background and current bar membership in good standing required.