Brad Smith (lawyer)

Brad Smith (lawyer) is an American attorney and technology executive who serves as Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. He is widely recognized as the company's chief legal officer and a leading voice on global technology policy, cybersecurity, and digital governance. Smith has played a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft's legal strategies and public advocacy on issues ranging from privacy and artificial intelligence to international trade and human rights.

Early life and education

Brad Smith was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin. He completed his undergraduate studies at Kalamazoo College in Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended Columbia Law School in New York City, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. Following law school, Smith served as a law clerk for Judge Charles L. Brieant of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Career at Microsoft

Smith joined Microsoft in 1993 as a senior attorney in the company's Paris office. He rose through the legal department, becoming General Counsel in 2002 and later assuming the role of President and Chief Legal Officer. In this capacity, he led Microsoft through major legal challenges, including the landmark antitrust case United States v. Microsoft Corp. and subsequent settlements with the European Commission. He has overseen significant corporate transactions, such as the acquisitions of LinkedIn, GitHub, and Activision Blizzard, and has been instrumental in developing the company's policies on cloud computing, data protection under the General Data Protection Regulation, and cybersecurity initiatives like the Cybersecurity Tech Accord.

Public policy and advocacy

Smith is a prominent advocate for technology regulation and ethical principles in the digital age. He has testified before the United States Congress and engaged with regulators worldwide on issues like privacy, immigration reform, and rural broadband access. He co-authored the book *Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age* with Carol Ann Browne. Smith has been a vocal proponent for a Digital Geneva Convention to protect civilians from state-sponsored cyberattacks and has advocated for principles governing the use of artificial intelligence, including facial recognition technology. He has also led Microsoft's efforts on environmental sustainability, supporting initiatives like the Paris Agreement.

Board memberships and other roles

Beyond his work at Microsoft, Smith serves on the board of directors for Netflix and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Council on Foreign Relations. He has previously served on the board of the Legal Services Corporation and is involved with various philanthropic and educational institutions, including the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. His leadership in the legal and technology sectors has been recognized with awards such as the American Lawyer's "Lifetime Achievement Award."

Personal life

Smith is married to Kathy Surace-Smith, and they have two children. The family resides in the Seattle area. An avid supporter of the arts and education, Smith and his wife have contributed to cultural institutions like the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Symphony. He is also known for his interest in history and has written extensively on the intersection of law, technology, and society.

Category:American lawyers Category:Microsoft executives Category:1959 births Category:Living people