A corporate lawyer moves to Microsoft or Google?

Question

I am planning to work for a law firm (Big Name) for 10+ years and move to Google and work for their law or management department.

My question: Is it possible or do they need only a person who has a technology background?

Do they have people with business background too?

Answer 1

Having technology knowledge is extremely important.  Lawers for MS, Google, AOL, IBM, HP...are hired primarily for: patent issues, lawsuits invovling technology, acquisitions of other companies/technology..it greatly helps to be able to "speak and understand" technology in dealing with these issues.  (retired IBM exec mgr.)

Answer 2

I agree with the above and would like to add that both companies (although Google much more than MS) have a very nerdy-culture which might not blend very well with a big firm-lawyer. It's clear that these companies do need accountants, corporate lawyers, ... like every other business, on top of the more technical oriented jobs.

Non tech-googlers are sometimes complaining about "discrimination" at their workplace.