Linda is Microsoft UK’s Defence and National Security senior corporate counsel, advising the business on strategic legal and ethical issues relating to advanced cloud and mission capabilities to support government and Defence Industry customers.
Before joining Microsoft in 2020, Linda held various posts in the Civil Service, including 15 years as a Senior Civil Servant in the UK Ministry of Defence. She led the legal team advising on all aspects of the use of force in the UK’s overseas military operations. Subsequently, she held a policy role responsible for our defence relationships with our European partners, and delivering Brexit for Defence.In 2015/16 she attended the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies International Security & Strategy post -graduate course for senior leaders in Defence across 50 countries, obtaining a Kings College London MA with Distinction. In 2020 she was awarded Commander of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for her contribution to international affairs.
Linda started her career by studying English Literature at Cardiff University, then qualifying as a solicitor and working for a large London commercial law firm as a commercial litigator before moving to the public sector.