BBC News Online: Business

Top Microsoft lawyer quits

Mr Neukom's personal fortune is estimated at $600m

The high level of publicity and controversy surrounding Microsoft's antitrust case has thrown Mr Neukom - along with his trademark bow-tie - into the spotlight.

His resignation comes less than a month after Microsoft settled antitrust lawsuits with the US Justice Department, but while it is still battling out a settlement with a handful of states.

Criticised strategy

"I feel good about the progress we've made on a wide range of issues," said Mr Neukom in a statement.

And Microsoft is widely perceived to have come out tops from the legal battle by managing to avoid breaking up its company.

Critics say that Microsoft did not show enough contrition when it denied almost every accusation against it when the trial began in 1998.

"A lot of people thought Bill Neukom laid out a very poor strategy," said AG Edwards analyst John Puricelli.

Hanging up his bow-tie

Microsoft said that Mr Neukom is leaving to pursue personal interests, although his retirement comes somewhat early.

"Bill is a consummate professional, and he leaves our law department and our company well positioned for the future," said Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer.

"After 22 years, it's time to let Bill hang up his bow-tie and pursue all his other passions, from his family foundation to his many civic duties to his love of baseball and fly-fishing."

Mr Neukom joined Microsoft in 1985 after handling the company's legal affairs as a partner at Preston Gates & Ellis, the law firm led by Bill Gates Junior.

His personal fortune has been estimated at $600m, large enough to win him a listing on Forbes Magazine's list of the richest Americans in 1999.