William Neukom, Microsoft's general counsel and head of government affairs, will retire after 22 years with the software giant, Microsoft announced Wednesday. Neukom, 60, in recent years emerged as one of the key players in Microsoft's antitrust battle with the Justice Department and numerous states. Brad Smith, Microsoft's deputy general counsel, will succeed Neukom. Smith had been in the deputy position for five years. Neukom said he felt comfortable leaving "this amazing client" now because of the strength of the legal team in place. In terms of the timing of the announcement, "We're in the midst of a strong product cycle, and we have made good progress in other strategic areas," he said in an interview with CNET News.com. "The planning for the new fiscal year starts in about two months, and I thought to do it in the most professional and productive way requires some lead time." "Bill Neukom has been an extraordinary part of Microsoft's success and development for nearly a quarter of a century," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement. "He has created one of the most respected and capable legal and corporate affairs departments anywhere in the world."