Associate - Data Protection

CompanyBirketts LLP

LocationCambridge, England, United Kingdom

Posted At1/5/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Analytics are greyed out due to low classification confidence (44.0%).

Occupation Type

Legal associate professionals

Occupation Code Skill LevelMedium Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£41,700 (£21.38 per hour)

Standard minimum applies

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Description

The firm

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.

The department

The Commercial & Technology Team comprises of 6 partners and around 20 lawyers, operating across the firm’s seven offices. We advise clients on a broad spectrum of commercial and technology matters, supporting businesses from start-ups to multinational corporations. Our work spans both day-to-day operational contracts and complex, strategic projects.

Examples of the work we undertake include:

Commercial Contracts: Drafting and negotiating supply, distribution, agency, and outsourcing agreements to help businesses manage risk and maintain strong commercial relationships.
Technology Transactions: Advising on software licensing, SaaS agreements, cloud services, and IT infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and commercial viability.

Data Protection & Privacy: Guiding clients through GDPR compliance, DSARs, data sharing arrangements, and international data transfers.

Intellectual Property: Protecting and exploiting IP rights through licensing, collaboration agreements, and brand protection strategies.

E-commerce & Digital Business: Supporting online platforms with terms of use, consumer law compliance, and digital marketing arrangements.

Regulatory & Compliance: Advising on sector-specific regulations, including technology standards and consumer protection laws.

Strategic Projects: Assisting with joint ventures, collaborations, and technology-driven business transformations.

Our team combines deep sector knowledge with practical, commercially focused advice to help clients navigate the evolving legal and technological landscape.

Purpose of job

We are looking to recruit an Associate into the Commercial (Data Protection) Team, with approximately 3 to 5 years of PQE, who has the drive and commitment to assist Birketts’ in the continued growth and development of our data protection capabilities and to become an essential member of the Commercial & Technology team.

As a Data Protection Solicitor, you will advise clients on UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and related privacy and electronics communications laws. You’ll support businesses in developing data protection policies, managing compliance efforts, responding to data incidents, and conducting training—working within a commercially-driven and fast-paced environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and ambitious individuals to join a successful and friendly Commercial & Technology Team, in a growing firm which enjoys an excellent reputation, and with excellent career progression opportunities.

Accountabilities

Provide expert legal advice on UK/EU data protection regulations across a variety of industries.
Develop and implement data protection policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Review and negotiate data processing agreements, data transfer mechanisms, and vendor contracts.
Lead responses to Subject Access Requests, data breaches, and other data incidents, ensuring prompt reporting and remediation.
Deliver privacy impact assessments (PIAs/DPIAs), compliance audits, and risk assessments.

Run training sessions and awareness campaigns to educate client teams on privacy obligations.

Keep abreast of legislative and regulatory changes, advising on emerging trends and best practices.

Support cross-border and international data protection matters, including EU, Middle East, and global projects where relevant.

A demonstrable interest in AI and Cybersecurity would be an advantage

Candidates will be expected to have the interpersonal skills for significant levels of client contact, to be abreast of recent changes in data protection law, and to have experience of using knowhow sources (such as Practical Law, FromCounsel etc) to carry out discrete research projects

The candidate

A commercially-minded approach - balancing pragmatic legal advice with business objectives.
Capacity to act autonomously and collaboratively within client teams.
Enthusiasm for shaping data protection strategies and privacy-by-design practices.
Commitment to continuous professional development and staying ahead of legislative changes.
Professional certifications (e.g., IAPP CIPP/E) are desirable, though not mandatory.

Benefits

At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:

25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
Paid CSR Day
Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
Subsidised gym membership
Electric car scheme
Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
Dress for your Day Policy

https://www.birketts.co.uk/recognition-reward-benefits/

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.