Associate/Senior Associate - Data & Privacy

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and commercially minded 4+ PQE Data Protection Lawyer to join DAC Beachcroft’s leading Data, Privacy & Cyber practice. Our full service practice is at an exciting point in its growth, having recently been recognised as Tier 2 in the Legal 500 rankings. We are a dynamic and friendly team who work together to help our clients realise their ambitions. This role is primarily focussed on advisory data protection matters, although there will be some opportunity to support on cyber related matters if desired.

We support our clients on all aspects of data protection compliance, digital transformation projects, cyber readiness and AI governance. We help them to navigate complex risk and regulatory landscapes, supporting on some of the most high-profile and innovative matters in the market. The successful candidate will work with a broad range of clients including financial institutions, insurers, retailers, technology providers and major corporates, providing strategic advice on UK and international data protection compliance.

This role will be based in Manchester or London, and offers the opportunity to grow (both technically and from a career progression perspective) within one of the UK’s most respected practices and ample opportunities to engage in business development activities.

This role sits within DAC Beachcroft’s broader Commercial, Technology & Regulatory practice which combines commercial contract and technology-law expertise with regulatory, compliance and industry-specific regulation advice, enabling clients from tech firms to public-sector bodies to navigate IT outsourcing, software licensing, technology implementation, procurement and regulatory risk efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear, practical advice on all aspects of data protection (and related) regulatory frameworks.
• Support clients with the roll out of global initiatives, including AI related projects.
• Prepare responses and submissions to the ICO and other regulators.
• Assist with regulatory investigations, enforcement work and contentious data protection matters (depending on experience).
• Work collaboratively across other areas of the firm, particularly Technology, Commercial, Healthcare Regulatory and Insurance.
• Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead business development initiatives
• Supervise, mentor and support junior lawyers and trainees, delegating effectively, reviewing work product and contributing to their professional development.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Qualified 4+PQE solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent).
• A strong academic track record at degree and A-levels (or equivalent).
• Experience advising on data protection and privacy law within a law firm or in-house environment.
• Strong understanding of UK/EU regimes and relevant regulatory guidance.
• A proactive approach to business development, with evidence of contributing to client growth, profile-raising or successful pitches.
• Excellent drafting skills and ability to provide clear, commercially focused advice.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, deadlines and client relationships confidently.
• Experience or familiarity with cyber/data-breach response and regulatory engagement is advantageous.

About DAC Beachcroft

We are a leading international legal business with over 3,000 colleagues and a diverse range of capabilities. We are market leaders in insurance, health and real estate but with a full-service offering, including growing Financial Services and Tech capabilities. We represent a wide range of clients – from household names to government departments and NHS bodies. We act for nearly all of the top-20 UK and global insurers, we're market leaders in the provision of strategic, commercial and regulatory advice to providers and commissioners in the health sector, and in real estate we advise all of the UK’s top-five housebuilders.

We are a fast-growing international business with offices around the globe. In addition to our 11 UK offices, we also have offices in Bogota, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Lima, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Milan, New York, Paris, Rome, Santiago de Chile, and Singapore plus a representative office in Miami and broad network of affiliations across the globe.

At DAC Beachcroft we are committed to and recognise the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion across the board, including and beyond the protected characteristics. We take decisions based solely on merit. We value, welcome and seek out people with different backgrounds and life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, ways of thinking and identities.

We are happy to talk flexible working with our Flex Forward scheme. We would encourage you to talk to us about our approach to flexible working during the hiring process if you would like to explore this further.

Note for Recruitment Agencies

DAC Beachcroft manages all vacancies via our in-house recruitment teams, prioritising direct sourcing and referrals. When external support is required, roles are released to selected agencies on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL).

Speculative CVs sent to any DAC Beachcroft employee without prior instruction from our recruitment teams (LLP and CSG) will not be accepted, and no fees will be payable.

For PSL queries, please contact: recruitment@dacbeachcroft.com or csgrecruitment@dacbeachcroft.com