Data Protection Solicitor

William James Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Performance bonus

Private medical

Company pension

25+ days leave

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Data Protection/Commercial Solicitor in Manchester. You will advise on UK and international data protection matters, support digital transformation projects, and assist with regulatory investigations within a leading international law firm.

The role offers a hybrid and flexible working arrangement, exposure to high-profile data and AI work, and a clear path for career development in Manchester.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 1–3 years PQE in data protection, privacy or regulatory law.
• Experience gained within a law firm or in-house environment.
• Strong understanding of UK/EU data protection regimes and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent drafting skills with the ability to provide clear and practical advice.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines effectively.
• Commercially minded with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Interest in digital, technology, cyber or AI-related matters.
• Collaborative and personable with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of data protection and privacy matters across UK and internationally.
• Support clients on digital transformation projects, including AI and emerging technologies.
• Provide guidance on cyber readiness, data breaches and incident response.
• Prepare submissions and responses to regulators including the ICO.
• Assist with regulatory investigations and contentious data protection matters.
• Work closely with teams across commercial, technology, healthcare and insurance.
• Support clients on global compliance programmes and cross-border data issues.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship initiatives.

Skills

Data privacy

Regulatory compliance

Drafting

Communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Commercial awareness

Digital/AI interest

Job description

Data Protection / Commercial Solicitor – Manchester – Up to £70,000 + Benefits

A leading Legal 500 international law firm with a standout UK reputation is looking for a Data Protection / Commercial Solicitor to join its growing Manchester team. You will work with a high-quality client base including financial institutions, insurers, retailers, technology providers and major corporates, advising on complex data protection, privacy and regulatory matters.

This Data Protection / Commercial Solicitor role in Manchester offers the opportunity to join a highly ranked and fast-growing Data, Privacy & Cyber team, working at the forefront of digital transformation, AI governance and cyber risk within a collaborative and commercially focused environment.

The Role:

• Advise on a broad range of data protection and privacy matters across UK and internationally
• Support clients on digital transformation projects, including AI and emerging technologies
• Provide guidance on cyber readiness, data breaches and incident response
• Prepare submissions and responses to regulators including the ICO
• Assist with regulatory investigations and contentious data protection matters
• Work closely with teams across commercial, technology, healthcare and insurance
• Support clients on global compliance programmes and cross-border data issues
• Contribute to business development and client relationship initiatives

The Candidate:

• Qualified Solicitor with 1–3 years PQE in data protection, privacy or regulatory law
• Experience gained within a law firm or in-house environment
• Strong understanding of UK/EU data protection regimes and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent drafting skills with the ability to provide clear and practical advice
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines effectively
• Commercially minded with a proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Interest in digital, technology, cyber or AI-related matters
• Collaborative and personable with strong communication skills

• Competitive salary up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Performance-related bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 25+ days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension
• Private medical benefits
• Structured career development within a leading Manchester team
• Exposure to high-profile, cutting-edge data and technology work