Data Protection Solicitor / FCILEX (5+ PQE) - Exeter

Chadwick Nott; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + annual profit share

Hybrid working and flexible hours

25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off

Private medical, life assurance & wellbeing support

Career development, mentorship & training

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

A leading legal firm in the Southwest is seeking a Data Protection Solicitor / FCILEX with over 5 years of PQE to join their specialist IP, Data & Tech team in Exeter. The role involves advising on complex data protection legislation, leading audits and compliance programmes, and mentoring junior lawyers. In return, the firm offers a competitive salary, profit sharing, hybrid working, and extensive benefits including private medical support and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of UK/EU legislation and ICO guidance.
• Experience advising on governance, risk, and compliance.
• Background in tech/IP/data environments is an advantage.
• Experience advising on governance, risk and compliance
• Strong drafting and communication skills
• Commercial mindset and client-facing confidence
• Collaborative, proactive and team-oriented
• Background in tech/IP/data environments is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Advise on UK GDPR, DPA 2018, PECR and related legislation.
• Draft and review privacy policies, DPIAs, and data processing agreements.
• Lead audits, gap analyses and compliance programmes.
• Guide clients through data breaches and incident response
• Collaborate on commercial and tech‑related matters
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development
• Mentor junior lawyers (Senior Associate level)

Skills

5+ years' PQE in data protection/privacy law

Strong drafting and communication skills

Commercial mindset and client-facing confidence

Collaborative, proactive and team-oriented

Education

PGCert/PGDip or equivalent specialist qualification

Job description

Data Protection Solicitor / FCILEX (5+ PQE)

Associate or Senior Associate

Exeter

Leading Southwest practice have an opening at the senior level within the specialist IP, Data & Tech team advising clients across tech, creative, education, healthcare, and public sectors. You'll lead on complex data protection matters and help shape how businesses manage, protect, and respond to data challenges.

The Role

• Advise on UK GDPR, DPA 2018, PECR and related legislation
• Draft and review privacy policies, DPIAs, and data processing agreements
• Lead audits, gap analyses and compliance programmes
• Guide clients through data breaches and incident response
• Collaborate on commercial and tech‑related matters
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development
• Mentor junior lawyers (Senior Associate level)

Requirements

• 5+ years' PQE in data protection/privacy law
• PGCert/PGDip or equivalent specialist qualification
• Deep knowledge of UK/EU legislation and ICO guidance
• Experience advising on governance, risk and compliance
• Strong drafting and communication skills
• Commercial mindset and client‑facing confidence
• Collaborative, proactive and team‑oriented
• Background in tech/IP/data environments is an advantage

In Return

• Competitive salary + annual profit share
• Hybrid working and flexible hours
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off
• Private medical, life assurance & wellbeing support
• Career development, mentorship & training

Contact

For more information about this role please contact Hannah Somers at Chadwick Nott.
(t) 0117 917 1929
(m) 07435 943574
(e) [e-mail]

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.