Senior Associate - Data Protection and Cyber Security

DWF; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangement

Committed to diversity and inclusion

Job summary

A leading global legal business is seeking a Senior Associate for their Data Protection and Cyber Security team in Manchester. The successful candidate will provide strategic advice on compliance with UK and EU regulations, develop data protection policies, and manage complex projects. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years PQE as a solicitor, with strong drafting and communication skills, along with extensive experience in data protection law and cyber incident response. This role offers a hybrid working model and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Proven experience advising on data-protection matters across diverse sectors.
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK/EU data protection law including GDPR.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
• Excellent drafting, analysis and communication skills.
• Experience supervising and developing junior lawyers.
• Experience in cyber incident response and data-breach management.
• Strong commercial awareness, sound judgement and leadership capability.
• Confident in managing stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on UK and EU data protection regulations.
• Develop and implement data protection policies and compliance initiatives.
• Lead and oversee complex Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) projects.
• Support organisations during cyberattacks and data breaches.
• Address regulatory issues including AI and advanced technologies.
• Conduct risk assessments for new technologies and data processing.
• Support clients during cyber incidents and data breaches.
• Contribute to business development and client relationships.

Skills

Data protection law expertise

Strong drafting skills

Communication skills

Leadership capability

Cyber incident response experience

Education

Qualified solicitor (5+ PQE)

Job description

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Why join us?

We are recruiting for a Senior Associate to join our Data Protection and Cyber Security team at DWF, an award-winning global legal business.

DWF's legal and multi-disciplinary professional services offering provides clients with comprehensive global support on critical issues in Data Protection and Cyber Security.

In this role, you will advise clients on a broad range of data-protection matters across multiple sectors, including telecoms, fintech, financial services and retail. You will also provide support and act as the 'go to person' for more junior members in the team.

This role will be based in our Manchester or London office, with a hybrid working arrangement offering flexibility alongside regular in-office collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients across diverse sectors on UK and EU data protection regulations, providing clear, pragmatic and operationally focused guidance.
• Develop and implement data protection policies, manage compliance initiatives, and support the creation of robust privacy frameworks.
• Draft, review, amend and negotiate data-related contracts, agreements and commercial documentation.
• Lead and oversee complex Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) projects.
• Handle complex data protection matters, including strategic and programmatic data protection work as well as emerging legal issues relating to advanced technologies such as AI.
• Conduct risk assessments for innovative technologies, including profiling, biometrics and AI-driven systems.
• Support organisations responding to cyberattacks and personal data breaches.
• Maintain strong, trusted relationships with key clients and contribute to business development through both new and existing engagements.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Qualified solicitor 5+ PQE, working in a leading data protection team.
• Up-to-date knowledge in UK/EU data protection law, including GDPR and related regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience advising on a broad range of data-protection matters across multiple sectors.
• Excellent drafting, analysis and communication skills.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies, including AI, digital risk frameworks and associated regulatory challenges.
• Demonstrable experience supervising, mentoring and developing junior lawyers.
• Experience in cyber incident response and data-breach management.
• Strong commercial awareness, sound judgement and leadership capability.
• Confident, personable and effective in managing stakeholders at all levels.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.