Senior Privacy Lawyer

Freshfields; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in London seeks an experienced Senior Privacy Lawyer to join their Privacy Office. This role involves acting as a trusted advisor on data protection compliance, working closely with various internal teams to ensure adherence to global obligations. Ideal candidates will have solid experience in privacy law, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The firm values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Qualifications

• Senior Privacy Lawyer qualified in England & Wales or a common law jurisdiction.
• Relevant post-qualification experience gained in-house or in private practice.
• Solid knowledge of IT cyber-security and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor on data protection compliance to internal stakeholders.
• Support the Legal Department by advising on global data protection obligations.
• Contribute to compliance projects, templates, and training.

Skills

Business Risk

Compliance

Intellectual Property Law

Risk Analysis

Client Management

Education

Qualified Senior Privacy Lawyer in England & Wales

Job description

Role Summary / Purpose of Job

We are seeking an experienced Senior Privacy Lawyer to join our Firm’s Privacy Office in London. This pivotal role involves acting as a trusted advisor to the Firm’s practice groups and business services teams on data protection compliance matters. You will be instrumental in delivering data protection compliance and advice to internal stakeholders supporting the Firm’s global data protection obligations.

About Freshfields & Our Legal Department

Freshfields is a leading international law firm. Our Legal Department comprising both qualified lawyers and non‑lawyers is dedicated to managing the Firm’s risk exposure and providing essential advice on a range of legal and compliance issues. We support the Firm in the effective management of regulatory, legal, operational and information security risks to preserve and maximise its long‑term value. Our vision is to be recognised as a leader among comparable elite law firms delivering excellent commercial and empathetic service and constantly adapting to business changes and threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Senior Privacy Manager and Global DPO on various privacy operational workstreams such as data subject rights requests, data incidents and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Reviewing, preparing and advising on data protection agreements including standard contractual clauses, transfer impact assessments and associated documentation.
• Supporting the Legal Department in providing advice to lawyers within the Firm’s practice groups concerning global data protection obligations.
• Assisting the Global DPO in delivering compliance priorities, projects and initiatives.
• Staying abreast of privacy law developments and practice in the UK, EU and other jurisdictions where the Firm operates.
• Contributing to the delivery of compliance projects, drafting templates, DPIAs and training.

Key Requirements

Essential

• Senior Privacy Lawyer qualified in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction.
• Relevant post‑qualification experience gained either in‑house or in private practice.
• Detailed knowledge and application of data protection laws in the UK, EU and other jurisdictions where the Firm operates.
• Solid knowledge of IT cyber‑security and emerging technologies; experience with IT supplier due diligence, contracting and implementation.
• Ability to work independently, lead and influence in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain trust and credibility at all levels.

Desirable

• German language skills.
• IAPP (CIPP / E CIPM CIPT) or similar privacy certification.
• Experience with legal tech and / or AI.

Competencies

• Thrive in an environment that capitalises on a strong teamwork culture.
• Apply pragmatic commercial thinking identifying workable solutions that align with the Firm’s regulatory / legal obligations and business priorities.
• Demonstrate ingenuity and build a reputation as an efficient solution enabler.
• Possess excellent communication skills, distilling complex privacy concepts clearly and succinctly in laymen’s terms where necessary.
• Be able to establish seamless working relationships across the Firm.
• Seek to understand and demonstrate solid understanding of local cultural, client practice group, strategic or market‑specific nuances.
• Not shy away from complex tasks or proactively take on responsibility and assist other team members.
• Confidently balance working independently with an appropriate degree of autonomy alongside transparent communication and co‑operation with team members.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the Firm will be considered on the basis of merit alone. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having / securing the right to work in the UK and providing the Firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields follows the Ban the Box policy; we ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case‑by‑case basis and consider factors such as the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence. You may discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.

Required Experience

Senior IC

Key Skills

Business Risk, Compliance, Intellectual Property Law, Policy Management, Risk Analysis, Bar, Banking, Conflict Management, Supreme Court, Reporting, Business Objectives, Client Management

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1