Cyber Incident Response Attorney position

Wilson Elser - Attorneys; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilson Elser, a national law firm, seeks an experienced Cyber Incident Response Associate Attorney in Chicago to handle data breach incidents, privacy-law analyses, and regulatory communications.

Qualified candidates hold a JD and Bar in good standing with 3+ years of data privacy/security experience; IT background is a plus. The firm offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement and a strong professional growth pathway.

Qualifications

• 3+ years legal experience
• 3+ years data privacy and security experience
• Strong knowledge of data breach and privacy laws (State Laws, HIPAA, GLBA, FERPA, CCPA, GDPR)
• IT or technical background a plus
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills (Lexis and Westlaw)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Team player

Responsibilities

• Incident response for cybersecurity and data privacy incidents
• Analysis of state, federal, and international data breach and privacy laws
• Drafting legal notices of a data breach to individuals and regulators
• Responding to regulatory investigations arising out of a data breach
• Oversight of forensics investigations
• Oversight of third-party vendors for e-Discovery, data mining, and notice projects
• Advising clients on legal notification obligations under State/Federal laws
• Drafting breach notification letters to individuals and State/Federal Regulators
• Drafting crisis communications for clients
• Responding to inquiries and investigations by State/Federal Regulators
• Interfacing with clients, including senior management and IT staff
• Drafting reports to insurance carriers and clients
• Preparing legal budgets

Skills

Legal experience

Data privacy knowledge

Written communication

Research skills

Team player

Education

JD from an accredited Law School

Tools

Lexis and Westlaw

Job description

At Wilson Elser, we are redefining what it means to work at a national law firm. With more than 1,400 attorneys across 46 offices nationwide, we are recognized among the top 100 law firms by The American Lawyer and ranked #36 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms.

Our continued success is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, client service, and mutual respect. We are committed to fostering an environment where attorneys are empowered to grow their careers, contribute meaningfully, and thrive professionally.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Cyber Incident Response Associate Attorney position in our Chicago Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Incident response for cybersecurity and data privacy incidents
• Analysis of state, federal, and international data breach and privacy laws
• Drafting legal notices of a data breach to individuals and regulators
• Responding to regulatory investigations arising out of a data breach
• Oversight of forensics investigations
• Oversight of third‑party vendors for e‑Discovery, data mining, and notice projects
• Advising clients on legal notification obligations under State/Federal laws
• Drafting breach notification letters to individuals and State/Federal Regulators
• Drafting crisis communications for clients
• Responding to inquiries and investigations by State/Federal Regulators
• Interfacing with clients, including senior management and IT staff
• Drafting reports to insurance carriers and clients
• Preparing legal budgets

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited Law School
• Must be admitted to Bar in good standing
• 3+ years legal experience
• 3+ years of experience in data privacy and security, with particular focus on data breach and incident response
• Strong knowledge of data breach and privacy laws (State Laws, HIPAA, GLBA, FERPA, CCPA, GDPR, etc.)
• IT or technical background a plus
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills (Lexis and Westlaw)
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Team player

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $190,000 USD.

Benefits include a competitive salary and benefits package that supports attorneys professionally and personally. Eligible benefits comprise a 401(k) retirement savings plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.

Why Join Wilson Elser?

• Meaningful Work: Handle sophisticated matters alongside experienced attorneys and partners
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive team environment that values mentorship and professional development
• Advancement: Gain opportunities for long-term growth within a nationally recognized firm
• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that supports work‑life balance
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive compensation, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and robust medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Access to corporate discount programs and employee benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity

Wilson Elser is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the Firm's policy that employment will be based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Further, employment decisions will be made without regard to an applicant's race, color, age, sex, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, physical or mental disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses, or stalking, past or present service in the uniformed services or application or obligation to serve in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by law.