Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Direct Counsel is seeking a Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Associate Attorney to join its Washington, D.C. office. The ideal candidate possesses 2–6 years of cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI regulatory experience and a strong academic record.

Experience in both advisory and regulatory-facing work is valued; government or regulatory agency background is welcome. The firm offers a hybrid work model and robust career development resources.

Qualifications

• Approximately 2–6 years of experience in cybersecurity, data privacy, AI law, or related regulatory practice.
• Prior law firm experience preferred; government or regulatory agency experience strongly welcomed.
• Strong academic credentials and excellent legal writing and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated interest in technology, AI governance, privacy, and cybersecurity issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, evolving regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy incident preparedness and breach response.
• Support regulatory investigations involving privacy, cybersecurity, and AI issues.
• Assist in developing compliance programs under U.S. and state privacy laws, including frameworks such as CCPA, HIPAA, BIPA, NIST, and related regulations.
• Conduct privacy, AI, and cybersecurity due diligence in connection with M&A and other transactions.
• Draft and negotiate data processing agreements, privacy policies, and cybersecurity‑related contractual provisions.
• Monitor evolving regulatory and legislative developments in AI, privacy, and cybersecurity.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Data privacy

AI governance

Regulatory practice

Legal writing

Project management

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm’s Washington, D.C. office.

Position Overview

A leading national firm is seeking junior to mid-level Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Associate Attorneys with approximately 2–6 years of experience to join its Global Cybersecurity & Data Privacy and AI practices. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting‑edge issues at the intersection of technology, regulation, and emerging AI governance within a sophisticated and multidisciplinary practice group. The ideal candidate will have experience advising clients on privacy, cybersecurity, and AI‑related legal and regulatory matters, and a strong interest in developing expertise in these rapidly evolving fields. Experience in both advisory and regulatory‑facing work is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy incident preparedness and breach response
• Support regulatory investigations involving privacy, cybersecurity, and AI issues
• Assist in developing compliance programs under U.S. and state privacy laws, including frameworks such as CCPA, HIPAA, BIPA, NIST, and related regulations
• Conduct privacy, AI, and cybersecurity due diligence in connection with M&A and other transactions
• Draft and negotiate data processing agreements, privacy policies, and cybersecurity‑related contractual provisions
• Monitor evolving regulatory and legislative developments in AI, privacy, and cybersecurity

Qualifications

• Approximately 2–6 years of experience in cybersecurity, data privacy, AI law, or related regulatory practice
• Prior law firm experience preferred; government or regulatory agency experience strongly welcomed
• Strong academic credentials and excellent legal writing and analytical skills
• Demonstrated interest in technology, AI governance, privacy, and cybersecurity issues
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced, evolving regulatory environment

Compensation

The anticipated base salary for this Washington, D.C.-based Associate Attorney position is $260,000–$420,000 annually, depending on experience and other job‑related factors consistent with applicable law. The role may also be eligible for a discretionary year‑end bonus.

Additional Information

The firm offers a robust lateral integration and mentorship program designed to support attorneys during career transitions. Attorneys also benefit from strong professional development resources, a hybrid work model, and a well‑established pro bono program providing opportunities to engage in meaningful community and public interest work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process upon request.