Data Protection, Privacy and Security Associate

DLA Piper; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 260,000 - 390,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

DLA Piper, located in Washington, DC, is seeking an associate to join its Data Protection, Privacy and Security practice. This role involves advising on privacy, cybersecurity, and data governance matters, requiring 3+ years of experience. Responsibilities include legal research, drafting documents, and leading complex cases.

The ideal candidate will have a JD Degree, bar admission in DC and NY, and skills in communication and analysis. Benefits include health insurance and a competitive salary ranging from $260,000 to $390,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in data privacy, cybersecurity, or regulatory advisory work.
• Exposure to global privacy programs, incident response, or compliance frameworks is advantageous.
• In‑house or regulatory experience is a plus, particularly in industries involving sensitive data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis.
• Draft legal documents, including briefs, motions, and contracts.
• Assist or manage complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Collaborate with other professionals for favorable outcomes.
• Participate in high‑level legal activities including court hearings.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and regulations.
• Participate in ongoing training and development.
• Engage in pro‑bono work for underserved communities.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Strong research, analytical and problem‑solving skills

Attention to detail

Good business and professional judgment

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to work collaboratively and independently

Conceptual thinking

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

JD Degree from an accredited law school

Bar admission in the District of Columbia and New York

Job description

Position Summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate with 3+ years of experience to join its Data Protection, Privacy and Security practice. This role offers the opportunity to advise leading global organizations on complex and evolving privacy, cybersecurity, and data governance matters. The successful candidate will work on cutting‑edge issues spanning U.S. state and federal privacy laws, emerging regulatory frameworks, and cross‑border compliance initiatives. The role includes direct client engagement and the opportunity to contribute to innovative, enterprise‑level privacy program development.

Location

Washington, DC or New York office.

Education & Bar

• JD Degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar admission in the District of Columbia and New York.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in data privacy, cybersecurity, or regulatory advisory work.
• Exposure to global privacy programs, incident response, or compliance frameworks is advantageous.
• In‑house or regulatory experience is a plus, particularly in industries involving sensitive data or emerging technologies.
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft well‑written, error‑free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist or manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution, including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while demonstrating strong judgment.
• Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly with the utmost professionalism.
• Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
• Attend, support, and participate in high‑level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
• Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
• Engage in and contribute to firm programs and initiatives, civic and professional organizations, and pro‑bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Desired Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong research, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good business and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Conceptual thinking.
• Persuasive communication.
• Management skills.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan.

Compensation

$260,000 – $390,000 per year depending on geographic market location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DLA Piper is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.