Lead Counsel, Data Protection

Meta; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta seeks a Lead Counsel, Data Protection to advise on privacy issues primarily related to human resources and security. The role requires global privacy law expertise, strategic judgment, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive key initiatives.

Base duties include shaping privacy frameworks, regulatory engagement, and practical legal guidance to product and policy teams. The ideal candidate will have a JD, bar admission, 5+ years of experience, and strong communication skills,

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
• Active bar license in at least one US state.
• 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney.
• Working knowledge of global privacy laws and programs.
• Effective writing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to counsel clients and think strategically.
• Experience with HR data/privacy and AI in the workplace is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support Meta's global privacy program and develop privacy frameworks.
• Advise business teams on impact of privacy laws on HR/security processes.
• Develop subject-matter expertise and share with teams.
• Assist in privacy matters including data subject rights and AI use.
• Engage regulators regarding new privacy features and initiatives.

Skills

Bar license

Global privacy knowledge

Legal writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Deadline-driven

AI in privacy context

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

Meta is looking for a Lead Counsel (Data Protection) to advise on data protection issues primarily related to human resources and security-related matters.You will help drive high-profile, internal initiatives across the business involving complex legal and regulatory issues. This requires business acumen, a substantive knowledge of US privacy laws, and the capacity to both work independently and with large multi-stakeholder teams. We are looking for someone articulate and analytical, who is diligent, proactive, collaborative, and who has demonstrated legal and business judgment and strategic thinking. You should be enthusiastic about technology and its potential for positive impact in peoples' lives.

Lead Counsel, Data Protection Responsibilities:

• Support Meta's global privacy program, including by developing and improving privacy frameworks and processes to ensure we meet our obligations under global privacy laws
• Support business teams in evaluating the impact of privacy laws, regulatory guidance, enforcement actions, and other obligations on new and existing HR and security processes and internal tools and features
• Develop and maintain subject-matter expertise in relevant areas
• Support members of the legal, policy, and business teams on privacy matters, including in areas related to data subject rights, recruitment, and use of AI in the workplace
• Engage with privacy regulators in connection with new privacy features and initiatives

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution
• Active and in good standing bar license in at least one U.S. state or equivalent foreign bar license. Where the jurisdiction of licensure differs from the location in which the role is based, the ability to promptly obtain permission to practice law for Meta in that location
• 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney, including at a law firm, in-house, or in government
• Working knowledge of global privacy laws, regulations, privacy programs and industry guidelines
• Effective communication, legal writing, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated business judgment, client counseling, and strategic thinking skills
• Experience working on multiple projects in a deadline-focused environment, delivering practical advice while managing competing priorities and deadlines
• Experience taking on projects involving different subject matters, and working with cross-functional organizations to drive alignment
• Proven track record of delivering results with large-scale, cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment
• Experience making decisions in the face of ambiguity and evolving priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Experience of working on privacy and data protection issues arising in the context of areas such as HR data practices, security, incident response, or privacy program implementation/management
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Employment law or HR experience
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Experience supporting a global team at an Internet services and technology company
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirming employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

$170,000/year to $237,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.