Associate – Data Protection
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Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm with a heritage spanning 160 years. It employs more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
The department
The Commercial & Technology Team comprises 6 partners and around 20 lawyers, operating across the firm’s seven offices. We advise clients on a broad spectrum of commercial and technology matters, supporting businesses from start‑ups to multinational corporations. Our work spans both day‑to‑day operational contracts and complex, strategic projects.
Examples of the work we undertake include:
- Commercial Contracts: Drafting and negotiating supply, distribution, agency, and outsourcing agreements to help businesses manage risk and maintain strong commercial relationships.
- Technology Transactions: Advising on software licensing, SaaS agreements, cloud services, and IT infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and commercial viability.
- Data Protection & Privacy: Guiding clients through GDPR compliance, DSARs, data sharing arrangements, and international data transfers.
- Intellectual Property: Protecting and exploiting IP rights through licensing, collaboration agreements, and brand protection strategies.
- E‑commerce & Digital Business: Supporting online platforms with terms of use, consumer law compliance, and digital marketing arrangements.
- Regulatory & Compliance: Advising on sector‑specific regulations, including technology standards and consumer protection laws.
- Strategic Projects: Assisting with joint ventures, collaborations, and technology‑driven business transformations.
Purpose of job
We are looking to recruit an Associate into the Commercial (Data Protection) Team, with approximately 3 to 5 years of PQE, who has the drive and commitment to assist Birketts’ in the continued growth and development of our data protection capabilities and to become an essential member of the Commercial & Technology team.
As a Data Protection Solicitor, you will advise clients on UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and related privacy and electronics communications laws. You’ll support businesses in developing data protection policies, managing compliance efforts, responding to data incidents, and conducting training—working within a commercially‑driven and fast‑paced environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and ambitious individuals to join a successful and friendly Commercial & Technology Team, in a growing firm which enjoys an excellent reputation, and with excellent career progression opportunities.
Accountabilities
- Provide expert legal advice on UK/EU data protection regulations across a variety of industries.
- Develop and implement data protection policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
- Review and negotiate data processing agreements, data transfer mechanisms, and vendor contracts.
- Lead responses to Subject Access Requests, data breaches, and other data incidents, ensuring prompt reporting and remediation.
- Deliver privacy impact assessments (PIAs/DPIAs), compliance audits, and risk assessments.
- Run training sessions and awareness campaigns to educate client teams on privacy obligations.
- Keep abreast of legislative and regulatory changes, advising on emerging trends and best practices.
- Support cross‑border and international data protection matters, including EU, Middle East, and global projects where relevant.
- A demonstrable interest in AI and Cybersecurity would be an advantage.
- Candidates will be expected to have the interpersonal skills for significant levels of client contact, to be abreast of recent changes in data protection law, and to have experience of using know‑how sources (such as Practical Law, FromCounsel etc) to carry out discrete research projects.
The candidate
- A commercially‑ minded approach – balancing pragmatic legal advice with business objectives.
- Capacity to act autonomously and collaboratively within client teams.
- Enthusiasm for shaping data protection strategies and privacy‑by‑design practices.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and staying ahead of legislative changes.
- Professional certifications (e.g., IAPP CIPP/E) are desirable, though not mandatory.
Benefits
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
- Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
- Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
- Salary sacrifice (pensions, staff profit share)
- Life Assurance – 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
- Paid CSR Day
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Subsidised gym membership
- Electric car scheme
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Day Policy
Seniority level
- Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
- Full‑time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- Law Practice
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