Partner – Head of Data Protection team – Senior Data Protection Solicitor

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced Data Protection Solicitor to lead and develop its data protection practice. This role combines hands-on client advisory work with people leadership and service development, helping shape how the team supports clients and builds practical, scalable services.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop colleagues through clear expectations and constructive feedback
• Help grow the team as client demand increases and services evolve
• Manage workloads to maintain consistent, high-quality advice
• Build client relationships and identify opportunities to expand the practice
• Lead the development of DPO as a service, including:
  • Data protection health checks
  • Defining clear service scopes
  • Shaping pricing and delivery approaches
• Standardise suitable processes, templates, and guidance to improve consistency and efficiency
• Use legal technology and automation responsibly, with appropriate oversight
• Share knowledge and collaborate across teams to deliver joined-up client advice
• Influence both what the service offers and how it is delivered to improve accessibility and colleague effectiveness

Requirements

• Experienced senior data protection solicitor with 10+ years’ PQE
• Substantial experience advising businesses on UK and European data protection law
• Experience managing and developing people, including supporting performance and having constructive conversations
• Track record of leading matters and managing client relationships
• Commercial approach to service development and ability to recognise client needs
• Experience improving delivery through consistent processes, knowledge sharing, or technology
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Ability to translate complex legal and technical issues into clear, practical guidance

Technical Experience

• UK data protection compliance, governance, and risk
• Data subject rights requests and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
• International data transfers, ePrivacy, cookies, and direct marketing
• Data processing and data-sharing agreements
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology issues
• Data breach response, incident management, and engagement with regulators
• The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and wider international privacy developments
• Special category and other sensitive data across different sectors
• Data protection advice on technology, commercial, corporate, and employment matters

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfortable working with growing and innovative businesses
• Understanding of when specialist advice is needed versus when a proportionate, repeatable service can meet client needs
• Confident use of Microsoft 365 and SharePoint for organising work and collaborating
• Openness to using AI tools and automation where they genuinely improve delivery

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 33 days’ holiday, including public holidays, with option to buy up to five additional days each year
• Private healthcare
• Death in service benefit
• Access to an electric car scheme
• Flexible working as part of a fully remote but connected team

Location

• Fully remote working
• Access to meeting space in: Birmingham, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Oxford, Southampton, Cardiff, and Sheffield

Additional Information

• No agencies, please