Data Protection Solicitor/Barrister
OUR CLIENT
Our client stands out for being consistently excellent in advice: they not only provide technical excellence and experience but crucially, they also demonstrate real insight into their clients and what really matters to them. Their knowledge of their chosen sectors and markets, and their investment in their client relationships sets them apart. They are a natural choice for talent - a firm where people fulfil their potential in an environment where they are developed and valued. They do fantastic work: exciting, challenging, fulfilling work that adds significant value to their clients, their people and their business. They are also known for their uncompromising quality. Everything they do - large and small, with their colleagues and their clients - stands up alongside the best. They are recognised for their extraordinary effort that creates sustainable value and a consistently positive experience for their clients, people and communities.
THE ROLE
The Commercial Services team are now looking for a dynamic and energetic data protection lawyer, capable of inspiring others, who wants to help them grow and build a leading data protection practice. This appointment will change the structure of the team materially, as the appointee will be a data protection specialist working alongside the Legal Director, as opposed to a commercial/IT lawyer with some data protection expertise.
The individual will be responsible for:
* Advising on compliance with relevant law, ICO guidance, codes and best practice, Freedom of Information
* Advising on compliance with relevant industry codes and regulations (e.g. Lending Code, FSA Handbook, Advertising Standards)
* Undertaking data protection audits/impact assessments/health checks
* Implementation of data protection good practice
* Handling ICO investigations and assessments
* International transfers of data
* Drafting policies, procedures, data protection agreements
* Advising in relation to security breach management and action taken or threatened against clients by the Information Commissioner or individuals in relation to alleged infringement of relevant legislation
* Data exploitation (on-line and off-line)
* Managing data protection projects (including with overseas lawyers)
* Assisting on the specific data protection aspects of clients' corporate and commercial transactions (including corporate due diligence, transitional services agreements, outsourcing agreements, marketing agreements etc).
* Working alongside the Financial Regulation team on the provision of data and FOI advice to retail banks, insurers and other financial services businesses, which comprise a significant part of their client base
* Continuing to develop the firm's profile for data protection expertise, including assisting with the preparation of client briefings, articles, press commentary and client training
ABOUT YOU
The successful applicant will have:
* Extensive, demonstrable experience
* Commercial and solutions-led approach to data protection compliance
* Proven project management skills with a focus on delivery and results.
* Strong attention to planning, detail and an organised work style.
* Ability to prioritise, deliver to deadlines and to self-motivate.
* The clear ability to act as an expert on data protection issues.
* Knowledge of key areas of the law and ability to provide clear, practical and commercial advice for clients.
* A proactive and flexible approach, with a willingness to travel across the three offices, as required.
* Demonstrable ability to liaise and influence at the highest level within clients, creating and maintaining effective relationships.
* Ability to influence key stakeholders and to communicate a compliance view persuasively by telephone, in writing and in person.
* The ability to regularly update technical expertise to maintain "expert" status.
* Strong team working skills and ability to build a credible profile with areas across the firm.
This represents an opportunity to assist in shaping the team in a practice area identified by the firm as offering significant opportunities for growth.
Background
The successful applicant will be a solicitor or barrister with at least 5 years' experience in advising on the UK's data protection regime (both statutory and non-statutory), having:
* Strong, practical expertise in relevant law, gained within a comparable environment and at an appropriate level (whether in-house, in private practice or in the Information Commissioner's office).
* Excellent academic achievement with a minimum 2:1 degree.
* Ability to achieve continuous improvement and development.
NEXT STEP
Please contact Richard Greenway at Laurence Simons at richard.greenway@laurencesimons.com or +44 (0) 207 645 8551, quoting ref 498500 for further details.
ABOUT LAURENCE SIMONS
Founded in 1988, Laurence Simons is a specialist international legal recruitment consultancy. With offices across four continents, Laurence Simons truly is an international recruiter. We cover the whole spectrum of permanent and temporary legal positions in both the Private Practice and In-House markets from Newly Qualified through to Partner and General Counsel level roles.
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