Associate - Data Protection

As part of the core data privacy team, you'll advise some of the highest-profile global businesses on the full range of data and cyber security laws. The work is varied, cross-practice and international. Your desk could be full of a range of data-driven transactions, from tech investments and IPOs of companies with data at their heart, through to managing the response to a global cyber incident, including dealing with regulators, the individuals affected and any follow-on litigation. You'll be part of a team providing strategic advice to novel questions of data protection law, such as its application to artificial intelligence and you'll analyse the thorny issues that come up in cross-border (and often multi-disciplinary) investigations. You will also get an opportunity to work on a range of pro bono issues for clients like the Modern Intelligence Slavery Network. You will also have the opportunity to grow and develop the practice and your own profile, through thought leadership and being part of the data protection community. The team invests heavily in training and engaging with the data community, hosting regular internal and client know-how sessions, both virtually and in person - and on an international basis, so that our associates are able to issue-spot for our clients, wherever they want to grow. Freshfields' data privacy lawyers make up a significant part of the IP, technology and data group, and the broader Freshfields data group brings together international data practitioners across the core data privacy group, IP, employment, antitrust, tax and other practices. This data group has been consistently ranked among the Global Elite by Global Data Review, and we believe is the only group in the market that can genuinely claim to be advising clients across the full range of data issues on a global scale. For our lawyers, the way we organise ourselves means that you'll have a diverse, international network and that you'll always be thinking of the different angles that matter to real world clients. The successful candidate will work closely with a range of partners in the Data team and will be expected to contribute towards the continued development of the practice. The person appointed will have the opportunity to play a key role in a growing team, undertaking leading edge work on challenging issues, including:

• Involvement in all aspects of data protection work including data breaches, transactional, litigation and advisory work.
• Helping clients develop data-driven products in compliant and innovative ways, and in multiple jurisdictions.
• Translating advisory and regulator-facing skills into practical advice on transactions, including by assessing risk and helping clients plan the integration of data-driven businesses.
• Advising clients on a range of data issues across all sectors but with a particular emphasis on tech, consumer, financial services and life sciences.
• Building and developing an internal network within Freshfields globally and working collaboratively with colleagues from other teams, especially on wider transactional deals; and
• Developing a good understanding of the firm's client strategy, a lead role in specific client teams and contribute to business development initiatives that help strengthen client relationships.
Key Requirements
• England & Wales admitted or EU qualified lawyer from a common law jurisdiction. Intellectual acumen, with top class academics
• Excellent knowledge of law and market practice in data privacy, cyber security and data governance, including drafting and negotiating key data ecosystem agreements
• Good understanding of the regulatory, legal and commercial challenges companies face in relation to data.
• A positive role model, who will actively share knowledge and contribute to the development of less experienced lawyers in the team
• Committed to a positive workplace culture
Competencies
• Technical skills: Technically excellent, with expertise across relevant sectors and geographies. Knowledge champion and thought leader, contributing to the knowledge capital of the firm by sharing with colleagues.
• Client relationships: Primary point of contact for clients, building and managing long term relationships. Instinctively adapts personal style and approach to context. Builds and manages long term relationships with clients.
• Business advisor: Able to assess complex problems and resolve them, considering both short and long-term impacts, ensuring advice is tailored to the client and that they are supported in their decision making.
• People and team: Promotes a continuous feedback culture within the team, mentors and coaches more junior team members. Excellent role model, motivational and challenges where appropriate.
• Project management: Manages own areas of responsibility and of junior team, ensuring there are clear responsibilities as well as keeping senior members fully aware of developments. Manages competing demands and is able to prioritise effectively and sets realistic deadlines with projects teams, partners and clients.
• Business development: Leads preparation for pitches for work and is often a key participant. Possesses in-depth knowledge of different services offered by the Firm and is comfortable in selling to new and existing clients. Leads and regularly participates in client seminars and training events. Has or is developing a strong network of client relationships and external profile.
• Personal skills: credible, professional, able to work with a wide range of clients and people, willing to embrace change and take accountability for achieving results.
  
  Freshfields' Global Data team brings together lawyers across the world advising on strategic advisory work, data driven transactions, data regulation and investigations, and cyber issues, together with a growing number of data disputes for a range of clients from any sector including tech, consumer, healthcare and financial services. Data is a key focus for the firm's strategy and an excellent fit with our growth in the US and Silicon Valley in particular. We are looking for someone enthusiastic about data who is looking for a great platform to grow and develop surrounded by a fun and supportive team., Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has more than 2000 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.
Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is underpinned by the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below.
• we show respect to everyone
• we are there for one another
• we are open with each other
• we are positive role models
We think and work globally - we don't just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. Cross-border work isn't just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps. We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate. Our lawyers are supported by the Freshfields Global Centre, which provides its services in a way which supports the global nature of our firm and our clients, enables our fee earners to deliver exceptional service to our clients and to do that in a way which is efficient and effective. Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients. Inclusion Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing. Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision. Please let us know if you require any support, or adjustments to be made, in order to submit your application to Freshfields.