At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise clients on data protection, manage compliance initiatives, and lead complex projects.
- Company: Award-winning law firm with a strong focus on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team and drive innovative legal solutions.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of data privacy and cybersecurity.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in data protection and knowledge of UK/EU regulations.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Browne Jacobson is proud to have been awarded National Law Firm of the Year in the Chambers & Partners Awards 2025 last year and also is fast growing with revenue growth of 16% over its last financial year. With offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Exeter, London, Manchester and Nottingham, we’re a UK & Ireland based law firm with an international reach. Our key industry sectors include technology, health/life sciences; real estate and construction; education; energy and infrastructure; financial services; government; insurance; manufacturing and industrials; and retail, consumer and logistics.
Our firm has also been one of the leaders in adopting AI technology and we announced early on, last year, that we had invested in Legora, one of the two leading legal industry tools to drive innovation in legal service delivery. As part of this, we are investing heavily in training our lawyers and operations teams to leverage Legora (and comparable technologies) to innovate and develop new digital solutions and AI‑related tools, products and services to optimise client service delivery and deliver service excellence.
We are recruiting for a Principal Associate to join our Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity team. In this role, you will advise clients on complex data protection matters across multiple sectors, support junior team members, and contribute to the firm’s reputation for excellence in legal and professional services. The role offers hybrid/flexible working in support of a good work‑life balance. You will provide clear, pragmatic and operationally focused guidance on UK and EU data protection regulations.
Your responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing data protection policies, DPIAs, TRA/TIAs
- Managing compliance initiatives and supporting robust privacy frameworks
- Drafting, reviewing, amending and negotiating data‑related contracts and commercial documentation
- Leading and overseeing complex DSAR and automated decision‑making request projects
- Handling strategic and programmatic data protection work, including emerging legal issues relating to advanced technologies such as AI
- Conducting risk assessments for innovative technologies, including profiling, biometrics and AI‑driven systems
- Demonstrating understanding of international data transfer rules and regulations
- Managing local and international compliance programmes
- Briefing local counsel, preparing estimates, scopes and assumptions
- Supporting supervision of Corporate DD
- Supporting organisations responding to cyberattacks and personal data breaches
- Maintaining strong relationships with key clients
- Contributing to and leading business development
- Supervising and mentoring senior and junior associates and trainees
You will work independently with maturity in people skills, guided by and mentored by a Legal Director or Partner.
We require a qualified solicitor with significant experience in a leading data protection team and up-to-date knowledge of UK/EU data protection law, including UK/EU GDPR, EU Data Act, UK DPA, PECR, Data (Use and Access) Act, ePrivacy and associated cybersecurity frameworks. You should have proven experience advising on a broad range of data protection and privacy matters across multiple sectors, either deep or a working knowledge of freedom of information law and (if possible) EIR regulations, together with excellent drafting, analysis and communication skills, and familiarity with emerging technologies including AI and digital risk frameworks.
We are also looking, wherever possible for experience in cybersecurity incident response and data breach management. Strong commercial awareness, sound judgement, leadership capability, and confidence in managing stakeholders at all levels are required. Desirable attributes include knowledge of Online Safety and Age Verification laws, DMA/DSA and associated digital regulatory frameworks, a track record in business development and client relationship management, evidence of thought leadership and sector‑specific knowledge, and a passion for innovating and leveraging legal tech tools such as Legora to develop new AI‑driven legal solutions.
The ability to work in an integrated multi-disciplinary AI solutions team, collaborating with lawyers, project managers, operations teams, apprentices/paralegals and trainees, is also valued. If you are passionate about data, privacy, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and digital innovation, and want to be part of a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you.
Principal Associate - Commercial - Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity in Birmingham employer: Browne Jacobson
Browne Jacobson is an award-winning law firm that prioritises employee development and innovation, offering a dynamic work culture that embraces hybrid working for a balanced lifestyle. With a strong focus on training in cutting-edge technologies like AI, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth while contributing to impactful legal solutions across diverse sectors. Join us in a collaborative environment where your expertise in data protection and cybersecurity will be valued and nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Associate - Commercial - Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who work in data protection and cybersecurity. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss recent developments in data protection laws and emerging technologies during interviews. This will demonstrate your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with data privacy and cybersecurity clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our dynamic team at Browne Jacobson.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Associate - Commercial - Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Associate role. Highlight your experience in data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity, and don’t forget to mention any relevant technologies like AI that you’ve worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about data protection and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience in advising clients and managing compliance initiatives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves mentoring junior associates, make sure to highlight any leadership experience you have. Talk about how you've supported team members in the past and contributed to business development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Browne Jacobson
✨Know Your Data Protection Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK and EU data protection laws, especially GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Be ready to discuss how these regulations apply to various sectors, as this will show your depth of knowledge and relevance to the role.
✨Showcase Your Tech Savvy
Since the role involves emerging technologies like AI, be prepared to talk about your experience with digital risk frameworks and any legal tech tools you've used. Mentioning your familiarity with tools like Legora can really set you apart!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This position requires mentoring junior associates, so think of examples where you've led a team or project. Highlight your ability to manage stakeholders and how you've contributed to business development in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific data protection challenges or cyber incidents. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to demonstrate your practical approach to problem-solving.
