Senior Legal Counsel, Data Protection in London

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.

We’re hiring for a Senior Legal Counsel, Global Data Protection & Privacy as part of dentsu in London.

Purpose of the Role

This role is a great opportunity to tackle some of the most challenging data protection issues arising from cutting-edge uses of data in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will join a large and vibrant international community of lawyers who provide practical and focussed legal advice supporting dentsu as it drives sustainable business growth for our clients. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about data protection and will bring energy and enthusiasm to the role. There is plenty of opportunity to develop professional and personal skills, take a leading role in the Legal and Compliance team, and work alongside senior management as a trusted business advisor. While a background in media, technology or AI is not necessary for the role, a keen interest in learning about new technologies and data practices is critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with key areas of the business to be their first point of contact to provide legal and strategic data protection and privacy advice seeking solutions that help minimise risk and resolve issues whilst maximising opportunities for our business to deliver on its goals and protect dentsu’s commercial interests.
• Be at the forefront of advising on and embedding privacy protections and considerations into new and existing global products, often with AI capabilities/functionality, as well as advising on ways to minimise privacy risks both for us and our clients when taking these products to market.
• Act as an escalation point for other members of the legal team on challenging data protection and privacy matters and advise on and negotiate data protection issues within commercial contracts.
• Collaborate effectively with teams across dentsu, including the global data protection office and regional and local legal teams, to help implement and improve the global data protection legal and compliance program including through the creation of globally led standards and guidance.
• Monitor and respond to developments in data protection and information security, including new laws, regulations, key judgements, regulatory guidance etc.
• Advocate the ‘value add’ of privacy advice and support across the company, through conducting training, distribution of globally led privacy thought leadership and more general awareness-raising exercises.

Qualifications + Skills

• A member of a law society or accredited bar organisation, with at least several years’ post-qualification experience.
• A data protection lawyer with deep experience and knowledge of applicable laws and best practices.
• Experience advising on emerging technologies within advertising, media or marketing.
• Strong commercial and business acumen that allows the individual to efficiently and expeditiously compare the relevant legal risks to the scope of commercial strategy and corporate objectives.

What we offer

This is a permanent role. The team is based in our London office but operates under flexible working arrangements. As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Dentsu, we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners, and communities. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Beyond recruitment, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We recognise the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process, please contact us, quoting the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.