Associate - Commercial - Privacy - Leeds, Cambridge or London - 1-4 PQE

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries. We’re full-service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose-led. So although the world is fast-moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive.

The Team: The Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity team, part of our Commercial Advisory practice, is a strategically important part of Eversheds Sutherland which continues to grow in order to meet increasing client demand (and increasingly complex and diverging global laws). We are ranked by both Chambers and Legal 500 for our global expertise in international data privacy, AI, freedom of information and cybersecurity law. Our team is recognised in this area of law as a distinct and dedicated practice area, this means you have the chance to work with seasoned experts to deepen your expertise and practical application of one of the most dynamic fields of law.

Role and Key Responsibilities: We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate (1-4 PQE) to join our highly regarded Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity team of over 165 lawyers globally. You will work as part of our substantial UK privacy team (over 25 lawyers nationwide), advising on international data protection, ePrivacy, cybersecurity, AI, transparency, and information law matters for an enviable client base across multiple sectors.

• Advise on UK and international matters for clients in sectors including technology, consumer, life sciences, financial services, industrial and education.
• Work on projects involving global compliance, cutting-edge product development, AI, cybersecurity, data transfers, sovereignty and digital regulation.
• Represent clients in ICO investigations and Tribunal enforcement actions, as well as information law (including FOIA/EIR) matters for public and, increasingly, private sector clients.
• Collaborate with colleagues across practice groups and international offices, providing specialist input on major global data projects.
• Engage directly with clients and contribute to business development initiatives.

Skills and Experience required:

• Qualified Solicitor with the appropriate practising rights
• 1–4 years Post-Qualification Experience in data privacy, cybersecurity, and related information law.
• Strong knowledge of UK GDPR, EU GDPR, PECR, NIS, EU AI Act and other relevant data and digital regulatory frameworks.
• Experience advising on data transfers, compliance programs and regulatory investigations.
• Familiarity with AI regulation, digital innovation and emerging technologies is desirable, as is experience of FOIA and EIR transparency frameworks.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, organisational and communication skills and a real desire to translate the complex into the accessible for our clients.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage matters independently with appropriate supervision.
• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to client engagement and business development to support the continued growth of our team.

What’s in it for you? At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

• We’re fair, transparent and equitable
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion
• We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs
• We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross-function exposure
• We provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement
• We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance

Diversity & Inclusion: At Eversheds Sutherland, “Inclusive” is a core business value. We bring together different skillsets, global mindsets and approaches. We foster diversity of thought and the freedom to put ideas into action. We have an inherent respect for the individual. We have a strong belief in collaboration and teamwork. Sharing ideas, asking questions, solving challenges and meeting our clients’ goals: together. We want all our people to thrive at work and reach their full potential and we work hard to continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture, monitor and report on our progress and impact, and develop our approach.

Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we are open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process. We want you to perform at your best during our recruitment process. If there is any adjustment or support you need, please contact us so we can discuss how we can best assist you.