At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch legal advice on data protection and cyber matters.
- Company: Join the ICO, a pivotal organisation in the UK's information rights framework.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in data privacy while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or equivalent with experience in information law.
The predicted salary is between 57815 - 65021 £ per year.
Salary
£57,815 - £65,021 pa, with potential for further progression to
£73,211 pa with our pay progression scheme.
Location
Hybrid (contracted to Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office; flexible home & office-based working).
Why work for the ICO?
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- 25 days paid holiday per year, plus public holidays.
- Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days per year).
- Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
- Online discount scheme at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and more.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website.
Job Description
The postholder will be working at a pivotal moment for the organisation and for the UK’s information rights framework.
The ICO is becoming the Information Commission, reflecting our evolving role and responsibilities following the Data (Use and Access) Act, alongside the introduction of a new corporate strategy with refreshed priorities.
The ICO Legal Service plays a central role in delivering this new strategic ambition.
As a lawyer in the Data Privacy Advice team, you will work on high‑profile data protection and cyber matters, providing quality, timely, and risk‑based legal advice in relation to the UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOIA 2000, PECR 2003 and NIS 2018.
You will act under the directions of the Executive Team and senior legal leadership, under the overall supervision of the ICO’s General Counsel.
You will provide technical legal support across the organisation, supervise other lawyers and staff where appropriate, and work with external lawyers.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high quality, timely and risk‑based legal advice on queries received across the ICO.
- Advise decision makers on possible solutions, options and issues requiring consideration.
- Effectively manage a caseload of ongoing legal issues/cases/queries, ensuring compliance with ICO standards, policy and regulatory priorities.
- Ensure guidance published by the ICO is legally accurate and reflects current legislation.
- Liaise with case officers, managers and decision makers, and contribute to project teams as necessary.
- Represent the ICO professionally at key meetings, events, court/tribunal hearings and public speaking engagements.
- Prepare and deliver in‑house training to develop colleagues.
- Oversee the legal aspects of support staff workflow and maintain required standards.
Person Specification
Essential criteria assessed at application stage
- Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales, or holding an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction.
- Current practising certificate (or entitlement to obtain one) from the Law Society or Bar Council.
- Post‑qualification experience in information law or the ability to develop expertise quickly.
- Experience of providing strategic legal advice in a regulatory environment, including knowledge of public law principles.
- Experience liaising with and instructing external lawyers and other organisations.
Essential criteria assessed during interview
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong ability to interpret and apply legislation to specific situations.
- Rapid assimilation of information and sound decision‑making in legal matters.
- Excellent legal analytical skills.
- Effective workload management, particularly in a pressurised environment.
- Understanding of the regulatory environment and the public sector generally.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and endeavour to build an inclusive workplace.
If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria, you will be invited to interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
For alternative application methods or adjustments, please email the HR team.
- Clearance Required
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Lawyer - Data Privacy Advice employer: Information Commissioner’s Office
The ICO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment with hybrid and flexible working options across multiple locations including Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast. Employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to the vital mission of safeguarding information rights in the UK. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the ICO fosters a supportive culture where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Information Commissioner’s Office Recruitment Team
