Associate General Counsel - Commercial Privacy (EMEA) in London

Associate General Counsel - Commercial Privacy (EMEA) in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Thetradedesk

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Negotiate privacy terms and advise on data protection in a fast-paced AdTech environment.
  • Company: Join The Trade Desk, a leading global tech company in digital advertising.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on privacy solutions that shape the future of digital advertising.
  • Qualifications: 6+ years legal experience with expertise in GDPR and commercial contracts.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

The Trade Desk is a global technology company and the world’s leading independent platform for digital advertising, with nearly 4,000 employees across more than 30 offices.

Our technology helps advertisers reach the right audiences across the open internet — from streaming TV and podcasts to mobile apps, news, and more.

Advertising powers the content people love.

By making it more transparent, effective, and responsible, we help support trusted journalism, quality entertainment, and creators worldwide.

The world’s brands and agencies rely on us to reach their customers and grow their businesses responsibly.

The scale of our platform brings unique technical challenges — from processing massive datasets in real time to building systems that operate reliably on a global scale.

When you work here, your impact is worldwide.

We welcome diverse perspectives, encourage curiosity, and build teams that learn from one another.

If you’re driven to solve meaningful challenges, we’d love to meet you.

What we do

We have a well established Legal department comprising c65 employees with our Privacy team in particular, having representation across the globe.

This role presents a great opportunity to work on unique privacy issues and contribute to strategic deal negotiations at the forefront of the Ad Tech industry, in a vibrant and fast‑paced environment.

  • You will join our
  • Platform
  • Legal

Team: we build and deploy privacy solutions intended to redefine the digital advertising ecosystem and support an open internet, and we set the company's regional legal strategy across the full range of our commercial offerings.

You will have genuine ownership and a direct line to the business teams that lead strategic deals for the region.

We are looking for you to take a prominent role in negotiating privacy terms across a wide range of commercial deals in both EMEA and APAC, and advise the business on strategic privacy matters across the regions.

This is a hands‑on, negotiation‑focused role: working as part of a team of lawyers supporting the region, you will structure and negotiate the privacy terms that make our partnerships work, while also contributing to our broader privacy compliance framework.

This role calls for genuine depth in privacy and data protection law, paired with the commercial instinct to turn that expertise into deals that get done.

As a self‑motivated and expert legal professional, you will exercise sound, independent legal judgment in high‑stakes circumstances.

You will work extensively with your business counterparts across sales, product, and procurement to translate complex legal and privacy issues into practical and creative solutions that move deals forward while keeping privacy risk well managed.

What you’ll do

  • Act as a trusted privacy adviser to our sales and client teams, advising on the data‑protection issues that shape our business, products, and commercial relationships.
  • Drive complex commercial privacy negotiations including: data and ad inventory agreements, measurement and attribution deals, client advertising agreements, and strategic partnerships, as well as associated DPAs.
  • Lead privacy support for procurement and vendor agreements including negotiation of vendor privacy terms and vendor DPAs, while partnering with Procurement Legal, Security, and business partners to develop scalable approaches to vendor risk.
  • Own and continually evolve our cross‑border data transfer framework.
  • Provide privacy legal analysis on the regional regulatory developments that most affect our deals and products, including the EU and UK GDPR, APAC frameworks, and cross‑border transfer rules.
  • Design and oversee privacy regulatory monitoring programs, identifying developments that may affect The Trade Desk’s products, services, contractual commitments, and compliance obligations, and translating those developments into practical business guidance.
  • Contribute to the privacy processes, playbooks and templates that keep our support consistent and efficient, drawing on outside counsel and regional advisers where specialist input is needed.

Who you are

  • You are admitted to practice law in England or in an EU jurisdiction.
  • 6+ years of relevant post‑qualification legal experience.
  • Substantial, hands‑on experience negotiating and drafting sophisticated data and privacy terms for high‑value commercial contracts, together with an enthusiasm for getting into the detail of a deal.
  • Deep expertise, including GDPR, UK Data (Use and Access) Act, e Privacy, cross‑border international data transfer requirements, and other emerging digital regulation.
  • Prior experience in advertising technology, digital advertising, identity, measurement, data partnerships, retail media, or related technology sectors strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with APAC privacy laws is a plus.
  • Able to independently lead high‑impact legal negotiations and provide pragmatic, business‑friendly advice to clients in ambiguous and fast‑moving environments.

You provide thought leadership and operate as a true partner to our business counterparts.

  • You build effective relationships with internal cross‑functional partners established on trust, respect, and confidence.

You are able to build consensus and aim for results in a collaborative and supportive work environment.

  • You are comfortable building the scalable processes, playbooks and templates that make privacy and deal support faster and more consistent.
  • You are constantly seeking to keep abreast of current events in the wider Privacy and Regulatory Compliance community and have a keen interest in the underlying technology we support.
  • You work with diligence and organization, and proactively project‑manage your tasks from onset to completion.

We know that strong candidates rarely tick every box. If most of this sounds like you, we would still love to hear from you.

The Trade Desk does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm recruiters.

Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of The Trade Desk.

The Trade Desk is an equal opportunity employer.

All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trade Desk is committed to creating an inclusive hiring experience where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Please reach out to us at to request an accommodation or discuss any accessibility needs you may require to access our Company Website or navigate any part of the hiring process.

When you contact us, please include your preferred contact details and specify the nature of your accommodation request or questions.

Any information you share will be handled confidentially and will not impact our hiring decisions.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Associate General Counsel - Commercial Privacy (EMEA) in London employer: Thetradedesk

The Trade Desk is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Lead Staff Systems Reliability Engineer. With access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to work on global-scale challenges, employees are encouraged to grow through mentorship and diverse perspectives. The company's commitment to inclusivity and employee development ensures that every team member can thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in the digital advertising space.

Thetradedesk

Contact Details:

Thetradedesk Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate General Counsel - Commercial Privacy (EMEA) in London

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

Tap into Online Legal Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Thetradedesk, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.

Leverage Your University’s Career Services

If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate General Counsel - Commercial Privacy (EMEA) in London

Privacy Law Expertise
Data Protection Law
GDPR Knowledge
Negotiation Skills
Commercial Contract Drafting
Cross-Border Data Transfer Compliance
Regulatory Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Thetradedesk, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Thetradedesk and the specific role of Associate General Counsel - Commercial Privacy (EMEA). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Thetradedesk’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Thetradedesk

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Thetradedesk.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Thetradedesk.