Contentious Commercial, Data and Technology Associate

Stephenson Harwood LLP; City of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An international law firm is seeking a mid-level Contentious Commercial, Data and Technology Associate to join their CDT team. This role focuses on handling complex cyber and data disputes, showcasing strong litigation expertise and client relationship management. The ideal candidate will have a law degree, experience in commercial disputes, and a commitment to business development. This position offers an opportunity to thrive in a supportive and diverse working environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in cross-jurisdictional commercial disputes.
• Experience at a firm with a highly regarded disputes practice.
• Ability to manage technically complex contentious matters.

Responsibilities

• Assist with claims related to data and cyber incidents.
• Work on disputes from complex technology projects.
• Advise on incident response planning and strategies.
• Manage data and cyber security incident responses.
• Support investigations into data protection and privacy issues.

Skills

Excellent academics

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Strong litigation background

Demonstrated interest in cyber and technology law

Strong commercial awareness

Ability to work to deadlines

Ability to build working relationships

Commitment to business development

Understanding of GDPR and DPA 2018

Education

Degree in Law

Job description

Contentious Commercial, Data and Technology Associate

What We Will Offer
We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.
For an accessible format, please contact [e-mail]

Team Structure
The role sits within the Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked Commercial, Data, and Technology (“CDT”) team within the Intellectual Property, Technology and Data Group, which is highly regarded globally, comprising 9 partners and 19 associates. The CDT team advises on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including commercial agreements, outsourcing, technology, data protection and cyber. Whilst the team works for clients across a broad range of market sectors, our matters often involve clients in the financial services, technology, life sciences, hotels and leisure, art and transportation industries, aligning with a number of the firm’s key areas of focus.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and commercially-minded mid-level associate to join the team. We are seeking an individual with strong experience in cross-jurisdictional commercial disputes and regulatory investigations, with a focus on cyber, technology and data. Working as part of a team alongside partner Joanne Elieli, the firm’s cyber lead, this role will be focussed on supporting clients through complex cyber, data, and technology-related disputes and investigations. In addition to playing a key part in advising on a range of contentious matters, you will also be involved in responding to data and cyber incidents and the associated crisis management.

Main Responsibilities

• Assisting with claims relating to data and/or cyber incidents or infringements of data protection laws, including defending collective actions and follow-on litigation, handling supplier, B2B and B2C claims, and managing other litigation arising out of data and cyber breaches.
• Working on disputes arising from complex, high-value technology projects, including software/hardware implementation, IT outsourcing, software licensing, website design, payment systems, and the use of AI.
• Advising clients on all aspects of cyber risk management, including incident response planning and engaging with preparedness strategies, such as cyber simulations and cyber training.
• Advising on the end-to-end management of data and cyber security incidents, including immediate incident response, engaging PR specialists and IT forensics, advising on and managing reporting and notification obligations, and coordinating foreign counsel where necessary.
• Supporting investigations (internal and regulatory) into data protection and privacy issues, including those involving the UK GDPR and the DPA 2018, and addressing any associated regulatory enforcement action.
• Building excellent working relationships with new and existing clients and identifying opportunities to expand the firm’s cyber, technology and data disputes offering.
• Participating in and contributing to internal and external business development initiatives, including preparing pitches, attending and speaking at industry events, and contributing to thought leadership and client seminars.

Attributes/Skills Required

• Excellent academics, and exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working at a firm with a highly regarded disputes practice, with a proven track record in handling relevant matters at the appropriate level.
• Strong litigation background, with the confidence and appetite to manage technically complex contentious matters, including litigation/arbitration, ADR and regulatory investigations.
• Demonstrated interest in cyber, data protection, and technology law, including the UK GDPR and DPA 2018.
• Ability to acquire, consolidate and apply up-to-date knowledge of the law in a fast-paced sector.
• Strong commitment to business development to support the growth of the contentious CDT practice.
• Strong commercial awareness, including an understanding of clients’ business needs and the broader commercial context in which legal advice is provided.
• Ability to work to deadlines efficiently, with the ability to handle pressure and prioritise effectively.
• Ability to develop excellent working relationships at all levels and within all roles, through respect and collaboration.
• Demonstrated understanding of the firm’s position in the market and how it distinguishes its services from its competitors.
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive firm culture.

About The Firm

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm, and we're committed to creating 'positive partnerships' with our clients. We represent listed and private companies, institutions and individuals, building lasting relationships to help them succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. Our focus is on five core sectors: Energy Transition, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Private Capital and Funds, Technology, and Transportation and Trade. With more than 1,400 people, including 210+ partners, across eight offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we combine deep legal capabilities and broad commercial expertise. We have also forged close ties with high quality law firms around the world, blending local knowledge with global savvy for clients in over 100 countries. We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Our Brand Strengths: GO FAR, GO TOGETHER; EXPERTS IN MORE THAN LAW; CAN DO PERSONALITIES; ALWAYS READY.

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm’s strategy and business needs.