Senior Legal Counsel

DLA Piper; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - GBP 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global law firm is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel specializing in Privacy and Data Governance to provide expert legal advice on data protection regulations. The ideal candidate will work closely with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with UK and international laws. With a law degree and substantial experience, you will conduct Privacy Impact Assessments and lead risk mitigation efforts within the firm. This position offers excellent career prospects in an inclusive and dynamic environment.

Benefits

Training support

Career development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of GDPR and UK Data Protection Act.
• Experience in conducting Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs).
• Proven ability to advise senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal oversight for data protection.
• Lead risk mitigation initiatives related to privacy.
• Advise on complex, multi-jurisdictional privacy matters.

Skills

Global data protection laws

Privacy law training

Risk assessment

Analytical skills

Education

Law degree with admission to practice

Professional certifications like CIPP/E

Job description

DLA Piper are looking to hire a Senior Legal Counsel Privacy and Data Governance, to advise on all legal issues relating to data protection and privacy, AI and professional regulatory obligations, both in the UK and Internationally. The in-house team works closely with the Board, Managing Partner, Senior Partner and Executive management of the firm.

We offer first rate support in the form of training, manager time, excellent career prospects and an opportunity to play a role in the development of a key team in one of the world's most exciting and dynamic law firms.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal oversight by regularly assessing and advising on the effectiveness of data protection controls, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and firm policies, and recommending remediation measures where necessary
• Lead risk mitigation initiatives through the development and implementation of communication strategies, training programs, and practical solutions addressing identified areas of privacy risk
• Design and deliver privacy law training tailored to diverse audiences across the firm, ensuring alignment with global regulatory requirements and best practices
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support firm-wide initiatives driven by internal and external trends, reducing risk exposure across practice groups and business functions
• Act as a key liaison with stakeholders in related disciplines—such as Human Resources, AI and Data, Marketing, IT, Procurement, and Business Services—to ensure integrated and consistent privacy compliance across the organisation
• Advise on complex, multi-jurisdictional privacy matters, working closely with Privacy Partners across global offices and engaging outside counsel where appropriate to address local regulatory requirements and emerging legal issues
• Conduct comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments, and compliance audits to ensure adherence to applicable legal and regulatory requirements
• Provide expert legal advice on compliance with professional regulatory obligations and emerging legislative frameworks governing artificial intelligence

About you

• Comprehensive understanding of global data protection and privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, UK Data Protection Act) and related regulatory frameworks
• Strong knowledge of professional regulatory obligations and emerging legislation governing artificial intelligence
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legal requirements across multiple jurisdictions
• Demonstrated experience conducting Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments, and compliance audits
• Skilled in identifying areas of risk exposure and developing practical, legally sound solutions to mitigate those risks
• Proven ability to provide high-level legal counsel to senior stakeholders and influence organisational strategy
• Experience in designing and delivering privacy law training programs tailored to various levels within a global firm
• Ability to work effectively with diverse internal stakeholders
• Exceptional analytical skills for assessing trends and translating regulatory requirements into actionable guidance
• Law degree and admission to practice in a relevant jurisdiction
• Significant post-qualification experience in data privacy, governance, and compliance within a global or multi-office environment
• Professional certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM, or equivalent are highly desirable
• Able to handle multiple priorities, working to sometimes conflicting timescales in a fast-paced and challenging environment

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

Locations:

• London, United Kingdom
• Manchester, United Kingdom
• Birmingham, United Kingdom
• Leeds, United Kingdom

Requesting Adjustments

At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.

Agile Working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.

Staying in touch with like-minded people is important to us.Our Talent Community provides unique access to our firm so you can discover why we are a different kind of law firm.

We pride ourselves on the extraordinary impact we make beyond the borders of traditional law. That’s only possible because of the skills our business professionals bring and the environment we create to let them thrive. See where your skills could take you.