IT & Data Protection Associate (2-3 PQE)

About Withersworldwide

Withersworldwide has been acting for successful individuals, businesses and institutions for 125 years. We advise clients on their business, personal and philanthropic needs both at home and abroad. In this fast moving and increasingly regulated world the need for integrated and timely advice has never been more urgent.

We are recognised as the leading international law firm for successful people. With offices in Europe, Asia, the United States and the Caribbean we provide coverage across the world that other law firms focussed on the individual cannot. We have represented 70% of the Top-100 ‘Sunday Times Rich List’, as well as a significant number of people listed in the US (Forbes) and Asian (Hurun) Rich Lists.

The firm consists of three global legal Divisions: Business; Dispute Resolution and Private Client & Tax. Each Division is headed by a Divisional CEO and Divisional Operating Officer, working with the CEO of the global firm.

About Withers tech

Withers tech is a global venture capital and technology legal practice serving disruptors and innovators in the technology and life sciences sectors. Our experts operate out of the firm’s core territories in Europe (London, Cambridge and Milan), the US (Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York), and APAC (Singapore and Hong Kong), offering a global solution to clients seeking to scale and expand internationally.

The Withers tech team has been at the centre of the UK's thriving technology and venture capital sector for over a decade, advising on some of the most high-profile issues.

Having been established with the mission of supporting and driving the growth of the innovation economy, Withers tech is responsible for driving forward the convergence of innovation and technology with other practice areas within Withersworldwide. Our lawyers support firm-wide global initiatives addressing the rapidly changing landscape of 'traditional', long-established sectors which historically have been slower to adopt innovation such as Real Estate, Hotels & Hospitality, Fashion & Luxury Brands and Sport. We also help drive forward social impact investment and innovative funding strategies for family offices, charities and philanthropic donations.

The Role

We are looking for a highly motivated associate with specialist knowledge in data protection and IT contracts to join the Withers tech team.  The successful candidate will:

• Be advising high-growth, venture-backed technology companies (or their investors) on data protection and privacy compliance. 
• Be required to help navigate the risks and articulate the unknowns (often to companies that are seeking to disrupt traditional industries).
• Be advising clients and organisations across a wide range of sectors (including software, professional services, FMCG, art and culture, sport, hotels and leisure as well as a number of major UK and international charities) on data protection issues including data protection issues in contracts, compliance programmes, audits, privacy notices, marketing/advertising issues, cookies, data transfers, subject access requests, complaints and dealing with data breaches.
• Assist clients in relation to dealing with regulatory enquiries, investigations and enforcement actions involving the Information Commissioners Office and other authorities.
• Work closely with our other teams Europe, the US and Far East on data protection matters with an international angle.
• Have experience and interest in advising on, drafting and negotiating technology contracts and commercial contracts for our tech clients more generally, including SaaS agreements, software development agreements and licences, IT services and outsourcing agreements, as well as online terms and conditions.

Working with the wider Withers technology, data protection and privacy team across its international offices, the role is ideal for an ambitious and driven lawyer who wants to gain first class experience in working on cutting edge data protection matters for a diverse range of clients, whilst also still being involved in the drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts for our exciting technology client base.

Key skills and experience

• 2-3 years post qualification experience
• Excellent academics and the benefit of a broad training in a well-regarded data protection/commercial/IP team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, technical ability and solid drafting skills
• Effective team player - able to work effectively with colleagues in a vibrant but close-knit, friendly environment
• An engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice in the UK and internationally
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset
• Good commercial awareness and a pragmatic outlook is also important
• Familiarity with using IT e.g. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 6 month probation period
• 12 week notice period
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

We endeavour to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, we operate a preferred supplier list ('PSL') and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is our policy to provide equal opportunities for all employees/prospective employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.

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