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Senior In-House Lawyer/Specialist: Data Privacy and Governance

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our growing Data Privacy Team based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

This position is ideal for lawyers with 5+ years of PQE or non-lawyers with a proven track record in risk management or in-house legal teams. If you have a keen interest in data governance, cybersecurity, and incident response, this role is perfect for you.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a truly global team and play a vital role in supporting A&O Shearman's privacy and data governance program. The mission of the Data Privacy Team is to foster a strong culture of data protection compliance and good data governance throughout the firm, while providing pragmatic and business-focused advice. The team advises the global business on:

  • data protection compliance globally
  • data and AI governance
  • cyber security and data incident response

What you will do

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advise on compliance with privacy laws and data governance requirements globally, responding to queries from colleagues worldwide
  • Work with a diverse range of stakeholders globally to deliver the firm's privacy program in a pragmatic and business-focussed way
  • Provide support and advice on data incident response
  • Contribute to and advise on the development of the firm's market-leading AI governance programme
  • Partner with stakeholders on technology and data innovations to ensure good data handling practices and privacy by design
  • Develop and deliver training and communication plans
  • Create and maintain records, policies, guidance, and pro-forma documentation related to data protection compliance, incident response, and data governance best practices
  • Help manage and support junior members of the team in their professional development
  • Support all aspects of the Chief Privacy Officer's work

What you will have

  • Extensive experience in providing directive and pragmatic advice in a commercial context
  • Experience of, or a strong interest in, advising a wide range of business stakeholders on data privacy, information security and data handling issues
  • Experience of working in an international corporate or professional services environment
  • Strong working knowledge of a range of IT systems and office applications and a willingness to adapt to evolving digital tools and processes
  • Self-motivation and the ability to tackle new and varied challenges
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • A collaborative approach and the ability to work well in a team and with a wide range of business stakeholders

Desirable

  • Experience of managing global business change projects
  • A relevant data privacy qualification such as CIPP/A, CIPP/E or CIPM
  • Experience of working in a risk function or equivalent

What we can offer you

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

Senior In-House Lawyer/Specialist: Data Privacy and Governance

Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Full-Time

Published on 29/08/2025

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