Associate - TMT

Associate – TMT

Data Privacy, Cyber, & Digital Regulation

Belfast

Exceptional by design. A career at the forefront of cyber, data and technology law.

Join one of the UK's leading Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) and Cyber practices, where your expertise will help clients navigate some of the most complex and business-critical challenges in the digital economy. Pinsent Masons is seeking a talented and motivated lawyer at Associate level (1-3 PQE) to join our market-leading Cyber, Data Privacy & Digital Regulation team.

This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge cyber incidents, complex technology disputes, high-profile regulatory investigations and strategic data privacy matters, while collaborating with leading practitioners across our international network. You will be part of a highly regarded team advising global technology companies, financial institutions, insurers, public sector organisations and multinational businesses operating across a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

The Opportunity

You will play a central role in advising clients on the full spectrum of cyber security, data privacy and digital regulation matters, supporting organisations before, during and after critical incidents, as well as helping them proactively manage regulatory and commercial risk.

Working closely with colleagues across our TMT, Data Privacy and Cyber teams, you will advise on matters ranging from cyber preparedness and incident response to data protection compliance, regulatory investigations, technology disputes and emerging legal issues such as artificial intelligence and online safety regulation.

At Pinsent Masons, your career is exceptional by design: deliberately shaped to encourage technical excellence, sector specialisation and long-term progression. You will contribute to a growing, innovative practice that is consistently recognised as a market leader in cyber security, data privacy and technology law.

What You'll Do

Bring your cyber, data privacy and technology expertise to a team trusted by some of the world's leading organisations. Your role will involve:

• Advising clients on data protection and privacy compliance, including UK GDPR, EU GDPR, international data transfers, privacy notices, direct marketing and e-privacy requirements

• Managing cyber security incidents from initial notification through to resolution, including coordinating forensic investigators, communications advisers, insurers, regulators and international counsel

• Supporting clients with cyber preparedness initiatives, including cyber simulations, incident response planning, training programmes and risk assessments

• Advising on regulatory investigations and enforcement matters involving regulators such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other UK and international authorities

• Providing strategic advice on emerging areas of digital regulation, including artificial intelligence, online safety and evolving cyber security requirements

• Acting on cyber and data privacy litigation, including group claims, representative actions, supplier disputes and recovery actions following cyber incidents

• Advising on complex technology disputes involving software licensing, IT implementation projects, outsourcing agreements and technology contracts

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating data protection provisions within commercial and technology agreements, as well as data sharing, processing and licensing arrangements

• Supervising junior lawyers and taking responsibility for significant client relationships and matter management

• Supporting business development activities, including client presentations, thought leadership, conferences, publications and market engagement

About the Team

Our Cyber, Data Privacy & TMT practice is one of the largest and most established teams in the market, bringing together specialists across a global network of offices. Working directly alongside Anna Flanagan, whose growing team are operating at the zenith of the market, you will also support Laura Gillespie on business-critical contentious matters. You will have the backing of a well-geared and approachable national team, who are highly regarded as leaders within the field.

Specifically, the team advises a broad range of clients, including:

• Global Technology Companies

• Financial Institutions and Insurers

• Government and Public Sector Bodies

• Infrastructure and Energy Organisations

• Multinational Corporations

• Cyber Insurers and Incident Response Providers

The team is recognised for its involvement in some of the most significant cyber, technology and data privacy matters in the UK and internationally, combining deep technical expertise with commercially focused advice. As such, the platform provided to take on the highest quality of work and develop professionally is unparalleled. 

Given the trajectory the team are on, this is an outstanding time to be joining the growth journey. There are myriad opportunities for an ambitious and talented lawyer to take advantage of whilst benefiting from a culture which is progressive, friendly and values each team member as an individual. 

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a technically strong and commercially minded lawyer with experience across cyber security, data privacy, technology disputes or digital regulation.

You will ideally demonstrate:

• Experience advising on data protection and privacy matters, cyber incidents, technology disputes or a combination of these areas

• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, EU GDPR and the wider data protection regulatory framework

• Experience managing complex, high-profile matters involving multiple stakeholders

• The ability to provide pragmatic, risk-based advice to clients operating in fast-paced environments

• Strong drafting, negotiation and client management skills

• Commercial awareness and enthusiasm for technology, cyber security and digital regulation

• A collaborative approach and desire to work across practice groups and jurisdictions

• An interest in business development and building long-term client relationships

• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills

As much of the work is for major international clients, being England and Wales qualified or having a willingness to gain dual qualification is highly desirable. 

Why Pinsent Masons

At Pinsent Masons, we are a purpose-led professional services business committed to creating a career experience that is exceptional by design. We offer:

• High-quality, intellectually stimulating work with leading global clients

• Exposure to some of the most significant cyber, technology and data privacy matters in the market

• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture where people can thrive

• Clear and transparent opportunities for career development and progression

• Access to market-leading training and specialist sector expertise

• Flexible and agile working arrangements

• Early responsibility and opportunities to build meaningful client relationships