Senior Data Protection Solicitor – Head of Data Protection Team

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Spearhead the development of Harper James’s data protection practice.

• Blend hands-on client engagement with team leadership and service oversight.

• Mentor, support, and enhance colleagues through clear expectations and constructive feedback.

• Contribute to team growth in response to client demand and service evolution.

• Oversee workloads while ensuring consistent, high-quality advisory services.

• Foster client relationships and pinpoint opportunities to expand the practice.

• Direct the evolution of DPO as a service, data protection health assessments, service scopes, pricing, and delivery methods.

• Standardize processes, templates, and guidelines to enhance consistency and efficiency.

• Responsibly leverage legal technology and automation with proper oversight.

• Disseminate knowledge and collaborate across commercial, technology, corporate, and employment teams.

• Influence how Harper James supports clients and provides practical, scalable services.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years’ PQE.

• Extensive experience in advising businesses on UK and European data protection law.

• Proven experience in managing and developing team members, including facilitating performance discussions.

• Demonstrated history of leading matters and managing client relationships effectively.

• A commercial mindset toward service development and understanding client needs.

• Experience in enhancing service delivery through consistent processes, knowledge sharing, or technology utilization.

• Excellent drafting and negotiation capabilities.

• Proficient in translating complex legal and technical matters into clear, actionable guidance.

• Experience with UK data protection compliance, governance, and risk management.

• Familiarity with data subject rights requests and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs).

• Knowledge of international data transfers, ePrivacy, cookies, and direct marketing.

• Experience with data processing and data-sharing agreements.

• Exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology issues.

• Background in data breach response, incident management, and engagement with regulators.

• Understanding of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and broader international privacy developments.

• Experience handling special category and other sensitive data across various sectors.

• Capability to provide data protection advice related to technology, commercial, corporate, and employment matters.

• Comfortable collaborating with growing and innovative businesses.

• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint.

• Willingness to embrace AI tools and automation when they genuinely enhance service delivery.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary.

• 33 days’ holiday, including public holidays, with the option to purchase up to five additional days each year.

• Private healthcare coverage.

• Death in service benefit.

• Access to our electric car scheme.

• Flexible working arrangements as part of a fully remote yet connected team.

• Career advancement opportunities not solely dependent on PQE.

• No client following is necessary.