The Data Protection Specialist will support the firm’s efforts to ensure compliance with global data protection regulations. This role involves managing data subject rights requests, assisting with data breach incidents, conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), and supporting privacy-related projects, potentially across Europe. You will report to the Privacy Manager and be overseen by the Data Protection Officer (DPO), working closely with teams across the firm to implement and maintain effective data protection practices.

Responsibilities

Support the Data Protection Program:

• Assist in maintaining and implementing data protection policies and procedures to ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations.
• Help update privacy documentation to reflect changes in data protection laws and regulations.
• Keep records of personal data processing activities up-to-date.

Compliance and Monitoring:

• Support the implementation of data protection controls and systems across the firm.
• Assist in conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects.
• Stay updated on data privacy law changes and help adjust policies accordingly.

Incident Management:

• Assist with responding to data protection incidents and breaches, ensuring compliance with reporting timelines.
• Help maintain the incident response process and assist in investigations.

Training and Awareness:

• Help deliver basic data protection training to staff.
• Promote awareness of data protection practices across the firm.

Handling Data Subject Requests:

• Assist with processing data subject requests, including those for access, correction, and deletion of data.
• Ensure all requests are responded to within the required timeframes.

Vendor and Third-Party Management:

• Help assess third-party vendors for data protection compliance.
• Assist in maintaining a record of third-party data protection assessments.

General Data Protection Support:

• Act as a point of contact for internal queries related to data protection.
• Help with preparing reports and documentation for the Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Experience and Knowledge

• Education: A degree in Law, Compliance, Information Security, or a related field. Relevant certifications (CIPP, CIPM) are a plus.
• Experience: Previous experience in data protection or privacy management, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Knowledge: Understanding of global privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), with experience in handling data subject requests and managing data breaches.

Skills and Attributes

• Collaborative: Ability to work effectively with colleagues across departments to implement privacy practices.
• Organised: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Communication: Comfortable presenting privacy-related matters and providing clear guidance to teams.
• Detail-Oriented: High attention to detail, particularly when managing sensitive data.

Who are we looking for?

• We don’t have a type. We believe our differences are our strength; varied cultures, approaches and experience can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.
• Modern Office Space: Located in the iconic Titanic Quarter with excellent commuter links and parking nearby.
• Nurturing your talent: Take a ‘build a career’ approach to your training. You’ll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you’d like to study more closely.
• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion is not exclusive:

If all our differences are highlighted, no one stands out for being different. At Fieldfisher, all our rich diversity is celebrated.

We will provide the equipment to allow you to shine, at interview and beyond. Just let us know what you need.

For accessibility information on our Belfast office, visit: Accessing Fieldfisher Belfast Hub ¦ Fieldfisher

What to do next:

• Click ‘Apply Now’, complete an online application and upload a CV.
• Successful applications will be invited to a 20–30-minute introductory call with a recruiter.
• Every role recruits differently. But we’ll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises.
• For hybrid opportunities, you’ll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting.
• We try to make sure the process takes around 2-3 weeks only, but we can’t always promise that. We will work around everyone’s availability. You can contact us at recruitmenthr@fieldfisher.com.

We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.

The Firm

We are not a UK firm with offices in Europe. We are a European law firm at our core. While our HQ is London, we are spreading across Europe at pace. In addition to UK, China and Silicon Valley we have offices in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

With 1,800 people across 25 offices in 13 countries you might expect an impersonal office culture, but you will find a homely, family feel even in the largest offices.

Quality on both sides
Across all our offices and jurisdictions are market-leading practices in corporate/M&A, finance, real estate, energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences.

We count as clients large corporations including major technology firms, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, energy suppliers, infrastructure companies, global banks and financial institutions.

We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. Applications will be considered on merit and the applicant’s suitability to meet the requirements of the role.

Benefits

Life assurance

Season ticket loans

Bike to work loans

Testimonials

“It is great being in a firm which “gets” cross-office working – to feel properly part of a national team and to work with colleagues in other specialisms who are unconstrained by geography.”

“I consider Fieldfisher to be a progressive firm with an understanding of social values. I’m pleased that staff is able to have input in the firm’s direction and purpose as well as help to shape wider society. I’m encouraged to perform by being able to develop in a natural way, whilst being supported at every step.

Fieldfisher has managed to nurture a really positive and friendly culture. If they have drive and ambition, I would encourage anybody looking for a role here to grab the opportunity.”

“Since joining Fieldfisher in 2016, I have progressed from an entry-level secretarial role to an experienced executive assistant. This was made possible by a supportive and inclusive working environment that allows staff to progress at a pace that is best suited to them which in turn makes for well-rounded, home-grown talent.

The firm strikes a great balance between providing the foundations for success and autonomy of your own growth and development. An insight I would give to potential applicants is that Fieldfisher offers the opportunity for a career and a sense of belonging to a community and not just a job.”

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