Data Protection Solicitor / FCILEX (5+ PQE) – Exeter

Overview

In this role you will lead complex data protection matters within a specialist IP, Data & Tech team. You will advise on UK GDPR, DPA 2018 and related laws, draft key privacy documents, and guide clients through data incidents. You will build relationships with clients and mentor junior lawyers while contributing to business development. This role sits in a leading Southwest practice with a strong focus on tech, IP and sensitive data challenges. Your work will shape how clients govern and respond to data protection issues at scale.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary + annual profit share
• Hybrid working and flexible hours
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off
• Private medical
• life assurance & wellbeing support
• Career development, mentorship & training

Responsibilities

• Advise on UK GDPR, DPA 2018, PECR and related legislation
• Draft and review privacy policies, DPIAs, and data processing agreements
• Lead audits, gap analyses and compliance programmes
• Guide clients through data breaches and incident response
• Collaborate on commercial and tech-related matters
• Build client relationships and contribute to business development
• Mentor junior lawyers (Senior Associate level)

Key requirements

• 5+ years’ PQE in data protection/privacy law
• PGCert/PGDip or equivalent specialist qualification
• Deep knowledge of UK/EU legislation and ICO guidance
• Experience advising on governance, risk and compliance
• Strong drafting and communication skills
• Commercial mindset and client-facing confidence
• Collaborative, proactive and team-oriented
• Background in tech/IP/data environments is an advantage

• Collaborative mindset
• Strong communication
• Client-facing confidence
• UK GDPR
• DPA 2018
• PECR

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