Contentious Cyber & Data Associate - Leading London Firm

Overview 

A Leading London Firm is seeking a Contentious Cyber & Data Associate (2–4 PQE) to join its highly regarded Media & Information Litigation team. The role will involve advising on complex cyber incidents, data breaches, contentious data protection matters and regulatory investigations, with the opportunity to develop expertise across wider areas of information law, including defamation and privacy disputes.

The Firm

A Leading London Firm with a diverse and entrepreneurial client base, advising an impressive range of clients from innovative start-ups and global corporations to established industry leaders, household names, private individuals and family offices.

The firm is recognised for its sector specialisms and combines this expertise with a full range of traditional legal services to deliver tailored, commercially focused solutions.

Offering a collegiate, vibrant and supportive working environment, the firm places significant emphasis on professional development, career progression and providing its lawyers with the opportunity to develop their expertise and achieve their ambitions.

The Role

The firm's highly regarded Media & Information Group is recognised as a leader in information litigation, with a rapidly growing Cyber & Data practice.

An opportunity has arisen for a Contentious Cyber & Data Associate with 2–4 years' PQE to join the team in London.

The successful candidate will work closely with Partners and Senior Associates, advising on urgent, complex, high-profile and often sensitive crisis matters across a broad range of information disputes, particularly cyber incidents and contentious data protection matters.

The role will also provide an excellent opportunity to broaden expertise into other areas of information law, including defamation, malicious falsehood, misuse of private information, harassment and blackmail.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on contentious cyber and data protection matters, with experience managing the full lifecycle of cyber incidents.
• Supporting clients through high-pressure breach response and crisis management, including ransomware attacks, data breaches, DDoS attacks and cyber hacks.
• Providing associated legal and regulatory advice, including compliance guidance to clients both verbally and in writing.
• Advising on notification strategies, regulatory engagement and correspondence with the ICO, including potential enforcement matters.
• Applying knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, ICO guidance and relevant EU legislation.
• Advising on and handling subject access requests, including defending and making applications, alongside other regulatory compliance matters.
• Managing contentious matters arising following cyber incidents, including information and data litigation, dispute resolution and legal proceedings.
• Advising both claimants and defendants on data subject and third-party claims arising from cyber and data breaches.
• Supporting clients with breach preparation, simulation exercises, post-incident communications and working alongside specialist technical cyber partners.
• Providing commercially focused and pragmatic risk management advice to a diverse client base.
• Developing expertise across the wider information law practice, including defamation, malicious falsehood, misuse of private information, harassment and blackmail.

The Ideal Candidate

• 2 - 4 years' PQE with a strong background in contentious data protection and cyber matters.
• Experience advising on cyber incidents, breach response and crisis management.
• Strong knowledge of UK data protection legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience handling information disputes, litigation and post-breach claims.
• Commercially minded, with the confidence to manage direct client relationships and provide pragmatic advice.
• A genuine interest in media and information law, with enthusiasm for developing expertise across the wider practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• A collaborative team player who is equally comfortable working independently.
• An interest in business development, networking and presenting to clients and peers.