Partner – Head of Data Protection team – Senior Data Protection Solicitor

Partner – Head of Data Protection team – Senior Data Protection Solicitor

We are growing our commercial team and have exciting opportunities for Senior Data Protection Solicitors with 10+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) to join the team. The workload is varied and you will support businesses of different sizes across a range of sectors.

About Harper James

Harper James is a modern, ambitious law firm built to support entrepreneurial businesses with accessible, high-quality legal services. We combine legal expertise with a commercial mindset and a scalable operating model designed for growth.

Remote working

We offer truly remote working, with access to meeting space in Birmingham, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Oxford, Southampton, Cardiff and Sheffield.

We work hard to make sure our lawyers feel part of the team. We collaborate on client and internal projects, share ideas and enjoy each other’s company. Our remote set-up lets you work from where suits you, giving you the flexibility you need, whatever the reason.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for an experienced senior data protection solicitor with 10+ years’ PQE and substantial experience advising businesses on UK and European data protection law.

You’ll lead the development of our data protection practice, combining hands-on client work with responsibility for the team and its services.

Key responsibilities

• Leading, supporting and developing colleagues, with clear expectations and constructive feedback

• Helping grow the team as client demand and the service develop

• Managing workloads and maintaining consistent, high-quality advice

• Building client relationships and identifying opportunities to grow the practice

• Leading on the development of DPO as a service, data protection health checks, shaping clear service scopes, pricing and delivery approaches

• Standardising suitable processes, templates and guidance to improve consistency and efficiency

• Using legal technology and automation responsibly, while maintaining appropriate oversight

• Sharing knowledge and working across teams to give clients joined-up advice

You’ll have the opportunity to influence both what we offer and how we deliver it, making data protection support easier for clients to access and helping colleagues work effectively.

Your technical experience will include:

• UK data protection compliance, governance and risk

• Data subject rights requests and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)

• International data transfers, ePrivacy, cookies and direct marketing

• Data processing and data-sharing agreements

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology issues

• Data breach response, incident management and engagement with regulators

• The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and wider international privacy developments

• Special category and other sensitive data across different sectors

• Data protection advice on technology, commercial, corporate and employment matters

You’ll also bring:

• Experience managing and developing people, including supporting performance and having constructive conversations

• A track record of leading matters and managing client relationships

• A commercial approach to developing services and recognising client needs

• Experience improving delivery through consistent processes, knowledge sharing or technology

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills

• The ability to turn complex legal and technical issues into clear, practical guidance

You’ll be comfortable working with growing and innovative businesses. You’ll understand when clients need specialist advice and when a proportionate, repeatable service can meet their needs.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft 365 and SharePoint to organise work and collaborate. You’ll also be open to using AI tools and automation where they genuinely improve delivery.

The Harper James difference

We are a tech-driven, agile law firm. Our lawyers have access to legal technology that helps maximise efficiency, productivity and work-life balance.

We welcome proactive, self-motivated solicitors who thrive in a modern workplace and care about delivering an excellent client experience. We are relaxed and informal, but super organised. We trust you to manage your work responsibly and support you to succeed.

You’ll excel as part of the Harper James team if you:

• Are a quick learner, ready to adapt to new systems and technologies

• Are excited to use AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity

• Have a solid working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Can confidently use SharePoint to manage and collaborate on projects

• Have a keen eye for detail when drafting documents, ensuring consistency and professionalism

• Communicate openly and are comfortable having constructive conversations to find solutions

• Value collaboration, humility and helping your colleagues succeed

The bottom line

This is an opportunity to play an important part in the growth of the business, working with a great team of people who all contribute to our continued success. We offer:

• A collaborative working environment where there’s no room for office politics
• Competitive salary
• 33 days’ holiday, including public holidays, with the option to buy up to five additional days each year
• Private healthcare
• Death in service benefit
• Access to our electric car scheme
• Flexible working as part of a fully remote but connected team

NO AGENCIES PLEASE