Associate​/Principal Associate - Contentious Data Protection & Information Governance

We are seeking a data protection and information law specialist, whether a qualified solicitor or an experienced practitioner, to join our contentious data protection and information governance team.

Working across key sectors such as education, health, life sciences, technology and charities, as well as supporting international clients, you will provide expert advice on a wide range of contentious and regulatory matters. You'll collaborate closely with our supportive data, privacy and information law group to deliver high‑quality, specialist guidance.

• Working on high-profile matters involving major cyber incidents and complex DSARs.
• Supporting investigations from the ICO and First-tier Tribunal matters.
• Working across all of our sectors and with international clients.
• Developing niche expertise in contentious GDPR and cyber work.
• Contributing to client training, thought leadership and business development.
• Clear progression pathways supported by mentoring and structured development.

The most important requirement for this role is a strong understanding of the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, particularly around data breaches and data subject access requests (“DSARs”) DSARs.

This role suits someone who enjoys the applied, judgment‑based aspects of data protection work and wants to develop further in a contentious and regulatory environment.

• Qualified solicitors with 1–8 years' PQE, and
• Non‑qualified individuals with strong hands‑on experience in DSARs, data breaches, cyber incidents or GDPR compliance (e.g. in‑house data protection practitioners, legal executives, specialist advisors, senior paralegals).

• Practical experience advising on GDPR and Data Protection Act matters.
• Hands‑on experience with DSARs and data breaches.
• Excellent communication and organisation skills.
• A collaborative working style and willingness to learn.

You will advise clients on a wide range of contentious data protection issues, from personal data breaches, DSAR strategy and cyber incidents to ICO investigations, third‑party data requests and the handling of personal data in internal processes.

The role also includes supporting tribunal matters and pre‑action correspondence arising from data breaches, as well as guiding clients through the exercise of data subject rights.

As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.  to find out more about our core benefit offering.

If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre‑employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three‑year employment history and a self‑declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre‑screening employment process are available upon request.

Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it.

We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations.

Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision – achieving more for clients. By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. We're also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People.

Our mantra is “Achieve more. Together.”, which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase!

Our values are the principles that help us fulfil our purpose. Our people shaped them and live them every day.

• We're ambitious - We aim high, we embrace new ideas and we're passionate about our work
• We're open - We communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what's right
• We care - We're committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet
• We collaborate - We're easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done – together

Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.

To find out more about our diversity and inclusion work, visit our website .