Intellectual Property, Data Protection and Technology
At Stephens Scown, every day is what we make it. So we make it matter. Doing notable work for notable clients, building our skills with talented people and having a positive impact on our communities sits at the heart of everything we do.
We don’t just say it, we live it. Our commitment to our people, clients and communities runs through our DNA. We are employee-owned, we are a Certified B CorporationTM, and we are featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 list – ensuring our culture and ethos of going above and beyond for our people, our colleagues and our communities is recognised nationally.
We’re looking for an experienced and ambitious Data Protection Lawyer (Associate or Senior Associate) to join our highly regarded Intellectual Property & Data Protection (IPDP) team. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career with a forward-thinking firm and work with a dynamic team on cutting-edge matters.
This role focuses on providing expert advice on a wide range of data protection and privacy matters to clients across sectors, including tech, creative industries, education, healthcare, and the public sector.
You will:
- Advise clients on UK GDPR, DPA 2018, PECR and other relevant legislation
- Draft and review data protection documentation (e.g. privacy policies, DPIAs, data processing agreements)
- Support clients with data protection audits, gap analyses and compliance programs
- Advise on data breaches and support incident response
- Work on commercial matters involving data and technology, often alongside IP and Technology lawyers
- Build strong client relationships and contribute to business development
- Supervise and mentor junior team members (for Senior Associate level)
You’ll be working within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of specialists that value knowledge sharing, innovation and a practical, commercial approach to client service.
- 5+ years’ post-qualification experience in data protection/privacy law
- A Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Data Protection (e.g. PGCert or PGDip) or equivalent specialist qualification
- Strong knowledge of UK and EU data protection legislation and ICO guidance
- Experience advising businesses on data governance, risk, and compliance
- Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
- A proactive, commercial mindset and enthusiasm for working directly with clients
- A collaborative and supportive approach to working within a team
- Previous experience in a technology/IP/data-focused team or environment would be beneficial
- We offer a competitive salary and an impressive array of benefits and rewards. Not least of these is through the Firm’s employee-ownership status, where every employee is listened to, helps to realise our vision and receives an equal share in our annual profit-share.
- Our hybrid working model and approach to flexible working enables our people to share their working time between home and the office to support a healthy work / life balance.
- Employee benefits – including 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and your birthday), private medical insurance, group life assurance, access to a comprehensive range of wellbeing support, and three additional days’ paid leave to support good causes.
- Progression opportunities – including, regular training, qualification options, mentorship, and continued professional development.
Working here is something else entirely. It’s a place where we can step up to tough challenges with people so good they inspire us to be better. We proudly work in a beautiful part of the country, go beyond expectations and achieve things that matter.
We’re the UK’s first major employee-owned law firm. But more than this, we’re people-centred, people-powered. We do what it takes to help each other overcome every challenge. Whatever’s happening in the world, empowering our people is what matters.
Our communities and colleagues give us a lot to be thankful for. So we try to make them feel as valued as our clients. Whether we’re digging deep and giving our time and money, picking up rubbish from our streets and beaches, at Stephens Scown, if it’s right, it matters.
We might have the expertise of a top city firm, but outside our offices there’s not a skyscraper in sight. Whether we’re getting to know our clients on our local beach or having fun in the park with colleagues, we’re all about living a life enriched by work. Making the fun matter.
Apply for this position
If this sounds like you and you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please send your application by email enclosing an up to date CV to [email protected] or by post to: HR Department, Stephens Scown LLP, Curzon House, Southernhay West, Exeter, EX1 1RS
At Stephens Scown, we believe that a diverse workforce delivers better results for our clients and creates a happier workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Therefore we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, abilities and beliefs.
All offers of employment at Stephens Scown are subject to Basic level of Disclosure and Barring Service check. Any information gathered in relation to the DBS process is held in in accordance with all relevant data protection regulations. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences. At interview, or in a separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment. We make every subject of a DBS Disclosure aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice.
