Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation Career Associate Attorney

Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation Career Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation Career Associate Attorney to join the Strategic Advisory & Government Enforcement practice of a prestigious Am Law firm in one of the following offices: Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, or Washington, D.C.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with 4-6 years of experience in privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data protection matters. This is a long-term, non-partnership-track Career Associate positiondesigned for attorneys seeking sophisticated legal work, meaningful client engagement, professional development, and a sustainable work-life balance with an expected annual commitment of 1,400-1,600 billable hours.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on compliance with U.S. and international privacy, cybersecurity, and AI laws, including CCPA/CPRA, GDPR, EU AI Act, HIPAA, GLBA, FCRA, COPPA, BIPA, TCPA, CAN-SPAM, and other evolving privacy and data protection regulations.

• Develop and implement global privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance programs using a risk-based approach.

• Counsel clients on privacy, security, and AI issues arising in mergers and acquisitions, technology transactions, IPOs, and data licensing arrangements.

• Draft, review, and negotiate data processing agreements, privacy policies, terms of service, data licenses, and privacy and security provisions in commercial contracts.

• Advise clients on incident preparedness, data breach response, regulatory investigations, and government inquiries.

• Counsel clients on cross-border data transfer mechanisms, including the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, Binding Corporate Rules, and Standard Contractual Clauses.

• Advise on AI governance, responsible AI development, AI risk assessments, AI training data, and organizational AI use policies.

• Provide product counseling to technology companies across industries, integrating privacy, cybersecurity, and AI considerations into product development.

• Manage multiple complex matters while delivering practical, business-focused legal advice.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Active membership in the state bar of the office where the attorney will be located.

• 4-6 years of experience in privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or data protection matters at a law firm or in-house legal department.

• Experience advising clients on major privacy and data protection frameworks, including CCPA/CPRA, GDPR, HIPAA, GLBA, COPPA, BIPA, CAN-SPAM, and TCPA.

• Experience negotiating privacy, security, and data-related provisions in commercial agreements and corporate transactions.

• Familiarity with emerging AI regulations and AI governance frameworks is strongly preferred.

• Excellent legal research, drafting, analytical, negotiation, and writing skills.

• Strong project management and organizational abilities.

• Outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a client-focused approach.

• Demonstrated aptitude for technology and familiarity with digital platforms, online technologies, and emerging AI applications.

• IAPP certifications such as CIPP/US, CIPT, CIPM, AIGP, or similar credentials are a plus.

• Strong academic credentials and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, cross-office environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $175,000-$215,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Mental health and wellness programs

  • Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits

  • Short- and long-term disability coverage

  • Industry-leading parental leave

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) and paid holidays

  • Annual discretionary performance bonus eligibility