Legal Director – Ipswich or Cambridge

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.

We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.

Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do.  RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.

With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.

The Data Team sits within the six-Partner Commercial & Technology group. While the team currently focuses on data protection matters (both standalone and as part of wider transactions) we see this as a pivotal role for the right candidate to collaborate with our existing Commercial & Technology Partners in building a market-leading data practice.

In addition to strengthening the firm’s data protection and UK GDPR capabilities, this role offers the opportunity to develop a broader practice that supports the firm in areas such as data monetisation, cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence advisory services.

We are seeking a senior individual with the drive and commitment to help Birketts’s continue the growth and development of our firmwide data practice and become an integral member of the team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated, proactive professional to join a successful and friendly team in any of our non-London offices, within a growing firm that enjoys an outstanding reputation.

Desirable:

• A demonstrable knowledge of Cybersecurity laws in the UK and EU
• Knowledge of AI regulation and a desire to drive Birketts’ AI regulatory advice offering
• Familiarity with international deal structures and multi-jurisdictional issues.
• Existing client relationships and a potential following.

As a Partner, we would also expect you to have experience of managing client relationships, and to have in depth knowledge of the region (or a dedicated approach to embedding your practice into the region).

A Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 10+ years PQE in data law.

Demonstrable experience in the following key areas:

Leadership

• Lead and manage end-to-end data protection advice, including due diligence, drafting, negotiation, and completion.
• Advise clients on legal risks, deal structures, and strategic implications.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, and other stakeholders across the Birketts business
• Act as a trusted advisor, delivering commercially focused legal solutions.

Legal Drafting & Negotiation

• Draft and negotiate complex legal advice
• Support the wider team with data protection clauses in wider transactions
• Ensure all documentation complies with relevant laws and regulations.

Team Development

• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors and trainees.
• Provide technical guidance and contribute to internal training initiatives.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Support marketing efforts, including thought leadership, networking, and client pitches.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Stay abreast of changes in corporate law and regulatory frameworks.
• Ensure all transactions meet legal and ethical standards.

At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:

• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays 
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme 
• Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance – 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid CSR Day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy

https://www.birketts.co.uk/recognition-reward-benefits/

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application. 

Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.

Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.