Associate / Senior Associate – Data Protection & Privacy
Location in order of Preference: Bengaluru/Mumbai/
Practice Area
Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) / Data Protection & Privacy
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Associate/Senior Associate to join our Data Protection & Privacy practice. The role involves advising domestic and multinational clients on data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence governance, and technology regulatory matters, with a particular focus on India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA), global privacy frameworks, and emerging digital regulations, AI frameworks and laws.
The successful candidate will work closely with partners and clients across diverse sectors including technology, healthcare, financial services, e-commerce, telecommunications, manufacturing, and digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities
A. Project manage Privacy Compliance Projects
· Manage and operationalize Privacy program projects
· Conduct privacy gap assessments and compliance readiness reviews.
· Assist clients in developing privacy governance frameworks and compliance programs.
· Prepare privacy policies, consent notices, retention policies, and internal governance documents.
· Advise on privacy-by-design implementation and data governance initiatives
B. Contract Documentation
· Draft, review, and negotiate
a) Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)
b) Data Transfer Agreements (DTAs)
c) Client or Vendor facing Data Privacy Agreements
d) Data Sharing Agreements
e) Vendor and outsourcing agreements
f) SaaS and cloud services agreements
g) Technology licensing agreements
h) Advise on allocation of privacy and cybersecurity risks in commercial contracts.
C. Advisory
· Advise clients on compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and associated rules and guidance.
· Provide strategic advice on privacy governance frameworks, consent management, legitimate uses, notice requirements, and data principal rights.
· Advise on sector-specific privacy and cybersecurity regulations applicable to financial institutions, healthcare organizations, telecom operators, and digital platforms.
· Monitor and analyze regulatory developments in India and globally.
D. Cross-Border Data Transfers
· Assess international data transfer arrangements.
· Have a working knowledge of global laws such GDPR, UK GDPR, Singapore PDPA, Data Protection Laws of MENA and US etc., and other global privacy frameworks where relevant.
· Support multinational clients in managing cross-border compliance obligations.
E. Data Breach & Incident Response
· Knowledge of CERT-IN obligations of reporting
· Advise clients on legal obligations arising from cybersecurity incidents and personal data breaches.
· Assist with breach assessments, regulatory notifications, and stakeholder communications.
· Support investigations involving privacy and security incidents.
F. Privacy Due Diligence
· Conduct privacy and cybersecurity due diligence in mergers, acquisitions, investments, and corporate restructuring transactions.
· Identify legal and operational risks arising from data processing activities.
G. Training and Research
· Deliver client training programs and workshops.
· Prepare legal updates, alerts, articles, and thought leadership materials on privacy and cybersecurity developments.
· Contribute to business development initiatives and client pitches.
Qualifications
1. Education
a. LL.B. from a recognized law school. And/or
b. LL.M. in Technology Law, Privacy, Cyber Law, or related field (preferred).
2. Attitude
· Team Player
· Problem Solver
3. Experience
Associate
2-5 years of post-qualification experience in TMT, privacy, cybersecurity, or regulatory advisory matters.
4. Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of:
· ISO27001/27701/42001 frameworks
· Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
· Information Technology Act, 2000
· CERT-In Directions
· GDPR and international privacy frameworks Cybersecurity and digital governance regulations
· AI governance and emerging technology regulations (preferred)
5. Preferred Certifications
· CIPP/E / CIPP/A/ CIPM
· ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor
· Have a technical qualification in cybersecurity domain (ISO/ISC2/ISACA)
6. Skills & Competencies
· Excellent drafting and legal research skills.
· Strong client management and communication capabilities.
· Commercial awareness and solution-oriented approach.
· Ability to independently manage complex advisory matters.
· Strong analytical and project management skills.
· Interest in emerging technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and digital regulation.
7. Key Performance Indicators
· Quality and timeliness of legal advice.
· Client satisfaction and retention.
· Successful execution of compliance and advisory projects.
· Contribution to business development and thought leadership.
· Effective management of client relationships and transactions.
Work Location: In person
