Data Privacy Associate Attorney or Counsel
Minneapolis, MN
Winthrop & Weinstine, an entrepreneurial, full-service law firm in downtown Minneapolis, has an excellent opportunity on its Data Privacy team. The firm is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate or Counsel Attorney to join its Data Privacy practice group. This attorney will play a critical role in advising both public and private clients on a wide range of data privacy and cybersecurity matters, including regulatory compliance, risk management, and transactional support. This position requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and international privacy laws and regulations, as well as the ability to manage complex legal projects with minimal supervision.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Including, but not limited to):
- The attorney will be responsible for advising clients on a wide range of compliance issues and data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence laws and regulations at the federal, state, and international levels. This includes conducting risk assessments and audits, working closely with cross-functional teams to advise on the development of new products, services, and advertising, and assisting with building and operationalizing privacy programs, policies, and governance structures.
- The attorney will support clients in responding to data breaches and security incidents. In addition, the attorney will be expected to draft and negotiate data-related provisions in commercial agreements, data processing agreements, business associate agreements, data sharing agreements, service level agreements, and technology licensing contracts. The attorney will also provide privacy-related counsel in the context of mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, including conducting privacy-focused due diligence. The attorney will also draft and review privacy policies, terms of service, cookie policies, and counsel clients on cross-border data issues.
- The attorney will monitor and analyze emerging data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence legislation, regulatory guidance, and enforcement actions, and will advise clients on the practical implications of legal developments. The attorney will also prepare and deliver training materials and presentations to clients on privacy best practices and compliance obligations and assist with regulatory inquiries, investigations, enforcement, and litigation.
- While no portable book of business is required, this role also includes participation in business development initiatives, including contributing to thought leadership through articles, alerts, and speaking engagements, and will participate in building and maintaining client relationships. The role will also include mentoring and supervising junior associates and legal staff, providing guidance on work product quality, professional development, and client service.
COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES) REQUIRED:
- Dependable, accountable, and consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic with a professional demeanor in all interactions.
- Ability to work well under pressure with deadlines – possess a sense of urgency.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of personalities and work styles.
- Ability to be flexible in schedule and adaptable to constant change.
- Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks and frequent interruptions.
- Detail oriented with strong analytical skills to conduct complex analyses of legal matters and provide clear written work product.
- Strategic problem solver with excellent legal and business judgment.
- Ability to provide practical and risk-based advice.
- Strong interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate in person, by e-mail and telephone with a diverse group of clients, attorneys and staff and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact.
- Ability to build and grow long-term client relationships.
- Work requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED:
- Four to eight (4-8) years of legal experience, including the equivalent of at least three (3) years of full time experience in privacy, cybersecurity, and/or artificial intelligence.
- Highly motivated self-starter.
- Strong analytical abilities.
- Excellent computer and communication skills.
- Experience with the following software: MS Word.
- Excellent writing, grammar, proofreading skills, and a keen eye for detail, ensuring high levels of accuracy in all written communications and document preparation.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively, ensuring completion of assignments despite frequent interruptions and changes in schedule.
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES, PREFERRED:
- Certifications such as IAPP CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, AIGP.
- Strong working knowledge of the GDPR.
- Experience supporting technology companies, healthcare organizations, or data-driven businesses.
- Combination of law firm and in-house experience, or prior experience in a client-embedded or secondment role.
- Litigation experience.
- Experience with the following software: iManage.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Requires use of office equipment, such as computers, phones, and copiers.
- Requires sitting and computer-related activities for extended periods of time.
- Requires occasional lifting up to and exceeding 20 pounds.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience. $230,000 - $330,000 annually.
Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. Winthrop & Weinstine reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualifications of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
Winthrop & Weinstine offers a comprehensive benefits package for all regular full time employees including health insurance, paid parental leave, 401(k), disability, life insurance, paid time off, and voluntary benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Winthrop & Weinstine is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other basis protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.