Data Protection Solicitor (Consultant) – 8 years plus PQE
We are looking for an experienced Data Protection Solicitor with a minimum of 8 years PQE to join Harper James on a consultancy basis. This is an exciting opportunity to support Harper James clients and work with a growing and diverse client base ranging from innovative start‑ups to established national and international businesses.
You will advise on a wide range of data protection and privacy matters within a modern, tech‑enabled law firm. As a consultant within our flexible model, you will manage your own caseload while benefiting from the support, infrastructure and collaborative culture of a forward‑thinking national firm.
What you’ll be doing
You will take the lead on a broad range of data protection and privacy matters, supporting businesses with practical, commercially focused advice on compliance, governance and risk management. You will work closely with founders, senior leadership teams, in‑house counsel and operational stakeholders, providing clear, pragmatic guidance that supports business growth while helping organisations meet their regulatory obligations.
Your work is likely to include advising on matters such as:
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) compliance and data protection governance
Data protection audits, policies and internal compliance frameworks
Drafting and negotiating data processing agreements and data sharing arrangements
Privacy notices, cookie policies and direct marketing compliance
International data transfers and transfer risk assessments
Data subject rights requests and breach response management
Advising on data protection aspects of commercial contracts and technology arrangements
Supporting clients with data protection due diligence in corporate transactions
Advising on artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and privacy risks
Providing strategic support to businesses acting as controllers and processors
What we’re looking for
Minimum 8 years’ PQE with strong experience in data protection and privacy law
Demonstrable experience advising on UK GDPR compliance and wider data protection matters
Experience advising founder‑led businesses, start‑ups and scale‑ups would be advantageous
Ability to manage matters independently and deliver pragmatic, commercially focused advice
Strong drafting skills and attention to detail
Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills
Confidence working with founders, leadership teams and in‑house legal functions
The Harper James difference
We are a tech‑driven, agile law firm where lawyers are empowered with modern legal technology to maximise efficiency, productivity and work‑life balance. Our consultant model offers experienced solicitors flexibility, autonomy and the ability to work remotely, while remaining part of a supportive national team.
At Harper James, we keep things straightforward. We are relaxed and informal but well organised. There are no politics and no big egos, if people around us succeed, so do we. We welcome proactive, self‑motivated solicitors who thrive in a modern legal environment and are passionate about delivering exceptional client service.
You’ll excel as part of the HJ team if you
Are a quick learner, ready to adapt to new systems and technologies
Are interested in using AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity
Have a solid working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Can confidently navigate SharePoint to manage and collaborate on work
Have a keen eye for detail when drafting documents, ensuring consistency and professionalism
The bottom line
This is an opportunity to play an important part in the continued growth of the business, working alongside a great team of people who all contribute to our shared success.
No politics
No unnecessary bureaucracy
Flexible working within a fully remote but collaborative team
We are offering a competitive consultancy rate with flexibility and autonomy as part of the Harper James consultant model.
We believe every business - no matter its size - deserves access to top-tier legal support.
Our mission is simple: to make expert legal advice affordable, flexible and tailored to the needs of growing businesses.
With service plans for every stage of your journey, quality legal advice is always within reach. And unlike traditional law firms our pricing is clear – no surprises, no hidden costs. Explore our Engage, Enable and Extend plans on our website, with hourly fees starting from £159 on a subscription plan.
It’s not just our pricing that sets us apart. We offer exceptional advice from senior lawyers, most of whom have worked at top 100 law firms and in-house, with an average 17+ years' experience. From commercial law to employment disputes, we make sure you're covered, always prioritising your business goals.
Together, we’ve proudly supported thousands of businesses across the UK, from start-ups to scale-ups and beyond. We’re here for you through every challenge and opportunity, making sure you have the legal support to thrive.
Don't just take our word for it, we have been independently recognised as a top SME-focused law firm by Chambers and Partners in their 2026 guide.
And if you’re a solicitor or business professional looking for a new opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Most of us work remotely – which means lower costs with no compromise on quality for clients, and incredible work-life balance for our people, while still being part of a warm and friendly culture.
