Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Associate

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is a full-service law firm with over 350 lawyers and technical professionals serving clients globally across various industries, including trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Founded in 1848, the firm combines exceptional legal service with business acumen and maintains contemporary office spaces designed for collaboration and concentration.

About the role

The Mid to Senior-Level Associate will join the Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group, handling a broad range of privacy and cybersecurity matters. The role can be based in Denver or Milwaukee.

Responsibilities

• Review, update, or draft security policies
• Provide data breach prevention and risk-mitigation counseling, including tabletop design and delivery
• Conduct data breach investigation and response counseling
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks for key international, federal, and state privacy laws (e.g., state consumer data privacy laws, PCI-DSS, GLBA, HIPAA, GDPR)
• Implement key components of privacy and security compliance programs
• Negotiate complex information technology, licensing, and outsourcing contracts, including privacy/data security clauses and risk allocation (e.g., indemnification, limitation of liability)
• Advise clients across industries on privacy and data security matters
• Develop data governance strategies (retention, use policies, inventories, mapping)
• Address privacy and cybersecurity due diligence in M&A transactions
• Draft company terms of service and website privacy policies

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with excellent academic credentials
• At least five years of experience handling privacy and cybersecurity issues
• Privacy professional certification preferred but not required
• Passion for staying current with technology-driven privacy and cybersecurity trends
• Ability to learn and adapt to new skills and evolving firm needs
• Strong ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively in a team
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including drafting and negotiation
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with discretion
• Strong problem-solving skills, including proactive issue identification and innovative solution development
• Professional demeanor and composure under pressure
• Valid U.S. work authorization

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Unlimited PTO plus 10 paid holidays
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits (medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, wellness program, employee/family assistance)
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Disability, life, critical illness, and accident insurance
• Parental/family leave
• Performance recognition and bonuses
• ABA, state, and local bar membership fee reimbursement
• Bar exam/bar review course reimbursement
• Mentorship program and specialized training opportunities
• Career development planning and professional growth opportunities
• Flexible remote work policy (up to 2.5 days per week)
• Collaborative and respectful workplace culture

Pay

For Colorado applicants, the annual compensation range is $210,000 to $280,000, with final compensation dependent on experience, skills, and internal equity. Eligibility for the firm’s bonus program is subject to its conditions and restrictions.