Senior Associate – Cyber, Privacy & AI Governance in Melbourne

Our Chambers Band 1 TMT practice is expanding, and we are recruiting a high-calibre Senior Associate or Associate to join our national team in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.

We are specifically looking for a passionate cyber, data and AI law specialist to work with our market-leading team to advise on:

• Cyber preparedness and incident response
• Complex data matters (advisory and transactional)
• The design and rollout of data and AI governance frameworks
• Regulatory investigations and enforcement action

You will work collaboratively with practices across the firm to help clients in all sectors navigate the evolving regulatory and threat landscape. This is a fantastic role for somebody looking to work in a collaborative and high-performing environment, advising executive teams and boards on legal issues associated with emerging digital risks and technologies, and helping to shape our evolving regulatory landscape.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity; however, flexibility matters at Allens, so if you are seeking hybrid working or are looking for flexibility in your work, we would be happy to discuss what arrangements would work best for you.

About You

You will have:

• Experience advising on cyber preparedness; cyber incident response; complex data, privacy, spam and surveillance matters; and regulatory investigations – ideally from a leading top tier, national or international firm, or an in-house team.
• Experience advising on AI governance and transactions, and compliance with Australian cyber and privacy laws, is desirable but not necessary (international candidates are also welcome).
• Strong technical expertise and academics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to distil (and present) complex legal or technical issues into clear, concise advice tailored to the client’s level of understanding and practical needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and a willingness to build an understanding of clients and develop effective working relationships.
• An ability to manage large matters and multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, and to lead teams.
• Proven experience and a willingness to participate in business development activities.
• A desire to learn, grow, network and mentor others.

Your development

In joining Allens, you will receive unparalleled learning and development opportunities. You will be challenged, supported and guided as you learn and develop, and will be encouraged to grow. We foster greatness, and will coach and support you to meet your goals and aspirations. Our unique Career Deal allows you to take control of your career and provides a transparent approach to career development. Our international alliance with Linklaters means we are able to support secondments all over the world.

Our perks

Our benefits include:

• Financial: market competitive fixed remuneration; generous incentive plan that recognises both billable and broader contribution, employee recruitment referral program, discounts at hundreds of suppliers including retail outlets, health and travel insurance, charity matched funding program.
• Health and wellbeing: fully subsidised gym memberships, annual flu vaccinations, skin checks, in-house snacks and catered meals, subsidised sporting and social activities, Employee Assistance Program including confidential counselling, wellbeing coaching and financial coaching for employees and their families.
• Flexibility: hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support you in your work and life commitments and passions, equipment to support working from home.
• Leave: ability to purchase additional annual leave, access to an enhanced, inclusive and flexible parental leave policy – 26 weeks paid parental leave with no minimum service for permanent employees and high quality executive coaching to support the transition.
• International opportunities: our alliance with Linklaters ensures possible secondments to many of their overseas offices.
• Recognition: team based recognition including social activities and contribution based recognition activities, and annual Allens Values Awards to nominate and recognise the incredible contributions of our people.

Allens is also proud to invest in our communities, giving you the opportunity to make a difference through our work on reconciliation, the environment and other social justice issues as well as our workplace giving and volunteering programs.

How to apply?

We'd love to hear from you so please click "apply now"! If you would like to find out more, please visit "This is Allens" or listen to our Allens Confidential podcast to hear real stories from real people about life at Allens. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Ena Pita Senior Resourcing Consultant.

At Allens, our culture is made up of unique backgrounds and varying life experiences. We celebrate our people's differences across gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, cultural backgrounds, First Nations communities, and family and caring arrangements. If you require adjustments to fully participate in our application process, please contact us. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align, please express your interest by emailing us. The right role for you might be just around the corner!