Legal Counsel - Data Protection

Legal Counsel – Data Protection *LI-SS1

ICON Plc is a leading Clinical Research Organisation headquartered in Leopardstown, Dublin 18. Founded in Dublin in 1990 with a team of 5, ICON Plc now employs over 13,000 people in 38 countries. 

We have a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Lawyer to join our Data Protection team to assist ICON in its mission to help clients to accelerate the developments of drugs and devices that save lives and improve the quality of patients’ lives.

Based in our HQ in Leopardstown, this is a fantastic opportunity to join one of Ireland’s largest legal teams in a position where you can make an impact globally.

The Role:
To act as a Data Protection Counsel for ICON supporting the company and its affiliates by providing advice on data protection matters, monitoring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, training staff, maintaining documentation related to data processing and acting as the contact point on data privacy matters for ICON, clients, vendors and regulators.   

Responsibilities will include:

• Advising on compliance with relevant laws, national guidelines, codes and best practices in relation to data protection.
• Monitoring compliance with policy and procedures as required including undertaking and advising on data protection audits and privacy impact assessments with the assistance of the Global Data Protection Officer, ICON QA, IT Security, Clinical Operations and/or Internal Audit.
• Ensuring ICON entities maintain up-to-date annual registrations with applicable national authorities.
• Advising on international transfers of personal data.
• Advising ICON entities including staff on their obligations in relation to regulatory obligations and monitoring compliance with regulations.
• Advising on and drafting data protection contractual provisions in agreements with clients, vendors and sites as well as on terms and conditions for use of ICON products and services.
• Drafting and revision/updating of internal policies, codes of conduct and procedures.
• Preparing and delivering data protection training to staff.
• Advising in relation to data/security breaches.
• Advising on specific data protection aspects of ICON corporate and commercial initiatives including vendor selection.
• Staying current with global privacy laws and practices.
• Maintaining records of processing activities.

• Qualified Lawyer with 3 - 5 years PQE.
• Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection.
• Previous experience working within the CRO / Pharma/ Biotech industry beneficial but not essential.
• A comprehensive grasp of the EU General Data Protection Regulation.
• Superior English written and oral communication skills.
• Proven experience in addressing Data Protection matters.
• Ability to independently evaluate complex issues and utilize judgment.
• Strong qualitative/quantitative analytical skills.
• Proven team player with demonstrated leadership and/or consultation skills.
• Ability to synthesize information and present/summarise conclusions and recommendations.

Other than working with a great team of smart and energetic people, we also offer a very competitive benefits package.  This varies from country to country so a dedicated recruiter will discuss this with you at interview stage. We care about our people as they are the key to our success. We provide an open and friendly work environment where we empower people and provide them with opportunities to develop their long term career.  

Travel (approximately 5%) domestic and/or international