TLT are looking for a Contract Lawyer with experience of data subject access requests to join our Document Review and Collation (DRC) team in Bristol. The role is being offered on an initial 3–6-month contract, paid a day rate via an Umbrella Company.
This is a focused, hands-on role dedicated exclusively to the management and progression of DSARs and is ideally suited to a solicitor who has practical experience in this area and is available to start at short notice.
About the role
The DRC team provides scalable legal resource to support TLT's legal groups and their clients. Our DSAR function is a well-established and highly regarded part of the team and you will be leading a supportive group of solicitors and paralegals who work to consistently high standards.
You will be responsible for managing a caseload of DSARs from receipt through to final response. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
DSAR Management
- Taking ownership of a caseload of DSARs, managing each request from initial receipt through to final response within statutory timeframes.
- Conducting and overseeing document searches across relevant systems and platforms to identify potentially responsive documents.
- Reviewing documents for relevance, applying data protection principles to assess what must be disclosed, redacted or withheld.
- Applying exemptions and exceptions under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 accurately and consistently, with clear reasoning recorded for each decision.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date matter records, trackers and logs throughout the lifecycle of each request.
- Identifying and escalating complex or sensitive matters appropriately, including those involving third-party data, special category data or potential regulatory risk.
- Communicating professionally with internal stakeholders and client teams as required.
Quality and Compliance
- Conducting quality control checks on DSAR responses prepared by paralegals and junior team members, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
- Flagging potential compliance risks or data protection issues to the supervising solicitor in a timely manner.
- Contributing to the maintenance of process documentation and standard operating procedures where required.
Team Support
- Working collaboratively with paralegals and fellow solicitors within the DRC team.
- Supporting the training and guidance of paralegals on DSAR processes and data protection principles where appropriate.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- A current SRA practising certificate.
- Demonstrable, hands-on experience managing DSARs from receipt to final response, including the application of exemptions under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- A sound working knowledge of data protection law and its practical application in a DSAR context, including the definition of personal data, special category data and the relevant statutory exemptions.
- Experience reviewing and redacting documents for data protection purposes.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a caseload of concurrent requests to statutory deadlines.
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear and professional correspondence.
- The ability to work independently and take ownership of a caseload with minimal supervision.
Desirable
- Familiarity with document review platforms or case management systems used in a DSAR context.
- Experience providing guidance or quality control oversight to paralegals or junior colleagues on DSAR matters.
- Previous experience of DSAR caseloads.
About TLT
Fast paced, fast growing and forward thinking, TLT is the law firm that helps clients stay one step ahead, and we do the same for our people.
With local, national and international reach, we have over 1,800 people in offices across the UK and a network of partner firms across Europe, India and the US. Over the last few years TLT’s successful growth, delivery of high-quality work and support for colleagues has been consistently recognised by The Times and at the Legal Business, The Lawyer and British Legal Awards.
Our ambition is to create opportunities for what comes next for our clients, recognised as their 1st tier adviser and being valued for our values. We do this in our unique way by creating social value and a dynamic environment where our people are curious, creative and ambitious for their success.
In our open and collaborative culture, we encourage everyone to be their whole self, to have a voice and to contribute to the success of TLT.
