Senior Legal Counsel, Privacy & AI – London
We’re excited to be working on a newly created position for a Senior Counsel, Privacy & AI to join a fast-scaling, mission-driven technology business in their London office. This is a mid-level opportunity (5–7 PQE) for a UK-qualified lawyer who wants to combine strong privacy expertise with a forward-looking role in AI governance.
The Role
This position is split approximately 70% privacy / 30% AI and will suit someone who enjoys variety, responsibility, and visibility within the business. You’ll be the first legal hire in the London office, supporting around 50 colleagues based locally. As such, you’ll be the go-to legal advisor locally, partnering with senior product and sales stakeholders, while also collaborating closely with a globally distributed legal team (primarily US-based). The role will also involve some travel to the US for team integration and collaboration.
This is a hybrid position, with 2–3 days per week in the London office.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Embedding privacy by design across products, processes, and operations
* Handling DSARs, PIAs/LIAs, privacy audits, and escalations
* Drafting and advising on customer and vendor contracts with a focus on data and technology issues
* Developing and maintaining internal privacy frameworks, policies, and governance tools
* Advising on emerging AI governance and regulatory frameworks (including the EU AI Act, and developments across AsiaPac, South Africa, Australia, and China)
* Supporting cross-functional teams (Product, Sales, Engineering, HR, Security) with pragmatic, business-friendly legal guidance
* Acting as a trusted partner to senior leaders and customer-facing teams
What We’re Looking For:
* UK-qualified lawyer, 5–7 PQE (in-house experience essential; tech/SaaS or B2B environment strongly preferred)
* Strong grounding in UK/EU privacy law (GDPR expertise required, global awareness desirable)
* Experience running or contributing to privacy programmes (policies, records of processing, compliance tools)
* Proven ability to negotiate customer contracts and support sales/product functions
* Interest in and understanding of AI governance and evolving regulation
* A pragmatic, customer-focused approach—able to balance legal risk with commercial realities
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to advise directly
As the first London-based legal hire, you’ll have the chance to shape how the legal function partners with the business locally, while remaining connected to a global legal team. It’s ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, is comfortable working independently, and is motivated by the challenge of helping shape both privacy and AI governance within a scaling global business.
Alongside the legal work, you’ll join a culture that is collaborative, values-driven, and focused on human transformation—with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while developing your career in a cutting-edge legal area.
If this is of interest please apply or contact thinchliffe@kgglobal.co.uk for more information.