The Impact of GDPR on Legal Careers
With the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, laws surrounding data protection in Europe and beyond underwent a seismic shift. This new legislation not only affected businesses globally but also made a significant impact on legal careers. The GDPR has amplified the demand for specialized legal professionals, thereby transforming the job market for attorneys and other law practitioners.
This article delves into the various ways the GDPR has influenced legal careers, exploring new roles, highlighting required skills, and most significantly, the opportunities for personal and professional growth it has generated.
GDPR and New Career Opportunities
One of the primary effects of GDPR has been an increase in job opportunities for legal professionals. A study by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) showed an estimated 500,000 companies in Europe hiring Data Protection Officers (DPO) after the implementation of the GDPR. Some of the job roles opened by GDPR legislation in the legal career space include:
Data Protection Officer (DPO): The GDPR mandates certain organizations to have a DPO who ensures their compliance with the regulation. They are the main point of contact for regulatory authorities and handle data protection inquiries from data subjects.
Compliance Manager: This role entails formulating and implementing an organization's approach to GDPR, leading the internal policy and process review, and confirming compliance with data protection regulations.
Data Privacy Counsel: Data privacy counsels are responsible for advising businesses on GDPR regulations, and ensuring there is a robust data protection framework within the company.
Enhanced Skill Sets
With new job roles come new skill requirements. Legal professionals now need to enhance their existing skills or develop new ones to be competent in GDPR related matters. These skills include:
Understanding of data protection legislations: Legal professionals should be knowledgeable about GDPR, as well as other data protection laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) or the Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD).
Technical prowess: A level of technical understanding is essential to grasp how data is processed and stored. It also helps in comprehending how data breaches occur and what steps are necessary to prevent them.
Interpersonal skills: Given that these jobs often require widespread change within an organization, having strong communication and change management skills can help in effectively driving the implementation of new policies and practices.
Professional Development
The advent of GDPR has also necessitated continuous professional development. Legal professionals who want to specialize in data protection or privacy laws need to keep themselves updated with changes in legislation and best practices. This pursuit of knowledge could take multiple forms:
Certifications: There are various certifications available for privacy professionals like the Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E), which prove competence in GDPR laws and practices.
Webinars and conferences: Attending industry webinars, conferences, and seminars could prove fruitful in keeping abreast with the latest developments.
Subscriptions: Subscribing to academic journals, newsletters, or blogs on data protection can provide insights into pertinent issues and industry trends.
Upsurge in Job Security
The GDPR’s long-term effect on the job market has led to an increase in job security for legal professionals. GDPR necessitates continuous monitoring and adaptation to ensure compliance, hence there is an ongoing requirement for legal experts in this field. This requirement has resulted in a consistent demand for GDPR-versed legal professionals, securing their roles in corporations and legal firms.
The Impact of GDPR continues to reverberate intensely through the world of legal careers, having created new job roles, enhanced expertise, opened up avenues for professional development and increased job security. In a world where data is often termed as the 'new oil', having legal professionals well-versed in data protection laws is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Embracing the opportunities and challenges that GDPR presents, could pave the path for an enriching legal career, making a direct impact on how data is to be rightfully kept and protected. The influence of GDPR on legal careers, as showcased through this evolution, is substantial and crucial for those looking to make a mark in the legal field.
