Secondment Opportunities for lawyers
We are pleased to launch the next round of six-month secondment opportunities within the ICO Legal Service, commencing January 2026.
This is a fantastic opportunity for privacy lawyers, litigation lawyers, and lawyers with regulatory enforcement experience to contribute meaningfully to the work of the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Why Join Us?
Our secondments offer a unique chance for firms and lawyers to build hands-on experience in data protection, litigation, and regulatory enforcement. Feedback from previous cohorts has been overwhelmingly positive, with secondees describing the experience as both professionally rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
Secondees become an integral part of our legal teams, helping to deliver the ICO’s strategic goals through casework, legal enforcement, policy development, and litigation. You’ll collaborate with talented colleagues and make a real impact in shaping the ICO’s legal direction.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from:
- UK and EU qualified lawyers employed by law firms.
- Foreign-qualified and Chartered Legal Executive lawyers (for litigation/enforcement-focused roles).
- Lawyers with prior experience in privacy or cybersecurity law (required for advisory, policy, or enforcement roles; not compulsory for litigation roles).
- Barristers seeking a six-month placement.
All applicants must be based in the UK during their secondment and have the right to work in the UK.
What to Expect
We aim to offer successful applicants a range of work suited to their level of experience and provide relevant training as part of the role. The ICO will contribute a flat rate to your firm depending on experience.
Application Details
The secondments will run for six months starting January 2026, subject to onboarding checks and secondment agreements.
Firms wishing to put forward candidates should email a CV and covering letter for each candidate to [email protected] by 11:59pm on 26 September 2025. Please mark the email “Legal Secondment Opportunity.”
Candidates should express any preference for particular types of work within the ICO, which we will do our best to accommodate.
Please note: We do not accept applications via agencies.
Learn More
For insights into the secondee experience, read our blog:
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the benefits of the programme, please contact Mairead.O'[email protected] or [email protected].
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applicants from all communities.