Cybersecurity & Incident Response Managing Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Cybersecurity & Incident Response Managing Associate with 3–5 years of experience to join a leading global law firm and its nationally recognized Cybersecurity & Incident Response practice.

Locations

Boston, MA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of cybersecurity and privacy experience, preferably with direct experience handling cybersecurity incidents and incident response matters. This role offers the opportunity to develop deep expertise in a rapidly evolving area of law while working on high-profile matters for clients ranging from emerging companies to global enterprises.

The Managing Associate will take a leadership role in cybersecurity incident response and counseling matters, with significant client exposure and opportunities to collaborate across privacy, litigation, regulatory, transactional, and AI practices.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on preparing for, responding to, and mitigating cybersecurity incidents.
• Counsel clients regarding evolving federal, state, and international cybersecurity laws and regulations.
• Lead and support cybersecurity incident response matters, including legal strategy, regulatory analysis, and data impact assessments.
• Direct and coordinate forensic investigations following security incidents.
• Advise clients on cybersecurity considerations in strategic corporate transactions.
• Counsel security teams regarding emerging legal issues involving offensive security and dark web intelligence gathering.
• Advise clients on cybersecurity readiness, governance, risk mitigation, and incident preparedness.
• Manage regulatory and litigation risks arising from cybersecurity incidents.
• Develop communications strategies designed to mitigate legal, operational, and reputational risk.
• Advise clients across the technology, financial services, life sciences, and energy sectors.
• Collaborate with attorneys across privacy, cybersecurity litigation and enforcement, AI advisory, and transactional practices.
• Develop trusted client relationships through direct interaction and practical, business-focused legal advice.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of cybersecurity and/or privacy experience in a technology-focused legal practice.
• Direct incident response experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity and privacy laws and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Sound judgment and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under significant time pressure, particularly during active incident response matters.
• Proactive, curious, and collaborative approach to legal practice.
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines and with attorneys at varying levels of seniority.
• Strong academic credentials.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Bar in the applicable jurisdiction, or ability to become admitted promptly, required.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $260,000–$365,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, geography, and other relevant factors. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual merit bonus.

Benefits

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, mental well-being programs, family and pet care benefits, disability coverage, parental leave, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) program, flexible time off, and paid holidays.

Application Requirements

Candidates should be prepared to submit a resume, law school transcript, and cover letter.