Privacy & Contracts Counsel

As the Privacy & Contracts Counsel at Lightspark, your primary responsibilities will include advising the company on data privacy matters, managing the data privacy compliance program, and collaborating with product teams for privacy by design. Additionally, you’ll handle commercial negotiations with vendors, draft and review contracts, and develop corporate governance policies in alignment with relevant laws.

To qualify for the Privacy & Contracts Counsel position at Lightspark, you will need a JD from a top-tier accredited law school, admission to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction, and at least three years of experience in commercial transactions and data privacy compliance. Expertise in regulations like GDPR and CCPA, along with excellent negotiation skills, is key.

Important skills for the Privacy & Contracts Counsel role at Lightspark include strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. A proactive approach to problem-solving within a cross-functional team is also vital for ensuring business objectives are met.

Lightspark promotes privacy by design by involving the legal team early in the product development process. This allows for the integration of data protection measures and compliance requirements into the company's services from the outset, ensuring that privacy considerations shape the design and functionality of our payment solutions.

During the interview process for the Privacy & Contracts Counsel position, you can expect a series of discussions focusing on your experience with data privacy, contract negotiations, and your approach to working within cross-functional teams. You will also likely be asked about your understanding of relevant laws and how you would apply them in a practical business environment.

In my previous roles, I ensured data privacy compliance by implementing robust privacy programs that aligned with relevant regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. I regularly conducted privacy assessments, collaborated with IT for risk management, and provided training to staff on privacy practices.

To negotiate contracts effectively, I focus on understanding the other party's needs while clearly articulating our objectives. Building rapport during discussions, preparing thoroughly, and maintaining flexibility to find mutually beneficial outcomes has proven successful in my experience.

I have developed third-party risk management frameworks by assessing vendors’ privacy practices and compliance status, conducting due diligence, and implementing risk mitigation strategies. I collaborate closely with compliance and finance teams to ensure all vendors align with our standards.

I handle disagreements in cross-functional teams by facilitating open discussions where all perspectives are heard. I aim to identify common goals and guide the team towards a consensus while maintaining a respectful and collaborative atmosphere.

My approach to developing corporate governance policies includes conducting a thorough analysis of legal requirements, industry standards, and internal objectives. I engage key stakeholders for input and ensure policies are practical, enforceable, and regularly updated to adapt to changes.

In a previous role, I successfully implemented a comprehensive privacy program by establishing policies, conducting assessments, and facilitating training sessions. I worked closely with product teams to ensure compliance was integrated from the development stage, leading to improved customer trust and compliance status.

My experience with privacy by design includes working collaboratively with engineering and product teams to integrate privacy measures early in the development process. This involved assessing potential privacy risks and ensuring that data protection strategies were embedded in product functionality from inception.

I prioritize my workload by assessing project deadlines, strategic importance, and resource availability. I use project management tools to keep track of progress and set clear goals, ensuring that I can meet deadlines without compromising quality.

Common challenges include staying up-to-date with evolving privacy laws and navigating complex contract negotiations with varying stakeholder demands. To overcome these, I plan to leverage ongoing education and a strong network of legal professionals for support.

I am excited about the opportunity at Lightspark because of its mission to transform financial systems through innovative technology. The chance to contribute to a cutting-edge team and shape privacy practices in a growing startup aligns perfectly with my career goals and passion for data privacy.