Privacy attorneys represent clients whose legal right to privacy has been violated by individuals, groups, or the government. They can help with breaches related to credit history, medical and employment records, email and computer monitoring, and identity theft. Privacy attorneys must have knowledge and experience in data protection, local and national laws, and information technology. Privacy officers, who have similar knowledge but are not lawyers, can also be hired. Postgraduate data privacy courses are available for those interested in the field.
A privacy attorney is one who represents clients who believe their legal right to privacy has been violated by individuals, groups or the government. Other names for a privacy attorney include attorney and privacy attorney. As breaches can occur in many areas of human activity, the practice of a privacy attorney can coexist with any number of traditional legal specialties such as business, finance, communications, employment or criminal law.
The evolution of the Internet has brought with it greater opportunities for spying, meddling and intrusion into people’s personal lives. Most privacy attorneys play an important role in helping clients fight breaches related to credit history, medical and employment records, email and computer monitoring, and identity theft. They can also help with cases involving other forms of electronic abuse as well.
A privacy attorney’s clients can be individuals or businesses, and some large companies now keep a privacy attorney on staff. Often, a privacy attorney will review contractual provisions on security and confidentiality and comment on or propose amendments to those provisions. They may be called upon to collect and analyze data, as well as collaborate with others to develop policies, procedures or an overall privacy strategy.
Some privacy lawyers help ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and can manage any privacy breaches that occur. A privacy attorney’s duties may also include handling complaints and data transfer issues. Reviewing a company’s handling of confidential information may be within the job requirements, where they can recommend improvements.
People looking to become privacy attorneys typically must have knowledge and experience in the field of data protection, local and national laws, and information technology. Analytical, project management and written communication skills are also desired. Typical educational requirements usually include a bachelor’s degree in law from an accredited law school and bar admission.
Some employers hire privacy officers, who are not necessarily lawyers. Privacy officers have much of the same knowledge about privacy laws and practices as privacy lawyers, but they are generally not lawyers. Some employers may apply for a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), which can be obtained from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
For any attorney interested in becoming a privacy attorney, postgraduate data privacy courses are often offered by institutions, including law schools. Non-lawyers who have an interest in the field can usually attend classes as well. Some of these courses are accredited and can lead to a bachelor’s degree or LLM (Master of Laws).
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