Do you need legal or tech qualifications for cybersecurity law?
You need legal qualifications as a starting point. A law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar course, is essential. However, a strong understanding of technology and cybersecurity risks is also vital.
Many firms now look for solicitors or barristers who understand data protection, digital forensics, or cybercrime legislation. A postgraduate qualification or short course in cyber law or information security can give you an edge.
Where Do Cybersecurity Lawyers Work?
Cybersecurity lawyers work in a range of professional settings, reflecting the growing demand for legal expertise in data protection, privacy, and cyber risk management. Many are employed by private law firms, especially those with practices focused on technology, compliance, or corporate law.
These lawyers advise clients on cybersecurity regulations, incident response, and liability issues following data breaches. Others work in-house for corporations, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and tech, where protecting sensitive data is mission-critical.
Government agencies, such as the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, or national security organisations, also employ cybersecurity lawyers to enforce cybercrime laws and shape public policy. Additionally, some work in academia or non-profits focused on digital rights and privacy advocacy.
How Do You Learn About Cybersecurity as Part of Your Career?
Learning about cybersecurity as a lawyer is a mix of formal education, hands-on experience, and continuous professional development. Many lawyers begin with law school courses in privacy law, information security, or technology law, and some pursue specialized LL.M. programs or certifications (such as CIPP/US, CISM, or CISSP) to deepen their technical understanding.
However, much of the learning happens on the job—working with IT and security teams during breach investigations, reviewing compliance frameworks like GDPR or HIPAA, or negotiating cybersecurity clauses in contracts.
Staying current is essential, so cybersecurity lawyers regularly attend conferences (e.g., RSA, Black Hat, IAPP), subscribe to legal tech publications, and participate in continuing legal education (CLE) programs focused on emerging threats, regulatory updates, and legal risk management in the digital space.
How much can you earn in cybersecurity law?
Junior roles in this niche area start at around £38,000. With experience, especially at senior or partner level, earnings can exceed £90,000. Cybersecurity law is a growing field, with Law Society research in 2023 showing a 19% increase in demand for tech-literate lawyers.
In addition, data from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) shows a rise in firms recruiting cyber-focused solicitors as more companies face regulatory fines for non-compliance. You could act as a cybersecurity contractor, working on specific jobs for several weeks or months, instead of working full-time.
How can you stand out in cybersecurity law?
To stand out, combine strong legal knowledge with a clear understanding of cyber risks. Attend legal tech events, consider courses in information security, and follow developments in privacy and cybercrime law. Real interest in how law meets technology is crucial.
