Senior Counsel, Privacy

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

$172K — $258K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • J.D. degree and active law license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • Minimum 7 years of legal experience focused on privacy and data protection, preferably in insurance or financial services.
  • Ability to apply relevant laws and provide clear, practical advice to colleagues.
  • Proven teamwork and collaboration skills in a legal setting.
  • Capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Hands-on and curious learner engaged with evolving business and legal landscapes.
  • Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Advise on privacy and information security laws including HIPAA and CCPA.
  • Provide daily legal counsel on data collection and artificial intelligence practices.
  • Assist with data subject rights requests and related compliance.
  • Draft and negotiate data protection terms in commercial agreements.
  • Deliver legal support to compliance and incident response teams.
  • Monitor changes in privacy and security laws and their implications for business.
  • Evaluate contractual impacts of new regulations and advise stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Generous vacation and sick time.
  • Market-leading paid family, parental, and adoption leave.
  • Comprehensive medical coverage and life insurance.
  • Disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.
  • 401(k) employer matching and stock purchase options.
  • Employer-funded retirement account.
  • Inclusive and collaborative work environment promoting career growth.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Our team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in the office at least 2 days per week.

The Opportunity:

Sun Life's U.S. Law Department is seeking a Senior Counsel, Privacy to join its corporate legal team. In this role, you will advise on legal and compliance issues relating to privacy, information security, and responsible use of data and artificial intelligence, supporting all aspects of the company's U.S. business. You will partner with business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to develop practical and compliant solutions in support of key business initiatives.

How you will contribute:

Working closely with the managing Vice President & Associate General Counsel, the essential functions of this role include:

  • Provide advice and guidance related to federal and state privacy and information security laws, including HIPAA, Gramm-Leach Bliley, California Consumer Privacy Act, and New York State Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies.
  • Provide day-to-day legal counsel on data collection, use, disclosure, and analytics practices, and the use of artificial intelligence.
  • Assist with responding to data subject rights requests.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate privacy and data protection terms in commercial agreements with vendors, clients, and others, as well as data security agreements, business associate agreements, and other similar agreements. Provide related guidance and support to business and functional leaders throughout the company.
  • Deliver legal advice and counsel to the compliance and incident response teams to evaluate privacy and data security incidents and notification obligations under applicable state and federal laws.
  • Monitor changes in laws and regulations relating to privacy, information security, and artificial intelligence, including through active participation in relevant industry groups. Evaluate the impact of these changes on contracts and business practices and provide proactive, clear, and actionable guidance to internal stakeholders.


What you will bring with you:
  • J.D. degree and an active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction in good standing.
  • At least 7 years of relevant legal experience with substantial focus on privacy and data protection; knowledge and experience in insurance and/or financial services is strongly preferred.
  • Adept at applying relevant laws to matters and providing proactive, practical advice to colleagues and business clients clearly and concisely.
  • Proven track record of establishing excellent team-oriented and collaborative interpersonal working relationships.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • A hands-on, collaborative, and curious learner, proactively engaged to keep up with a dynamic and changing business and legal landscape.
  • Strong analytical, legal research, writing, and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional or similar certification by the International Association of Privacy Professionals is strongly preferred.


Salary Range: $172,300 - $258,500

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

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Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We're proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we've also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

Job Category:

Legal

Posting End Date:

27/08/2026

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