Cognizant

Senior Privacy Counsel

Cognizant • $140K — $150K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited US law school and active bar membership in at least one US state.
  • Seven or more years of experience in privacy and data protection, particularly in-house at a technology company.
  • Deep understanding of US health privacy laws, including HIPAA and state privacy statutes.
  • Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex privacy agreements.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to balance legal risks with commercial objectives in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to Cognizant's values and a passion for impactful work.

Responsibilities

  • Provide legal counsel on US federal and state privacy laws and monitor emerging legislation.
  • Support negotiation and drafting of privacy-related agreements and maintain contracting playbooks.
  • Collaborate with product and engineering teams to implement privacy-by-design principles.
  • Lead privacy incident response and coordinate with various stakeholders during incidents.
  • Develop and maintain privacy policies, compliance documentation, and training initiatives.
  • Manage regulatory inquiries and represent the company in audits and investigations.
  • Foster a culture of excellence and continuous learning within the team.

Benefits

  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
  • Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) plan and contributions
  • Long-term/Short-term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Full Job Description
About the role

As a Senior US Privacy Counsel, you will drive impactful contributions and focus on outcomes. You will support Cognizant's US and Americas business, collaborating with business units, legal teams, product and engineering teams, security, communications, executive leadership, and external stakeholders. You will provide authoritative advice on privacy, data protection, digital laws, and regulatory compliance while helping enable business growth.

You will have the autonomy to lead, innovate, and improve workflows while upholding our commitment to quality and continuous learning. As part of a team of self-starters, you can work with impact alongside our vibrant people and culture while enjoying unmatched learning opportunities.

In this role, you will:
  • Provide authoritative legal counsel on US federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA, HITECH, 42 CFR Part 2, CCPA, CPRA, and comprehensive privacy laws in Texas, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and other states. Monitor and advise on emerging federal privacy and related AI legislation.
  • Support the negotiation and drafting of business associate agreements, data processing agreements, and data use agreements. Maintain and update contracting playbooks for privacy and data-security terms in master services agreements and vendor agreements.
  • Partner with product and engineering teams to implement privacy-by-design across products and solutions, including reviewing data flows, consent frameworks, and de-identification methodologies.
  • Lead privacy-incident response, including notification analysis under the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule and applicable state breach-notification laws. Coordinate incident management with security, communications, executive leadership, and other stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain privacy policies, procedures, compliance documentation, training, and awareness initiatives. Manage regulatory inquiries and enforcement matters involving HHS/OCR, the FTC, and state attorneys general, and represent the company in audits, investigations, and complaint responses.
  • Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Prioritize quality, stay curious, and commit to continuous learning. Take ownership, build relationships, and focus on personal growth to drive business strategy, create unmatched career opportunities, and deliver impactful work.

What you must have to be considered
  • A J.D. from an accredited US law school and active bar membership in at least one US state.
  • Seven or more years of experience in privacy and data protection, including significant in-house experience at a technology company.
  • Deep command of US health privacy and security law, including HIPAA, HITECH, 42 CFR Part 2, and state comprehensive privacy statutes.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating privacy clauses in complex agreements.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
  • The ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • A strong sense of ownership, a desire to create meaningful outcomes, and a passion for work that serves a greater good for customers, communities, or global challenges.
  • The embodiment of Cognizant's values: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Own It.

These will help you succeed
  • Law firm experience in a health IT or privacy practice.
  • Working familiarity with EU and UK GDPR requirements relevant to global business-to-business operations.
  • CIPP/US certification.
  • CHPC certification or CIPM certification.

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a Cognizant office. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $140,000 - $150,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
  • Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) plan and contributions
  • Long-term/Short-term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

About Cognizant

TriZetto is Powering Integrated Healthcare Management. With technology solutions touching more than half the U.S. population today, TriZetto is uniquely positioned to drive the convergence of core benefit administration, care management and constituent engagement. TriZetto provides premier information technology solutions that enable payers and other constituents in the healthcare supply chain to improve the coordination of benefits and care for healthcare consumers.

Cognizant Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cognizant, a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process services. Cognizant is not just a company; it's a community where innovation, leadership, and diversity are valued and where every team member is encouraged to thrive.

Work You’ll Do

At Cognizant, we are dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses — not just for today but for the future. This commitment to growth and sustainability is what makes Cognizant a unique place to advance your career.

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Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, Cognizant offers a plethora of job opportunities that could be perfect for you. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that every candidate is able to showcase their skills and potential fully.

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Join a team where innovation is at the core of everything we do. Cognizant’s professionals are not just part of a company; they're part of a groundbreaking environment that combines technology, insights, and leadership to foster innovation across global industries.

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Kickstart your career with Cognizant’s internship programs. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience, develop your professional skills, and network with experts in your field. An internship at Cognizant is a stepping stone to full-time employment and a chance to see how your studies apply in the real world.

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Cognizant is committed to the professional growth of its employees. With access to cutting-edge training, leadership programs, and diversity initiatives, you can build a career that’s equipped for the demands of tomorrow’s business landscape.

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Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Cognizant’s culture is built on a foundation of respect and inclusivity, where everyone’s contribution is valued. Join us and be part of a team that celebrates diversity and is driven to make a positive impact on the world.

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Learn more about Cognizant
Size
340,400 employees
Market Cap
$28.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+6.5%
Revenue
$16.6 billion
NASDAQ

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