Data Engineer - SQL Server & Data Platform (6-month fixed...

The Junior Data Engineer is a new role within the Business Services Development team, created to help unlock the value of the firm's data and support our long-term Data and AI strategy. Working alongside experienced technology professionals, this role will contribute to the operational support, design, development and maintenance of our data platforms.

The role combines hands-on technical delivery with continuous learning across data engineering, database administration and analytics. Responsibilities include supporting our operations, developing and maintaining data pipelines, supporting SQL Server environments, improving data quality and performance and ensuring business data is secure, reliable and accessible.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build on their experience and career in Data Engineering. The role provides exposure to Microsoft SQL Server, Azure Data Services, Microsoft Fabric and emerging AI technologies, while working within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, monitor Azure database solutions. Investigate data issues and help resolve discrepancies across source systems. Maintain documentation for data flows, database objects and operational support processes.

• Build and maintain solutions to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from various sources (case management system, document management system, finance system, etc.) into centralised data repositories (data Lakehouse). Ensure pipelines are efficient, reliable, and well-documented.

• Implement a unified data warehouse/data Lakehouse/Medallion Architecture within Fabric/Azure for the business analytical needs. Model structured data (e.g., relational tables in Azure SQL or Microsoft Fabric) to support flexible reporting and analysis, and manage unstructured/semi-structured data (documents, text logs) in a data lake.

• Combine data from on-premises SQL Server and cloud databases, available APIs as well as files and external data, to create a single source of truth for insights.

• Develop pipelines, notebooks and workflows for data cleansing, normalisation, and aggregation. Resolve data quality issues by implementing validation rules and collaborating with data owners to correct source data when necessary.

• Monitor and tune the performance of data queries and pipelines. This includes indexing strategies, query refactoring, partitioning of data, and scaling of Azure resources to meet demand.

• Support data governance best practices, including access controls for sensitive data, data encryption, and compliance with data privacy regulations (GDPR, etc.). Work with IT security and compliance teams to ensure data solutions meet the company’s confidentiality and security standards.

• Stay current with advancements in data engineering, analytics, and AI.

• Handle the day-to-day management of the analytical data infrastructure. This includes scheduling and monitoring ETL jobs, troubleshooting failures or data inconsistencies, and ensuring high availability of critical analytics databases. Provide backup and recovery support and front-line support for data-related inquiries or issues.

Skills

Essential

• Proficiency in SQL (T-SQL) and strong knowledge of SQL Server (on-prem and Azure SQL). Able to design and optimise relational schemas, indexes, views, and stored procedures for complex data processing.

• Hands-on experience building ETL/ELT workflows. Familiarity with tools like Azure Data Factory, Fabric Pipelines.

• Knowledge of Materialized Lake Views (or similar ETL tools) and Logic Apps for orchestrating data movement and transformation between heterogeneous systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Azure data services, including Azure Data Lake Storage, Microsoft Fabric, Medallion Architecture.

• Strong ability in a programming language for data handling, ideally Python & TSQL. Familiar with scripting for automation (PowerShell or Bash). Demonstrated ability to manipulate data through code (e.g., parsing JSON, calling APIs, etc.).

• Knowledge and awareness of NoSQL and Big Data Tools including NoSQL databases (e.g., Cosmos DB, MongoDB) and understanding of when to use them.

• Experience developing reports or dashboards in Power BI (preferred) or similar BI tools (Tableau, Qlik).

• Monitoring & Alerting: Implement telemetry, logging, and monitoring for cloud data platforms built on Microsoft Fabric and Microsoft Azure, leveraging Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights to track pipeline health, automate alerts, and ensure reliable operation of data ingestion and transformation pipelines.

• DevOps & CI/CD: Knowledge of modern software development practices. Comfortable using Git for version control. Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or similar) to automate deployment of data projects. Understanding of Infrastructure-as-Code (e.g., ARM templates, Terraform) for provisioning data infrastructure.

• Security & Governance: Deep appreciation for data security, privacy, and governance. Familiar with implementing role-based access control, data masking, and encryption. Understands regulatory requirements around data (GDPR, etc.) and ensures compliance in data engineering solutions.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot data issues across systems (from source data irregularities to ETL bugs to performance bottlenecks).

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Able to document workflows clearly and to explain technical concepts or analysis results to non-technical stakeholders in plain language.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams. Open to feedback and skilled in gathering user requirements. Customer-service mindset when addressing the needs of internal clients (attorneys, management).

Desirable

• Additional Programming: Familiarity with Python or C# for integration with our .NET systems could be beneficial.

• Infrastructure Knowledge: Experience with hybrid environments (on-prem to cloud integration), and knowledge of networking as relates to data transfer, etc. Experience with high-availability architectures for data pipelines.

• Project Management: Knowledge of Agile project methodologies.

Competencies

• Adaptability: Ability to switch between different projects and technologies as needed

• Time Management: Effectively prioritise and manage multiple responsibilities

• Communication: Clear and consistent communication with team members, management, and stakeholders

• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively within a team while also being capable of independent work

• Problem-solving: Analyse complex issues and develop effective solutions

• Attention to Detail: Emphasis on quality and thoroughness in all aspects of work

• Continuous Learning: Proactively seek out and apply new knowledge and skills

• Initiative: Self-motivated with the ability to take ownership of tasks and projects

• Critical Thinking: Ability to challenge assumptions and ask insightful questions to ensure optimal solutions.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in a data-focused role, with a proven track record of successfully delivering of supporting SQL Server, data pipeline and analytics projects.

• Other Requirements: Experience in a law company’s or professional services environment is welcome but not required. A strong interest in the legal technology domain and eagerness to learn about intellectual property data is important for cultural fit.

The Company

Potter Clarkson LLP is one of the leading pan-European Intellectual Property law firms, with seven offices across the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

We offer clients a full IP service to support them in achieving their commercial objectives. We pride ourselves in the exceptional level of client care offered by our approachable and engaged team.

The firm is consistently ranked in the top tier of major legal guides, such as Legal 500 and MIP. We also hold three independent ISO accreditations which evidence our high level of environmental awareness, service provision and information security.

We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, and supporting the wellbeing of all our people. We offer a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits and resources including healthcare, attractive flexible working options, sports and social groups, virtual yoga and mindfulness sessions, a virtual wellbeing hub, mental health first aiders, and a busy social calendar.

Benefits

• We offer a flexible working policy, with employees expected to be in the office two - three days per week. Initially, the successful candidate will need to work in the office full-time to facilitate their training and integration into the company.

• Competitive salary, dependant on experience.

• Birthday leave.

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.

• One paid day off per year for charitable work.

• Health care packages.

• Discount vouchers.

• Company aways days.

We are committed to providing a highly supportive, inclusive and stimulating workplace for all our people. Read more about how we’re building a more equal, diverse and inclusive culture here