Associate - Tech & Media (Commercial Disputes)

DAC Beachcroft; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DAC Beachcroft LLP in Manchester is seeking an Associate (3–5 PQE) to support technology and media disputes and general commercial litigation. You will manage a varied caseload and engage with clients at marketing events, with opportunities for team management and involvement in pro-bono activities.

The role focuses on IT, media and technology disputes, while also handling traditional contractual disputes and IP litigation. A supportive, collaborative culture is emphasised throughout the team.

Qualifications

• Around 3–5 years' PQE in commercial litigation or disputes.
• Experience or interest in technology, media or IT disputes.
• Ability to take ownership and responsibility for matters.
• Strong communication and client handling skills.
• Able to deal confidently with clients on day-to-day issues.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with willingness to share knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Run your own caseload of commercial disputes, focusing on IT, media and technology sectors.
• Handle matters from pre-action through to trial, including pleadings and witness statements.
• Work with senior colleagues on complex, high-value disputes.
• Help deliver knowledge on key issues and provide meaningful client advice.
• Operate autonomously with supervision from leading practitioners.
• Work in a highly collaborative environment within the team and with clients.

Skills

PQE 3–5

IT/tech disputes

ownership & accountability

client handling

communication skills

team collaboration

Job description

Associate - Tech & Media (Commercial Disputes)

Department: Professional and Commercial Risk

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Manchester

Description

Our Commercial Dispute Resolution team in Manchester is looking for an Associate (3–5 PQE) to support technology and media disputes and general commercial litigation.

Within our Professional and Commercial Risk group, the Manchester Commercial Dispute Resolution team works for a variety of large corporate and public sector clients with particular focus on IT, media and technology disputes. We act for suppliers and customers as well as insured and non‑insured clients, including technology and media professionals. Alongside technology and media work, the team handles general contractual disputes, defamation, IP litigation and wider commercial litigation (including urgent interim injunctions), supporting clients from across the firm when commercial disputes arise. We work closely with colleagues in Bristol and beyond, and run the firm's German desk, managing relationships with clients from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Your day-to-day work in our team will be as varied as dealing with urgent injunctive work, preparing advice notes to clients, handling claims from pre‑issue through to trial, representing DAC Beachcroft at client and marketing events, assisting with team management and tacking part the firm's wider social and pro‑bono activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Run your own caseload of commercial disputes, with a focus on the IT, media and technology sectors;
• Handle matters from pre-action through to trial, including drafting pleadings, witness statements and advice;
• Work alongside senior colleagues on complex, high-value disputes;
• Help deliver our knowledge of key issues and provide meaningful advice to clients;
• Operate with autonomy, but with the benefit of support and supervision from leading practitioners at all times;
• Work in a highly collaborative environment, both within the team, across the firm, and with clients.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Around 3–5 years' PQE within a commercial litigation or commercial disputes practice;
• Experience of technology, media or IT matters, or a genuine interest in developing this specialism;
• Ability to take ownership and responsibility for matters;
• Good communication, relationship and client handling skills;
• Ability to deal confidently and professionally with clients on day-to-day issues;
• Ability to demonstrate a reasonable level of self-sufficiency, combined with an awareness of the boundaries of own competence/authority;
• Team oriented and collegiate with a willingness to share knowledge with and support other members of the team.

Additional Information

As a Disability Confident Scheme employer, we’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage (including the application, assessment or interview process), please contact [e-mail] in confidence with the vacancy reference in the subject line, and we’ll be happy to help.