Associate - Tech & Media (Commercial Disputes)

Dac-Beachcroft-LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; 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. The role sits in the Professional and Commercial Risk group, handling IT, media, and technology disputes for large corporate and public sector clients, alongside other commercial litigation work.

The day-to-day includes urgent injunctive work, drafting advice, handling claims from pre‑issue to trial, representing the firm at events, and contributing to

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' PQE in commercial litigation or commercial disputes.
• Experience in technology, media or IT matters preferred.
• Ability to take ownership and responsibility for matters.
• Strong communication and client handling skills.
• Team oriented with willingness to share knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Run your own caseload of commercial disputes with focus on IT, media and technology sectors.
• Handle matters from pre-action through to trial, including drafting pleadings and statements.
• Work alongside senior colleagues on complex, high-value disputes.
• Help deliver knowledge of key issues and provide client advice.
• Operate with autonomy while receiving supervision from leading practitioners.
• Collaborate across the team, the firm, and with clients.

Skills

PQE 3–5 years

Tech/Media IT

Ownership & responsibility

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.