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04 March 2026
Categories: Legal News , Technology , Career focus , Commercial
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Core Disciplines Shaping Today’s Commercial Legal Practice

Commercial law is changing fast, driven by new technologies and the growing complexity of global markets. The University of Manchester’s LLM in International Commercial and Technology Law brings focus to that shift, highlighting the core areas that now define effective commercial legal work. By exploring corporate governance, data rights, fintech regulation and digital era intellectual property, this course gives professionals the insight they need to make informed, confident decisions in a rapidly evolving landscape

The course focuses on four core areas central to today’s commercial practice:

  1. Corporations, Technology and Law—examining corporate governance, AI in corporate decision making, and the legal implications of blockchain based financing models such as ICOs and STOs.
  2. Online Privacy, Defamation and Data Protection—covering GDPR, the 'right to be forgotten', and the tension between privacy rights and freedom of expression.
  3. Financial Law and FinTech Law—analysing regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, online lending, market integrity, and the role of AI and big data in financial markets.
  4. Intellectual Property in the Digital Ecosystem—addressing challenges posed by 3D printing, global online distribution, and the enforcement of IP rights in a borderless digital environment.

Towards the end of the course, students also complete a supervised research project, allowing them to explore a specialist topic in depth.

The online, part-time nature of this course means professionals can study alongside current employment. Recent graduate and senior lawyer Hilda Wehbi said she 'would recommend this course to all legal professionals. We are in the midst of a technological revolution, and it is imperative that we are prepared for dealing with the legal challenges as well as opportunities that lie ahead.'

Visit the course page to learn more.  Apply by 30 June and receive 10% off tuition.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper strengthens international disputes team with appointment of leading arbitration partner

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens trust and estates disputes team with new appointments

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law strengthens employment disputes and international advisory capability with senior associate appointment

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Developers in areas with poorly performing councils can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for permission under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
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MPs cannot simply resign their Commons seats. Instead, they take a nominal Crown office, usually the Chiltern Hundreds or Manor of Northstead, which disqualifies them from sitting
When does a solicitor’s retainer become a contentious business agreement? The Court of Appeal’s decision in Broadfield Law UK LLP v Barnes shows that listing hourly rates alone will not do, leaving firms and clients uncertain about their rights over bills
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