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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

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Sheffield expansion continues with appointment of commercial property partner

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson strengthens banking and finance practice with latest partner appointment Paul Duggan

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Employment partner joins Ward Hadaway

NEWS
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

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