About the Team:

Our Commercial & Technology team is a Legal 500 and Chambers ranked commercial, technology and regulatory practice. Technology and data law is a core part of the team and firm strategy.

Our overall team advises on everything from complex tech transformations and outsourcing to consumer law, routes to market and IP-rich transactions, as well as AI, logistics, licensing and sponsorship. The team is fast-growing, highly ranked and has technology law as a core growth focus. We combine deep knowledge across key sectors including technology, retail, financial services, platforms, marketing, entertainment, advanced manufacturing, sport.

Recognised leaders in their field, the team works on a wide range of matters: from technology and AI deals (both buy- and deploy-side) to technology and consumer regulation and go-to-market strategies for platforms, agencies, distribution, and franchises. They also handle IP-rich agreements such as video game development and publishing, sponsorship, advertising and marketing, branded content, talent, rights licensing, and content production, alongside outsourcing and media buying.

The team comprises 15 partners and 30 associates across the UK. This breadth is supported by structured know-how and dedicated Knowledge Lawyer resources, ensuring regular updates and shared expertise across the group.

We operate as a genuinely integrated, cross-office team with a strong “one team” approach spanning London, Manchester, and Belfast. This enables seamless collaboration on UK-wide and multi-jurisdictional projects for brand-name clients across our key sectors. Our cross-office model sits within a firm renowned for sector-focused strength in commercial, tech, media, data, and IP, complemented by market-leading employment capability that often features in joint mandates.

We work closely with colleagues across the firm, and there is genuine, day-to-day work overlap with other teams. You will work alongside our IP team advising on complex technology; with our specialist Data team, who lead on complex international data transfers and data subject access requests; with our market-leading Employment team on matters such as TUPE in outsourcing projects; and with our top-ranked Corporate team on technology, brand and platform-driven transactions, providing a cohesive service across the deal lifecycle.

As an Associate in Belfast, you’ll be part of a market-leading technology practice with strong links to the thriving Irish tech ecosystem. You'll work closely with an exciting mix of clients, from high-growth start-ups to global businesses, advising on innovative and cutting-edge technology projects. You'll also have the opportunity to work with colleagues across our wider UK practice on complex, high-value matters, giving you exposure to a broad range of clients and sectors. As your experience grows, you'll take ownership of your own matters while continuing to develop your expertise alongside experienced lawyers on significant and business-critical work. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the firm and with our international partner firms, working directly with in-house legal teams at large corporates and high-profile brands across technology, financial services, retail and consumer-facing sectors. You’ll also contribute to knowledge initiatives and benefit from structured support and training, helping you build expertise in commercial, tech, media, and data disciplines.

About the Role:

We have developed detailed career benchmarks which set out what you will be expected to achieve at each level of your professional development

• Providing technical legal expertise: you will continually seek to build on your current knowledge and proactively look to improve your advising skills.
• Delivering excellent service: you will analyse legal information to solve problems and formulate arguments or strategy relevant to your clients’ needs. You’ll also use your initiative to proactively manage work and provide regular and appropriate updates to your stakeholders.
• Building relationships: you will proactively develop positive working relationships with colleagues, ensuring that you work collaboratively and that you treat all colleagues with respect and professionalism.
• Developing our business: you will have an awareness of the firm’s goals and clients and have an appropriate level of involvement in building and maintaining relationships with key clients and prospects.

The primary focus of the role will be technology advisory and transactional work. You will be comfortable advising on technology regulation, including DORA, EU AI Act, Data Act, Digital Services Act, basic data privacy, and cyber security. You will be comfortable mark up a wide variety of tech agreements (including DPAs).You will be curious about and keen to use legal AI, as well as explore AI use cases for the team, firm or clients.

About You:

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Approximately 2-4 years' post-qualification experience in a Technology, Commercial or related practice area, with a particular focus on technology work.
• Strong technical legal skills, with excellent drafting, analytical and communication abilities and a high level of attention to detail.
• Experience of commercial contracts, outsourcing, data licensing, DR technology transactions.
• transactions, ideally including AI contracting and governance or multi-party technology transformation projects.
• Confidence in marking up data processing agreements. You will not need expertise in complex international data transfers or DSARs, as our specialist Data team handles these.
• Strong knowledge of technology regulation, together with a good working knowledge of data privacy.
• Curiosity and a love of critical thinking, with the hunger to join a team where you can make a real difference and grow your practice.
• A desire to learn, develop and continually build expertise.
• Experience gained within a medium or large private practice law firm, or a specialist commercial, technology or data-focused practice.
• A commercial and proactive approach, with a strong commitment to being responsive focused and delivering excellent client service.
• The ability to manage workstreams effectively, take ownership of matters and build trusted relationships with clients.
• An interest in business development activities, including thought leadership, client training, networking and profile-building opportunities.
• A genuine love of technology – you follow developments closely, enjoy understanding how technology works and are excited by advising on it. You also enjoy using technology yourself, including legal tech and AI tools, and are curious about the art of the possible in how we work and deliver for clients.
• Excellent academics and qualification as a lawyer holding a current UK practising certificate.
• A positive, collaborative approach and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive and enjoyable team environment.

Additional Information:

At Lewis Silkin our ethos is simple. We strive to do the best for our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate. We recognise that an inclusive workplace allows for all kinds of ideas and thoughts, a variety of points of view that can trigger discussions or deliver innovative results, and a wide range of versatile skills and expertise. We are proud of the diversity within Lewis Silkin and of our culture that allows people to be themselves at work, ensuring we provide the best possible service to our clients. We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process by supporting anyone who requires adjustments, in order to ensure they have the opportunity to perform at their best. All applicants will be considered equally and fairly. If you’d like to request any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, or would like to discuss flexible working patterns, please email the recruitment team in confidence ([email protected]).