What does a Commercial (IT/IP) Lawyer do?

July 15, 2025
Groups of young men and women sitting at tables in coworking office environment and discussing small business plans and projects.


As technology and innovation continue to shape every industry, the role of a Commercial IT/IP Lawyer has become increasingly important. These legal professionals help businesses protect their intellectual property, manage complex tech contracts, and stay compliant with fast-evolving digital regulations.

Whether advising a fast-growth start-up or supporting a global corporate, Commercial IT/IP Lawyers sit at the intersection of law, business and innovation.

Responsibilities of a Commercial IT/IP Lawyer

The role of a Commercial IT/IP Lawyer is broad and commercially focused. Key responsibilities typically include:

  • Drafting and negotiating software licences, SaaS agreements, and outsourcing contracts
  • Advising on cloud services, IT procurement, and digital infrastructure projects
  • Preparing IP assignments and licensing agreements
  • Supporting compliance with data protection laws such as GDPR
  • Advising on e-commerce terms, platform use, and online content rights
  • Managing legal risk in supplier and technology partnerships

Their advice enables businesses to operate with confidence while protecting their commercial and creative assets.

See also: What does a Commercial Lawyer do?

The difference between IT and IP Commercial Lawyers

Although often grouped together, IT Commercial Lawyers and IP Commercial Lawyers focus on distinct (but complementary) areas:

  • IT Commercial Lawyers work with contracts involving the supply or development of technology, such as SaaS, managed services, or cloud computing.
  • IP Commercial Lawyers focus on intellectual property rights—helping clients protect, license, and commercially exploit assets like trademarks, software, designs, and content.

In many cases, Lawyers work across both areas, especially when advising on digital products or services that involve IP-heavy technologies.

Key skills for a Commercial Lawyer

To succeed in this field, lawyers need more than technical legal knowledge. They must also bring:

  • Strong drafting and negotiation skills
  • A commercial mindset and business awareness
  • Attention to detail and comfort with complexity
  • The ability to communicate clearly with non-lawyers
  • A genuine interest in technology, innovation, and emerging trends

Companies and clients value Lawyers who can offer practical, solution-oriented advice tailored to real-world commercial challenges.

See also: How Commercial Lawyers drive innovation

Typical career path of a Commercial Lawyer

Most Commercial IT/IP Lawyers start their careers in private practice, often training in commercial, IP, or technology-focused teams. Over time, many private practice Lawyers move in-house to work more closely with the business, often within industries like tech, fintech, media, or consumer goods.

Common in-house legal job titles include:

  • Legal Counsel – Commercial and Technology
  • IP Counsel
  • Head of Legal – Innovation
  • General Counsel

In law firms, career progression may lead from Associate to Senior Associate, Legal Director, and ultimately, Partner—particularly in firms with strong IP/IT practices.

Why choose a career in commercial law?

The demand for Commercial IT/IP Lawyers continues to grow as businesses face increasing pressure to manage digital risk, innovate responsibly, and unlock value from their intellectual assets.

This is a dynamic and intellectually rewarding field, offering exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the chance to work on matters that directly impact how businesses operate and grow. Whether you’re advising on the roll-out of a global SaaS product or helping a start-up protect its brand, no two days are the same.

Looking to move into or hire for a commercial IT/IP role? Contact us today.

TR_GLO_2026_in-house_report_web-banner_Global-new

Featured Content

See all news
Close up of a woman at work, green shirt, making hand gestures

The skills company secretaries need to progress into senior roles

  • Posted July 28, 2026
Contents Share Key insights The company secretary role has always sat close to the boardroom, but the expectations placed on the function have changed considerably. Strong technical governance expertise remains essential, but it is no longer enough on its own. Today’s company secretaries are expected to help boards navigate regulation, stakeholder pressure, ESG scrutiny, technology […]
Woman standing smiling in front of an audience

Public, private or PE-backed business: what’s the difference for a GC in Europe? 

  • Posted June 26, 2026
Contents Share Key insights   The title may stay the same, but the role of a general counsel can look very different depending on ownership structure. A GC operating within a listed multinational faces a very different set of expectations to one supporting a founder-led private business or a private equity-backed portfolio company.  Across Europe, these differences are becoming more pronounced as organisations […]
A rear view of a commuter travelling on a bike

What UK tech firms look for in in-house legal hires

  • Posted June 25, 2026
Contents Key insights The UK technology sector has evolved significantly over the past decade, and so too have expectations of in-house lawyers. While technical legal excellence remains important, the most successful technology companies are increasingly seeking lawyers who can serve as strategic business partners, support growth agendas, and navigate rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks. When hiring […]