Lawyers at Bristol-headquartered TLT are to benefit from a first-of-its kind fintech school set up by the firm in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.
The course gives the national firm’s lawyers a critical understanding of some of the most transformative technologies in the financial services industry, including blockchain and machine learning. 
Staged annually – and delivered virtually next year – the course includes lectures, practical workshops and seminars to give an in-depth understanding of the technologies that will be affecting businesses for years to come.
The school will initially be open to lawyers in TLT’s technology & IP, commercial and corporate teams from across the firm’s six UK offices.
Attendees will initially work across three of TLT’s key sectors – financial services, digital and retail and consumer goods – all of which are significantly impacted by the rise of fintech.
It follows a successful pilot run by TLT with 10 of its staff working in a range of roles – from trainee solicitor to partner – and including both fee earners and business development team members.
The full course has been co-designed by members of TLT’s specialist fintech team and Niels Pedersen, author of the book Financial Technology: Case Studies in Fintech Innovation and senior lecturer on Manchester Metropolitan University’s post-graduate fintech degree – which was the first of its kind in England. 
Niels Pedersen said: “Financial services are changing rapidly as a result of technological innovation.
“Professionals like lawyers and consultants need to understand the impact of disruptive technologies, so that they can provide a high calibre of support to their clients in industry.
“It was great to work with TLT to co-create this course and I am looking forward to helping their lawyers hone their knowledge base. Their hands-on experience from advising clients in the fintech sector will help inform future iterations of this programme.” 
TLT technology partner and senior member of specialist fintech and payments teams David Gardner, pictured, added: “We are always looking for new ways to go above and beyond for our people and our clients. Launching the fintech school is a great way to deliver on those commitments.
“The course gives our lawyers deeper insights into important changes in business and technology. It provides a broader perspective on which to base our legal advice, helping us to maintain our status as a leading specialist adviser in fintech and payments.
“The pilot showed that there is a growing appetite for something like this from within our team and a recognition of its value from clients. We are delighted to be launching a regular course with Niels and Manchester Metropolitan.”
TLT, Bristol’s third largest law firm, employs more than 120 partners and around 1,200 people.
