Manchester law firm Ralli today announced the opening of offices at MediaCityUK in Salford Quays to house its growing media team.

The 10-partner firm is based in Manchester city centre but partner Keith Arrowsmith said its decision to open a second office at the Digital World Centre at Salford Quays dedicated to serving MediaCityUK was a ‘no brainer’.

“It’s important to be close and accessible to clients,” said Mr Arrowsmith, who is head of intellectual property and media at Ralli.

“Apart from being able to react immediately to urgent demands like copyright clearances, being on their doorstep makes it much easier to forge robust relationships.

“Obviously, we’ll continue working with our southern-based clients – some of whom are considering opening satellite offices in MediaCityUK.”

Ralli’s media clients include performing art organisations, TV and film production companies. It also acts for software and web development businesses, and the charitable and voluntary sector, which includes museums and educational establishments.

Its media team will advise clients on matters including intellectual property, contributors’ agreements, brand management, copyright infringement, domain name disputes and damage to reputation claims.

Mr Arrowsmith joined Ralli in July from London practice Sprecher Grier Halberstam. He recently took part in the government’s review of child performance licensing laws.

He added: "The arrival of huge corporations like the BBC and hundreds of ancillary companies at MediaCityUK clearly signal that the media axis in the UK has shifted and geographic barriers are already crumbling.

“These are truly exciting times.”