The Legal Services team sits within the University Secretary’s Office as part of Professional Services. We are a close-knit, supportive, and friendly team of five Lawyers and a Legal Services Coordinator. We pride ourselves on providing a collaborative environment where team members can thrive and expand their expertise.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and pragmatically minded University Lawyer to lead on commercial and procurement matters across the University. Experience of the HE sector is not required. We are seeking a lawyer with excellent research and legal drafting skills and some experience of contract law. The role will primarily deal with contracts and commercial agreements including NDAs, student placements, MOUs, licensing, intellectual property and assisting other lawyers on international partnerships. We are looking for someone enthusiastic about learning and prepared to contribute to the team and the University.
Responsibilities
- Legal Expertise: Demonstrable expertise in contract law, public procurement, and managing legal risk across projects.
- Commercial Mindset: Strong commercial judgment with a track record of delivering clear, actionable legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Management: Good communication skills with the ability to inspire confidence with internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Workload Management: Proven ability to manage concurrent projects, prioritise effectively and work independently.
- Leadership: Experience in or aptitude for line management and mentoring colleagues.
Qualifications
We are looking for a Lawyer with commercial acumen and a solutions-focused mindset. Whether your background is in-house or private practice, or you specialise in areas like IP or property, a strong foundation in contract law and a willingness to adapt are key. We welcome applications from candidates who may not have previous Higher Education experience but are keen to learn and develop in a varied in-house legal environment.
Flexible, family-friendly working arrangements, including hybrid working. Generous pension scheme and leave entitlement. A supportive, inclusive culture with active staff networks and development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University strives to be a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can be themselves. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as well as women seeking senior roles, as these groups are currently underrepresented at this level. #EqualityatYork
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