University of York
Commercial Lawyer
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About the Team
Legal Services (which incorporates the Information Governance and Insurance Office) sits at the heart of the University Secretary’s Office. We are a close-knit, friendly team of lawyers and a legal services coordinator. We take pride in offering a warm, collegiate, and supportive environment where team members are trusted and encouraged to grow.
The Role
Are you a pragmatic commercial lawyer looking for dynamic, varied work with genuine impact? We are seeking a Senior Lawyer to take a lead role in providing expert commercial and procurement legal advice across the University. Working directly with senior leaders, our Procurement and Finance teams, and key external partners, you will help navigate legal risk and deliver effective, cost-efficient solutions.
Your workload will be richly diverse, spanning core service agreements, complex public procurements, international higher education partnerships, and bespoke one-off commercial initiatives.
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About You
We are looking for a collaborative team player with sharp commercial acumen, sound judgment, and a solution-oriented mindset.
Whether your background is in private practice or in-house, or focused in specialist areas like IP or commercial property, we welcome your application provided you have a strong foundation in contract law and a desire to adapt and learn.
Key Requirements:
- Commercial Expertise: A strong background in contract law, with significant experience advising on procurements, major projects, and legal risk management.
- Autonomy & Influence: Ability to work independently, lead key initiatives, and build confidence with senior stakeholders through clear, articulate communication.
- Multi-tasking & Resilience: Proven experience managing multiple concurrent major projects and prioritizing competing demands effectively.
- People Leadership: Experience in, or a strong capacity for, line management and mentoring.
- Agility & Approach: A flexible, 'can-do' attitude with an enthusiasm for taking on new or unfamiliar areas of work.
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What We Offer
- Flexible Working: We strongly support work-life balance and welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or job-share arrangements, alongside hybrid working options.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave allowance, an outstanding pension scheme, and access to campus facilities and staff wellbeing programs.
Application Process & Contact
- Interview Date: To be confirmed
- Informal Enquiries: For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Debbie Wilkinson at debbie.wilkinson@york.ac.uk.
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