City of York Council have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, ambitious and innovative lawyer to join our legal services team. If you thrive in working in a busy environment as part of a friendly team, this may be the opportunity for you.
The role will be based in the Contracts & Commercial team, supporting the Council’s major projects teams, working on a range of multi-disciplined, high-profile projects, such as York Station Gateway and York Outer Ring Road, along with other exciting redevelopment projects taking place in York.
The role will also support the Council on a wide range of contractual and commercial matters, from day-to-day commercial work as well as complex and high value project work.
As part of a wider legal service, you will be at the forefront of big changes as we implement the new Council Plan.
We are seeking to appoint a qualified solicitor with extensive experience in the Contracts & Commercial area. We may consider appointing less experienced candidates if you have particularly relevant experience in major projects work or high value, complex contracts. This is a career grade role with the opportunity to be supported to progress to through the grades to the level of Senior Lawyer. More information about the expected level of experience and qualifications for each of the grades are detailed in the job descriptions attached.
You may have built your career and experience by working in the public sector, but we also welcome applications from candidates who have not worked in the local government legal sector before, those who are looking for a career change or those who may be returning to work after a break.
If you are an ambitious, innovative solicitor, barrister or CILEX with contracts & commercial experience, and would relish the opportunity to influence change, a role within our service area could be your next career move.
This post is suitable as a job share opportunity.
This post is deemed as politically restricted. As designated politically restricted officers, employees will not be allowed to undertake certain activities. Please refer to the guidance attached for further information.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.
Please note, we do not have a sponsorship licence to sponsor individuals for visas to work in the UK, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Cathryn Moore (Legal Business Partner - Corporate) at cathryn.moore@york.gov.uk or on 01904 55 2487.
Closing date: Tuesday 23 September 2025 at 12 midnight
Interview date: 3 or 6 October 2025