Law That Builds Cities – Make a Real Difference in Sheffield

Sheffield City Council is an authority that leads boldly with purpose and decisiveness, putting the people and communities of Sheffield at the heart of everything it does. We work hard to deliver excellence first time, every time. Sheffield is an extraordinary place to live and work, offering the perfect balance of vibrant urban life, award-winning culture, and access to the Peak District – the UK’s oldest national park, just minutes from the city centre.

As the largest council in Yorkshire, Sheffield offers an exceptional breadth and diversity of legal work. From strategic commercial projects to complex procurement and contract law, our legal teams are instrumental in driving transformation across the city.

We’re now looking for a Commercial Lawyer (£45,718 to £49,764) to join our Legal and Governance team. This is a hybrid role, offering flexibility to work from home, attend the office several times a month, and represent the Council in meetings and negotiations as needed.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Commercial Lawyer, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality legal services across a wide range of commercial matters. You’ll be responsible for:

Providing expert legal advice on commercial, contract, procurement, and subsidy control law.
Leading negotiations and advising on risk issues in major projects and procurements.
Drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements, and legal documentation.
Advising on TUPE and pensions in service transfers.
Supporting the Council’s statutory and strategic functions.
Representing the Council in judicial reviews and other legal proceedings.
Mentoring colleagues and contributing to training and development.
Driving continuous improvement and innovation in legal service delivery.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or FCILEX with post-qualification experience. Whether you come from public or private practice, if you’re passionate about public service and ready to make a real impact, we want to hear from you.

You’ll bring:

Extensive technical knowledge in commercial law.
Strong legal drafting and negotiation skills.
Experience managing legal risk and advising on complex legal matters.
Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
Confidence in using legal case management systems and IT tools.

Why Join Us?

At Sheffield City Council, we support our employees to thrive both professionally and personally. Our benefits include:

Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 26 days (plus bank holidays), rising to 31 days after five years. Options to buy extra leave or take career breaks.
Outstanding Pension Contributions: 19% employer contribution via the LGPS.
Flexible Working: Hybrid, part-time, job share, and term-time options available.
Health & Wellbeing Support: Occupational Health, eye care vouchers, and a confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
Inclusive Culture: Join employee networks and equality hubs.
Learning & Development: Access to e-learning, coaching, and professional development resources.

If you’re ready to lead, negotiate, and transform, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to , quoting Commercial Lawyer in the subject line.