Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Salary: £39,355 to £57,422 per annum (Grade 7 to 8 depending on experience)
Contract Type: Ongoing, Full-Time (100%)
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa Available
Closing Date: Sunday, 11 May 2025
Join a Leading UK Law School – Shape the Future of Business Law
The University of Leeds School of Law is seeking an exceptional individual for the post of Lecturer in Business Law. As one of the UK’s most respected law schools—ranked 4th nationally for research quality and 1st for societal impact in the REF 2021—we are looking for talented academics to help build on our legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and public engagement.
This is your opportunity to join a world-renowned university that offers cutting-edge research opportunities, access to top-tier students, and a collaborative academic environment. This role includes Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, making it ideal for international candidates seeking to contribute to the UK higher education sector while building a long-term academic career.
About the School of Law – University of Leeds
A Hub for Research and Societal Impact
The School of Law at the University of Leeds is a dynamic and progressive department committed to shaping legal thought and practice globally. We are particularly renowned for our Centre for Business Law and Practice, which supports pioneering research in:
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Corporate Law
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Company Law
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Commercial Law
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Financial Regulation and Governance
With a strong emphasis on research that addresses real-world challenges, our school fosters a culture of interdisciplinary innovation, making it an ideal environment for academics eager to influence business law and policy at both national and international levels.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Curriculum Development
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Deliver Core Legal Modules: Teach foundational law subjects across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, especially in corporate, company, and commercial law.
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Curriculum Design: Contribute to the development and enhancement of innovative, research-led teaching materials and strategies that reflect industry trends and academic best practices.
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Supervision: Provide academic supervision for student dissertations and projects, with a particular focus on business and commercial legal issues.
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Student Engagement: Support the university’s mission to deliver an exceptional student experience through accessible, engaging, and inclusive teaching methods.
Research and Scholarly Contribution
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Conduct High-Impact Research: Engage in high-quality, original legal research that aligns with the School’s strategic aims, particularly in business law.
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Publication and Dissemination: Publish scholarly articles in top-tier academic journals and contribute to conferences, workshops, and industry panels.
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Secure Research Funding: Apply for external funding to support research projects and collaborations, especially those that align with public and private sector priorities.
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with colleagues across faculties and with external partners to develop impactful and policy-relevant legal research.
Academic Citizenship and Leadership
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Departmental Contribution: Participate in academic administration, quality assurance, and course management tasks.
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Mentoring and Development: Support junior colleagues and actively participate in the university’s leadership and mentorship programs.
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Public Engagement: Promote the role of legal scholarship in society by engaging in public debates, media commentary, and community outreach related to business law.
Candidate Profile
We welcome applications from ambitious and research-active academics who are ready to contribute to one of the UK’s leading universities.
Essential Qualifications and Attributes
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PhD in Law (or equivalent professional experience)
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A strong publication record or the potential to publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
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Demonstrated ability to teach and develop corporate law, commercial law, or company law modules
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Clear research trajectory aligned with business law, financial regulation, or international commercial law
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in higher education
Desirable Skills and Experience
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Experience in securing research funding and managing funded projects
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International teaching or research exposure
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Familiarity with UK higher education teaching standards
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Engagement in legal reform or policy advisory roles
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Industry partnerships or experience in commercial legal practice
Visa Sponsorship Options
Skilled Worker Visa
The University of Leeds is a licensed Skilled Worker sponsor and welcomes applications from international candidates. This role meets the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa eligibility, although first-time applicants may require salary concessions depending on personal circumstances.
For more information, visit the UK Government Skilled Worker visa guidance.
Global Talent Visa
Applicants with a strong research profile may also be eligible under the Global Talent visa route. This provides greater flexibility and benefits for international researchers and academics. Learn more on the UK Government’s Global Talent visa page.
Salary and Grade
The successful applicant will be appointed at Grade 7 or Grade 8, depending on experience and research profile.
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Grade 7: £39,355 – £46,974
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Grade 8: £47,423 – £57,422
This reflects the university’s commitment to recognising academic achievement and experience, and rewarding excellence in both research and teaching.
Employee Benefits
At the University of Leeds, we offer one of the most comprehensive employee benefits packages in UK higher education, designed to support your wellbeing, personal growth, and work-life balance.
Work-Life Balance and Wellbeing
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42 days annual leave: 26 days holiday + ~16 bank holidays/university closure days
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Flexible working arrangements including hybrid work options
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Health and Wellbeing programs, including counselling, mental health support, and mindfulness sessions
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Discounted gym membership at The Edge – featuring a pool, sauna, climbing wall, sports halls, and cycle circuit
Financial and Family Benefits
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Generous pension scheme with employer contributions and life assurance
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Childcare support through on-site facilities and nursery access
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Travel discounts, interest-free season ticket loans, and cycle-to-work scheme
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Employee shopping discounts across UK-wide retailers and restaurants
Personal and Professional Development
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Access to Organisational Development & Professional Learning courses
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Leadership and mentoring programs to support career advancement
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Opportunities for international collaboration, conference attendance, and research funding
Why Choose the University of Leeds?
A Global Leader in Education and Research
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Top 75 universities worldwide – QS World University Rankings
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Member of the Russell Group, representing 24 leading UK research-intensive universities
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Committed to sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive education
Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
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Recognised as an Athena SWAN Charter Bronze Award institution for commitment to gender equality
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Extensive networks and staff support groups promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion
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Leadership programs specifically designed for underrepresented groups in academia
How to Apply
If you are ready to take the next step in your academic career and become part of a high-impact research institution, we encourage you to apply today.
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Closing Date: Sunday, 11 May 2025
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Contact: Professor Louise Ellison, Head of School
Email: l.e.ellison@leeds.ac.uk
Be sure to submit a comprehensive CV and a cover letter highlighting your teaching and research experience, areas of academic interest, and alignment with the School of Law’s strategic direction.
Final Thoughts
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the University of Leeds as a Lecturer in Business Law, working alongside some of the most distinguished legal scholars in the UK. Whether your strengths lie in commercial law, corporate governance, or company regulation, this role offers a supportive platform for you to achieve both academic success and professional recognition.
With visa sponsorship, a generous salary, and access to world-class research resources, this position is ideal for candidates aiming to build a long-term academic career in the UK while contributing to legal education and innovation.
Apply now and become a part of a university that values your expertise, supports your ambitions, and shares your vision for transformative legal research.