The firm will be the first commercial tenant to occupy Hudson Quarter, with the 4,700 sq ft office set to significantly increase its presence in the city. The deal was secured by Richard Dunn at Sanderson Weatherall and joint marketing agents JLL.

The Hudson Quarter, developed by Palace Capital plc, has recently been completed after a 26-month construction programme, with Caddick Construction acting as main contractor.

The mixed-use development also includes further office space, homes and landscaped grounds.

The deal with Knights has set a record for York office rents at £25 per sq ft.

Jonathan Moore, partner at Knights, said: “It’s a privilege to work in York and we’ve enjoyed building our team organically over the past year with the recruitment of high quality partners who have been attracted to Knights due to its unique culture and business model, which offers energetic and commercially minded professionals outstanding opportunities to flourish in their careers.

“The new offices at Hudson Quarter provide us with a great runway for growth in the region, as we continue to make positive steps to build the leading, premium legal and professional services business outside London. Hudson Quarter really is exceptional, and we can’t wait to welcome colleagues and clients to the building in the near future.”

Neil Sinclair, chief executive at Palace Capital, added: “Knights is a forward thinking and ambitious business and so we are thrilled to welcome them to Hudson Quarter as our first commercial occupier. There has also been tremendous interest in the remaining office space and we feel that this development offers something unique in the city.”

The fit out process is expected to be completed in July, when Knights will move from its current Museum Street offices.