Overview

The Environment Agency operates at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We work closely with a wide range of partners to make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife, reduce the risk of flooding, protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply environmental standards within which industry can operate.

The breadth and diversity of the Environment Agency’s remit provides ever-evolving challenges for our legal teams. As a Senior Lawyer in the Commercial Law Team, you will:

• Give accurate, risk-based legal advice at the forefront of a broad spectrum of commercial matters, from public procurement to dispute resolution, and from intellectual property to Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain;
• Manage your own caseload, giving clear risk-based advice and finding solutions to complex and sensitive matters;
• Advise all levels of the organisation across the spectrum of commercial law, including public procurement, civil litigation and dispute resolution, intellectual property, externally funded projects, and collaborations with other public bodies, charities, and research bodies;
• Work alongside other legal teams and specialisms within the Environment Agency and with Government Legal Services.

The Environment Agency is fully committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements for all our vacancies. Join us in a diverse environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Team

We are six lawyers based across Bristol, Birmingham, and Peterborough, each with our own legal specialisms but with a shared expertise in general commercial contract work. We come from a mixture of private practice (City and national) and local authority backgrounds. We attend client and team meetings in person where appropriate and otherwise work hybridly. Two of us work part-time.

Experience/skills Required

• An excellent track record of handling technical issues and negotiating and advising on commercial contracts in a public sector context
• First-class communication, influencing and analytical skills with an up-to-date knowledge of commercial law, which may include civil litigation and general public law. Experience in construction law or dispute resolution is useful.
• A quick learning style with the ability to rapidly grasp new legal issues and effectively apply them in a commercial or other legal context.
• Proficiency in producing detailed legal briefings for senior levels, including directors, boards, and government officials, as well as composing responses to challenging external inquiries.
• The ability to provide guidance to managers, officers, and fellow lawyers on the strategic direction and management of casework.
• Strong influencing and persuasive abilities, capable of engaging and convincing individuals at all levels, including organisational leaders.

Role specifics and requirements

You must be an English law-qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive (with a current practising certificate) or otherwise have the right to practice English law.

Contact and additional information: For further information please download the candidate pack or contact Andy Pheasant (andy.pheasant@environment-agency.gov.uk).

You will have access to our benefits package including: an additional Market Forces Factor payment of £5,250, generous career average pension scheme and 27 days holiday + 8 bank holidays for full-time employees (pro rata for part-time). Some national travel is required for this role. Interviews to take place in October 2025.

Policies and diversity

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilizes Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. If you wish to become a supplier on one of these frameworks, please refer to government guidance on becoming a Crown Commercial Service supplier.