Overview

The Environment Agency is seeking a Senior Lawyer in the Commercial Law Team. The role involves providing accurate, risk-based legal advice on a broad spectrum of commercial matters, including public procurement, dispute resolution, intellectual property, Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain, and externally funded projects. The team collaborates with other legal teams, Government Legal Services, and external bodies as needed.

Responsibilities

• Give accurate, risk-based legal advice across 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, provide clear risk-based advice, and find solutions to complex and sensitive matters.
• Advise all levels of the organisation across commercial law topics, including public procurement, civil litigation and dispute resolution, intellectual property, externally funded projects, and collaborations with other public bodies, charities, and research bodies.
• Collaborate with other legal teams and specialisms within the Environment Agency and with Government Legal Services.

The Environment Agency is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements. Join a diverse environment where every voice is heard and valued.

The Team

We are six lawyers based across Bristol, Birmingham, and Peterborough, with expertise in general commercial contract work. Our backgrounds include private practice (City and national) and local authority experience. We work in-person when appropriate and hybrid otherwise; two team members 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 up-to-date knowledge of commercial law; experience in civil litigation and general public law is useful (construction law or dispute resolution is advantageous).
• A quick learning style with the ability to rapidly grasp new legal issues and apply them in a commercial or other legal context.
• Proficiency in producing detailed legal briefings for senior stakeholders (directors, boards, government officials) and responses to challenging external inquiries.
• Ability to guide managers, officers, and fellow lawyers on strategic casework direction and management.
• Strong influencing and persuasive abilities to engage at all levels, including organisational leaders.

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.

Other information: the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; if applying from Civil Service, you would not be eligible for continuous service. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcomed. A Guaranteed Interview Policy supports applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.

Travel may be required. Interviews are planned for October 2025.

Role Specific Licences & Compliance

As above, you must be English law-qualified or have the right to practice English law. For applicants from local government or other bodies, continuous service rules may apply for redundancy calculations. If unsure, contact your HR team.