Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team - 31834

Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. Travel to court and other locations as required. Interviews will be held during October 2025.

The Environment Agency is seeking a Senior Lawyer to join the Water Industry Enforcement Team within Legal and Audit Services. This role involves enforcing environmental requirements, conducting criminal proceedings where appropriate, and advising on civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. The successful candidate will also provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement of environmental requirements.
• Advise on the imposition of civil sanctions (enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties).
• Provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.
• Own an interesting caseload within the Water Industry Enforcement Team and contribute to improving performance in the Water Industry.
• Advise on the appropriate regulatory response to environmental offending and the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings.
• Work in a flexible environment with home working balanced with office attendance as required by business needs.

Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
• Experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer in complex criminal cases involving environmental breaches or related regulatory law is desirable.
• Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure; experienced criminal advocate with trial experience in Magistrates’ Court; experience in preparing complex cases for trial and sentencing in Crown Court.
• Higher rights advocate would be beneficial but not required.
• Ability to advise on regulatory responses and the use of civil sanctions by the Environment Agency.

Other Information

• Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Flexible working patterns, including job share; please indicate preferred working arrangements on application.
• Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability meeting minimum criteria.
• Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body; specific employment status guidance is available on request.

Role Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Legal

For queries, please contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.