Overview

Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team. The Environment Agency’s legal team handles criminal proceedings, provides advice on enforcement of environmental requirements, and advises on civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. The role includes training 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 (e.g., enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties).
• Provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and use of statutory and enforcement powers.
• Own an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry.
• Advise on appropriate regulatory responses to environmental offending and the Agency’s use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings.

Experience/Skills and Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
• Ideally experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer in complex criminal cases concerning breaches of environmental legislation or other complex criminal/regulatory areas.
• Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure; trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court; experience preparing complex cases for trial and sentencing in the Crown Court.
• Higher rights advocate is welcome but not required.
• Ability to advise on regulatory responses and the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions.

Additional Information

• Role may include travel to court and other locations as required.
• This role receives a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Combination of home working with attendance at the contractual office base; roles can be based at any main hub locations.
• Interviews will be held during October 2025.
• For queries, contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Competencies

• Achieves Results — Sets high work standards, prioritises tasks, and delivers timely results.
• Focuses on Customers and Partners — Addresses needs of internal and external customers with rapid, effective responses.
• Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement — Uses intelligence to detect suspected illegal activities and initiates enforcement actions where appropriate.

Professional Membership and Status

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings) to work in England.

Employer and Diversity Information

• Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and to flexible working patterns (including job share). A Guaranteed Interview Policy is in place to support candidates with disabilities.
• Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; see guidance on continuity of service where applicable.
• The Agency uses Central Government frameworks/contracts for external recruitment; for supplier opportunities, visit gov.uk links in the original postings.

Location

The roles will be based in the Water Industry Enforcement Team within the Enforcement and Prosecution team of Legal and Audit Services; can be based at any main hub location with travel to court and other sites as required.