Overview

Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team - 31834

Role based in the Water Industry Enforcement Team within Legal and Audit Services at the Environment Agency. The team focuses on enforcement of environmental requirements, including criminal proceedings and civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. Training staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers is also part of the role.

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 the use of statutory and enforcement powers.
• Own an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of 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.

Team and Working Arrangements

• Based in the Water Industry Enforcement Team, part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services.
• Role supports flexible working patterns, including job share; travel to court and other locations as required; base location at main hub locations (e.g., Harrogate or Leeds).
• Role includes combined home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to business needs.

Experience / Skills Required

• 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 law.
• 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 sentence in Crown Court.
• Higher rights advocate status is optional and not required.
• Ability to advise on regulatory responses and to explain the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions.

Additional Information

• Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Interviews planned for October 2025.
• Contact: LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk
• Inclusion and accessibility: inclusive workforce, flexible working patterns, and guaranteed interview policy for applicants with disabilities meeting minimum criteria.
• Note: Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; eligible continuous service considerations may apply for local government or other listed bodies.

Qualifications Summary

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

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome information about preferred working arrangements on your application.