Overview

Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team (Environment Agency). The diverse nature of the Environment Agency provides ever-evolving challenges for our legal teams. Our lawyers conduct criminal proceedings and advise on all matters relevant to the enforcement of environmental requirements. They also advise on the imposition of civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. They provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of various statutory and enforcement powers. In this role you will have the opportunity to own an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry. The team is part of the Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services.

We are committed to an inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please clearly indicate your preferred working arrangements on your application. The role can be based at any of our main hub locations with travel to court and other locations as required. Interviews are scheduled for October 2025. This role receives a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum. As with all roles in Legal Services, we combine home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to meeting business needs.

Responsibilities

• Work within the Water Industry Enforcement Team to manage an interesting caseload and contribute to enforcing environmental requirements.
• Conduct criminal proceedings and advise on the use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings.
• Advise on enforcement powers and duties, including enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties.
• Provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.
• Prepare complex cases for trial and sentencing in the Crown Court; act as an experienced criminal advocate with trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court.
• Assist with regulatory responses to environmental offending and advise on appropriate regulatory actions.
• Travel to court and other locations as required.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

• The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please include any information about your preferred working arrangements on your application.
• We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment, guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
• For inquiries, contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.
• Artificial intelligence may be used to assist applications, but all examples must be truthful and come from your own experience. Plagiarism or misrepresentation can lead to withdrawal of applications.