Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team - 31834

The Environment Agency seeks a Senior Lawyer to join the Water Industry Enforcement Team within Legal and Audit Services. You will work on criminal proceedings and provide advice on enforcing environmental requirements, including civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. You will also train staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.

In this team you will have the opportunity to manage an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry. We are committed to an inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please clearly state your preferred working arrangements on your application.

The team

The role is based in the Water Industry Enforcement Team, part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services.

Experience/skills Required

• You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings). Ideally, you will have experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer in complex criminal cases concerning breaches of environmental legislation or related criminal/regulatory law.
• Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure, and experience as a criminal advocate with trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court. Experience of preparing complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court is required. Higher rights advocacy is desirable but not essential.
• Ability to advise on the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings and to identify the appropriate regulatory response to environmental offending.

Contact and additional information

• This role includes a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Role combines home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to business needs. The role can be based at any main hub location with travel to court and other locations as required.
• Interviews will be held in October 2025.
• For queries, please contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk

Job details

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

The Environment Agency is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes flexible working patterns, including job sharing. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities.

Note: This description reflects the role and requirements as currently advertised. All information is subject to change.