Overview

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 team you will have the opportunity to own an interesting caseload and make a valuable contribution to supporting our commitment to improving the performance of the Water Industry.

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

The team

The roles will be based in the Water Industry Enforcement Team which is part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services.

Responsibilities

• You will conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement of environmental requirements.
• You will advise on the imposition of civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties.
• You will provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of various statutory and enforcement powers.
• You will own an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry.
• Travel to court and other locations as required; roles can be based at any main hub location with attendance at the contractual office base where needed.

Experience / Skills Required

• You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
• Ideally have experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer of complex criminal cases concerning breaches of environmental legislation or other complex areas of criminal and regulatory law.
• You will possess a sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure and be an experienced criminal advocate with trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court.
• You will have experience of preparing complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court.
• You may also be a higher rights advocate, but this is not a requirement for the role.
• You will understand the Environment Agency’s ability to use civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings and have the ability to advise on the right regulatory response to environmental offending.

Additional information

• 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. The roles can be based at any of our main hub locations. There will be travel to court and other locations as required.
• We will hold interviews during October 2025.
• Contact: LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk
• We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and offer flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with disabilities.
• The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body and provides recruitment guidance; for supplier opportunities and framework information, visit the official government site.

Qualifications

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

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal