Overview

Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team - 31834. The Environment Agency seeks a qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent to join the Water Industry Enforcement Team within the wider Enforcement and Prosecution group of Legal and Audit Services. You will conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement of environmental requirements, including civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. You will provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers. You will own an interesting caseload and contribute to supporting the commitment to improving the performance of the Water Industry. The role supports flexible working patterns, including job sharing, and attendance at the contractual office base as required by business needs. Travel to court and other locations will be required. Interviews are scheduled for October 2025.

Responsibilities

• Conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement of environmental requirements.
• Advise on civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties.
• Provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.
• Manage an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry.
• Work with the Water Industry Enforcement Team within Legal and Audit Services; may require travel to court and other locations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
• Ideally 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.
• Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure; experienced criminal advocate with trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court; experience of preparing complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court.
• Higher rights advocate status is not a requirement.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings and ability to advise on the right regulatory response to environmental offending.

Additional information

• Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Role is based at main hub locations with home working arrangements; attendance at office base as required; travel to court and other locations as needed.
• Interviews in October 2025.
• Contact: LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion; flexible working patterns supported, including job share; Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.
• Note on civil service status and continuous service considerations; guidance available from your HR team if unsure.
• Environment Agency recruitment information and supplier framework context as applicable.