Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team - 31834

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Overview

The Environment Agency provides evolving challenges for our legal teams. Our lawyers conduct criminal proceedings and advise on 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 own an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry. The team is part of the Enforcement and Prosecution group within Legal and Audit Services. The roles can be based at any main hub location with travel to court and other sites as required. We are committed to an inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share; please indicate your preference on application. Interviews are planned for October 2025. For queries please contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk

Responsibilities

• Own an interesting caseload and contribute to supporting the Water Industry's performance.
• Conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement of environmental requirements.
• Advise on the imposition of 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.
• Travel to court and other locations as required.

Experience/skills Required

• 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; trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court; experience preparing complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court.
• Higher rights advocate is not a requirement for the role.
• Ability to advise on the right regulatory response to environmental offending and the use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings.

Role specific professional membership requirements

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

Additional information

Contact: LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk

Salary/Benefits: This role includes a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.

Working pattern: Home working with attendance at the contractual office base; roles can be based at main hub locations with travel to court and other sites as required.

Policy notes: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and offer flexible working arrangements, including job share. We also guarantee an interview to applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.

Note: The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body and provides guidance on status and continuous service in line with Civil Service and local government provisions. This posting may include information about recruitment frameworks and supplier opportunities where applicable.

Artificial intelligence: AI tools may be used to support applications; all statements must be truthful and based on your own experience. See Civil Service guidance for appropriate use.