Overview

Senior Lawyer - Water Industry Enforcement Team - 31834. 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.

Responsibilities

• Engage in criminal proceedings and provide legal advice 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.
• Own an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry.
• Work within the Water Industry Enforcement Team as part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services.

Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
• 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 is ideal.
• 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 is possible but not a requirement.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings and ability to advise on appropriate regulatory responses to environmental offending.

Contact and Additional Information

• This role receives a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Roles combine home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to business needs. The roles can be based at any of our main hub locations with travel to court and other locations as required.
• Interviews are planned for October 2025.
• For queries please contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Competences (example requirements)

• Achieves Results – Defines and delivers high work standards, prioritises and organises tasks to achieve results. Be prepared to describe how you prioritise and organise tasks and resources.
• Focuses on Customers and Partners – Addresses the needs of internal and external customers with rapid and effective responses. Be prepared to describe how you have addressed customer needs and challenges.
• Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement – Uses information to detect suspected illegal activities and initiates enforcement actions where appropriate. Be prepared to give a case example of advising on the correct enforcement response.

Role-specific professional membership requirements

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

Note: We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and to flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra.