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 is based in the Water Industry Enforcement Team, part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services. The roles can be based at any of our main hub locations with travel to court and other locations as required.

Responsibilities

• Hold a caseload related to environmental enforcement and water industry matters, with opportunities to contribute to improving performance in the Water Industry.
• Advise on the use of civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings and determine appropriate regulatory responses to environmental offending.
• Conduct criminal proceedings and provide training on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.
• Prepare complex cases for trial and sentencing in the Crown Court; trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court is expected.
• Provide advice and advocacy as a criminal practitioner (with potential for higher rights advocacy, though not a requirement).

Experience and Skills Required

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
• Ideally experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer in complex criminal cases concerning breaches of environmental legislation or other complex criminal and regulatory law.
• Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure; experienced criminal advocate.
• Experience of preparing complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions in lieu of criminal proceedings and ability to advise on appropriate regulatory responses to environmental offending.

Role Details

• Location: Harrogate/Leeds or other main hub locations; travel to court and other sites as required.
• Salary: Role receives a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Working pattern: Combines home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to business needs.
• Interviews: We will hold interviews during October 2025.

Additional Information

• Contact: LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk
• We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.
• Note: Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. Eligibility for continuous service may vary for certain public sector statuses; please check with your HR team if unsure.