OverviewThe Environment Agency seeks a Senior Lawyer for the Water Industry Enforcement Team within Legal and Audit Services. Our lawyers conduct criminal proceedings and advise on the enforcement of environmental requirements, including 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 statutory and enforcement powers. The role offers the opportunity to own an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry. We are committed to an inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share; please include any information about your preferred working arrangements in your application.Roles can be based at any of our main hub locations, with home working combined with attendance at the contractual office base as required by business needs. Some travel to court and other locations will be necessary.ResponsibilitiesHold an interesting caseload in the Water Industry Enforcement Team and contribute to enforcing environmental requirements.Conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement approaches, including civil sanctions where appropriate.Prepare and train staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.Advise on the regulatory response to environmental offending, including when to use civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings.Collaborate with the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team to support the department’s objectives.Qualifications and ExperienceQualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).Experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer in complex criminal cases involving environmental breaches or other complex criminal/regulatory matters is preferred.Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice, and procedure, with trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court and the ability to prepare cases for trial and sentencing in the Crown Court.Higher rights advocate status is desirable but not required.Ability to advise on the appropriate regulatory response to environmental offending and to use civil sanctions where suitable.Additional InformationThis role offers a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.Hybrid working: combine home working with attendance at the contractual office base; location can be the Environment Agency’s main hub locations.Travel to court and other locations will be required as necessary.Interviews will be held during October 2025.Contact for queries: LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.Equal Opportunities and Policy NotesWe are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working arrangements. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post. For Civil Service status considerations, this role is not part of HM Civil Service; please consult your HR team if unsure of your status.Artificial intelligence: you may use AI to assist with your application, but all examples must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism or presenting AI-generated content as your own may lead to withdrawal of applications. The Environment Agency aligns with Civil Service guidance on AI usage. #J-18808-Ljbffr