Overview

The Environment Agency seeks a Senior Lawyer to join the Water Industry Enforcement Team within Legal and Audit Services. Lawyers conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement of environmental requirements, including civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. They provide training on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers, and will have opportunities to own an interesting caseload to support 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 preferred working arrangements on your application. Roles combine home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to business needs, and may require travel to court and other locations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Own and contribute to an interesting caseload within the Water Industry Enforcement Team to support improving performance in the water sector.
• Work within the Environment Agency’s framework for civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings and advise on appropriate regulatory responses to environmental offending.
• Be prepared for travel to court and other locations as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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 related criminal/regulatory law.
• Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure; trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court; experience of preparing complex cases for trial and sentencing in the Crown Court.
• Higher rights advocacy is desirable but not required.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions and ability to advise on appropriate regulatory responses to environmental offending.

Additional Information

• Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
• Flexible working patterns and home working combined with the contractual office base; travel to court and other locations as required.
• Interview timing: October 2025.
• For queries, contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Role Context

The Water Industry Enforcement Team is part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services. The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body and is committed to diversity, inclusion and value for money. The agency does not engage with the market directly through post, email or phone for recruitment outside of official frameworks; see GOV.UK for Crown Commercial Service supplier information.