Overview

We are looking for a strong lawyer and leader for the role of Senior Managing Lawyer Environmental Regulation (Water). This role will lead and manage a team providing legal support covering environmental regulation and civil litigation in relation to water resources and water quality. The role includes advice on environmental law and regulation including appeals and civil court challenges, including judicial review and injunction applications. You will be a role model for the Environment Agency’s leadership behaviours and provide timely, risk-based, high-quality legal advice and litigation in the field of water regulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan and monitor the strategic direction of the team’s contribution to delivering business plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships at management level, providing an intermediate escalation point on legal issues for internal Executive Managers and Managers to anticipate and resolve issues, promoting effective partnership working.
• Own, manage and deliver agreed cross-cutting issues on behalf of Legal and Audit Services.
• Lead a team of Senior Lawyers working on environmental regulation and litigation relating to water quality and resources regulation.
• Advise on environmental law and regulation, including appeals and civil court challenges (e.g., judicial review and injunction applications).
• Collaborate with other senior lawyers on cross-cutting issues and write detailed legal briefings for senior/government level audiences and parliamentary responses.
• Brief orally at director/board/government level and work effectively at a national level and/or with government.

Role Details

• Role type: full-time or job share with coverage that totals a full-time arrangement; flexible working patterns are welcomed.
• Location: any of the main office locations (Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham, Peterborough, Warrington, Leeds, Reading); some travel will be required.
• Interviews: October 2025.
• Contact: Estelle Palin (estelle.palin@environment-agency.gov.uk) for role discussions.

Experience and Skills Required

• Experience of managing and leading people.
• Experience handling complex technical issues.
• Significant experience advising on one or more of the following areas: (1) judicial review; (2) regulation, civil penalties and appeals to PINs and/or the First and Upper Tier Tribunals; (3) public law.
• Thorough and up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation or ability to acquire quickly.
• Confidence to assimilate a new area of environmental or other law rapidly.
• Ability to collaborate with other senior lawyers on cross-cutting issues.
• Ability to write detailed legal briefings for senior/government audiences and respond to parliamentary questions.
• Confidence and ability to brief orally at director/board/government level.
• Experience of working effectively at a national level and/or with government.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with a current right to practise in England.
• Note: Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; eligibility and continuous service rules may vary. If unsure, contact your HR team.

Additional Information

• We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce; flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome. Please include your preferred working arrangements on your application.
• Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities meeting minimum criteria.
• The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body; for external recruitment, refer to Crown Commercial Service guidance for suppliers if applicable.
• Artificial intelligence: use truthful, factual information from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of applications.