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 (and related areas).

The role includes advice on environmental law and regulation, including any resulting appeals and civil court challenges, such as judicial review and injunction applications. You will be a role model for the Environment Agency’s leadership behaviours and provide leadership on timely, risk-based, and high-quality legal advice and litigation covering regulation, regulatory appeals, and judicial reviews in the field of water and related regulation.

You will lead, plan, and monitor the strategic direction of the team’s contribution to support the delivery of business plans, develop and maintain relationships at management level, and provide an intermediate escalation point on legal issues for internal Executive Managers and Managers.

Responsibilities and Requirements

The successful candidate will have experience of managing and leading people, handling complex technical issues, and significant experience advising on one or more of the relevant legal areas, including judicial review, regulation, civil penalties, and appeals.

• Experience of managing and leading people
• Experience of handling complex technical issues
• Significant experience advising on relevant legal areas
• Thorough and up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation
• Ability to collaborate with other senior lawyers effectively on cross-cutting issues
• Ability to write detailed legal briefings for use at senior and government level

The role can be based at any of our main office locations (Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham, Peterborough, Warrington, Leeds, Reading). Some travel will be required. Interviews to take place in October 2025.

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.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.