Senior Lawyer – Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team – 32054
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Job Description
We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please clearly state any preferences regarding your working arrangements in your application.
You will be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference in creating a better environment for people and wildlife, while supporting sustainable development. Your role will involve advising the Environment Agency’s National Infrastructure Team in the development consent order process and more widely in respect of changes to both the planning and the national infrastructure legislative regimes.
If you have experience in areas such as planning law, infrastructure planning law and environmental law, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to causes that benefit not only individuals but also the wider environment. This is your chance to work for a purpose you believe in.
The Environment Agency operates at the forefront of environmental change, where its impact directly affects communities and ecosystems. We collaborate closely with a diverse range of partners to ensure sufficient water supply for people and wildlife, reduce flood risks, and protect and enhance air, land, and water quality. We also oversee environmental standards within which industry operates, ensuring sustainable practices.
This vital role is based within our National Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) and Planning legal team, focusing on planning and national infrastructure law. You will have the opportunity to positively influence both projects and the wider regimes from an environmental legal perspective.
Working on dynamic challenges with a high degree of autonomy, this role offers an excellent chance to make a meaningful impact within a respected national organisation. We provide a good work-life balance, a generous defined‑benefits pension scheme, and excellent opportunities for professional development.
Key responsibilities
* Advising the National Infrastructure Team on the development consent order process.
* Providing legal support in planning and national infrastructure legislative regimes.
* Collaborating with partners to ensure water supply, flood risk reduction, and environmental protection.
Qualifications and experience
* Grade 6 lawyer with 3+ years PQE.
* Proven track record in complex legal issues, preferably in public, planning and environmental law.
* Confidence to manage own caseload independently.
* Strong analytical skills and up-to-date knowledge of public law principles.
* Excellent communication skills to influence and persuade stakeholders.
* Proactive, detail‑oriented and committed to making a tangible difference.
Benefits
* Salary: £54,940 plus £5,250 Market Forces Factor allowance
* Pension contribution
* Generous holiday entitlement
* Supportive, flexible working and family‑friendly policies
Interviews are scheduled for January 2026. For further information, please contact Christopher Hayball (christopher.hayball@environment-agency.gov.uk).
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability.
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