Senior Lawyer - Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team - 32054
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.
As part of a dedicated team, you will advise the Environment Agency’s National Infrastructure Team throughout the development consent order process and more widely in respect of changes to planning and national infrastructure legislative regimes. Your role will involve finding innovative ways to influence planning and infrastructure law from an environmental perspective.
You will work on dynamic challenges with a high degree of autonomy, providing a meaningful impact within a respected national organisation.
Responsibilities
Advising the National Infrastructure Team on planning and government infrastructure law; providing specialist advice on the development consent order process and other legal matters relating to national infrastructure and planning. Key duties include:
* Developing legal arguments and supporting documentation for planning and infrastructure projects.
* Managing your own caseload independently and ensuring timely delivery of legal work.
* Communicating complex legal concepts clearly to stakeholders and practice partners.
* Influencing policy and stakeholder decisions while maintaining relationships with external partners.
Qualifications and Experience
Our Grade 6 roles are suitable for experienced lawyers with 3+ years post‑qualification experience, confident in managing their own caseload without supervision.
Candidates should have a proven track record of handling complex legal issues, preferably in public, planning and environmental law.
In addition, you must be:
* Confident, credible, and able to explain intricate legal matters clearly and concisely.
* Strong analytical skills with up‑to‑date knowledge of public law principles.
* A naturally curious lawyer who thrives working in‑house alongside skilled clients in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
* Capable of influencing and persuading stakeholders by effectively communicating legal concepts to professional audiences.
Contact and Additional Information
Benefits include:
* Salary of £54,940 plus £5,250 Market Forces Factor allowance
* Pension contribution
* Generous holiday entitlement
* Supportive, flexible working, and family‑friendly policies
The role offers the option to combine home working with your contractual office base, subject to operational needs and collaboration with colleagues. Interviews are scheduled for January 2026.
For further information, please contact Christopher Hayball – christopher.hayball@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Competences
Competence 1 – Achieves Results
Definition: Sets and delivers high work standards, prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results. Please describe how you prioritise and organise tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Competence 2 – Focuses on Customers and Partners
Definition: Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses. Please describe a situation in which you have presented a case convincingly and persuaded a client to follow or accept your advice.
Competence 3 – Legislative Knowledge
Definition: Applies knowledge of statutory environmental and technical requirements to protect the Environment Agency and the environment. Provide an example of applying your knowledge of planning law in your work.
Legal Requirements
Practising Certificate with at least 3+ years PQE. The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; therefore, applicants will not be Crown servants and will not be eligible for continuous service.
We are fully committed to diversity and inclusivity, welcoming flexible working patterns. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for individuals with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.
Artificial Intelligence Policy
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all examples and statements must be truthful and taken directly from your own experience. Applications may be withdrawn if plagiarism or AI‑generated content is identified.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Legal
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