Overview
The Environment Agency operates at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We work closely with a wide range of partners to make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife, reduce the risk of flooding, protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply environmental standards within which industry can operate. The breadth and diversity of the Environment Agency’s remit provides ever-evolving challenges for our legal teams. As a Senior Lawyer in the Commercial Law Team, you will:
Responsibilities
* Give accurate, risk-based legal advice at the forefront of a broad spectrum of commercial matters, from public procurement to dispute resolution, and from intellectual property to Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain;
* Manage your own caseload, giving clear risk-based advice and finding solutions to complex and sensitive matters;
* Advise all levels of the organisation across the spectrum of commercial law, including public procurement, civil litigation and dispute resolution, intellectual property, externally funded projects, and collaborations with other public bodies, charities, and research bodies;
* Work alongside other legal teams and specialisms within the Environment Agency and with Government Legal Services.
Team and working arrangements
The team comprises six lawyers based across Bristol, Birmingham, and Peterborough, with a mix of private practice and local authority backgrounds. We operate a hybrid working model with in-person client and team meetings where appropriate; two team members work part-time.
Experience and skills
* An excellent track record of handling technical issues and negotiating and advising on commercial contracts in a public sector context
* First-class communication, influencing and analytical skills with up-to-date knowledge of commercial law; experience in civil litigation and general public law is useful, with construction law or dispute resolution as a plus
* A quick learning style with the ability to rapidly grasp new legal issues and apply them in a commercial or other legal context
* Proficiency in producing detailed legal briefings for senior levels, including directors, boards, and government officials, and composing responses to challenging external inquiries
* The ability to provide guidance to managers, officers, and fellow lawyers on strategic direction and management of casework
* Strong influencing and persuasive abilities, capable of engaging at all levels including organisational leaders
Role-specific requirements
You must be an English law-qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive (with a current practising certificate) or otherwise have the right to practice English law.
If applying from the Civil Service: the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of appointment. You may be eligible for continuous service depending on your current status. If unsure, contact your HR team.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please indicate any preferred working arrangements in your application. We also guarantee an interview for applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Other information
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, uses Central Government frameworks and contracts for external recruitment. We are unable to engage with the market directly via post, email or phone calls for recruitment purposes. If you wish to become a supplier on these frameworks, visit the Crown Commercial Service information page.
Benefits
You will have access to our benefits package including: an additional Market Forces Factor payment of £5,250, a generous career-average pension scheme, and 27 days holiday + 8 bank holidays for full-time employees (pro rata for part-time).
Travel and interviews
Some national travel is required. Interviews are planned for October 2025.
Seniority
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Legal
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