Senior Lawyer - Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team - 32054
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About the role
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.
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.
The team
Work with passionate colleagues who share your commitment to the environment and people. Our established, supportive network will help you settle into your new role.
Requirements
We welcome applications from qualified lawyers with the right to practise in England and Wales. The work is diverse, offering opportunities to develop your skills and grow within the role according to your expertise.
Experience / Skills Required
Our Grade 6 roles are suitable for experienced lawyers with 3+ years PQE, 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.
Key Attributes
* Confident, credible, and able to explain intricate legal matters clearly and concisely.
* Have strong analytical skills and up-to-date knowledge of public law principles.
* A naturally curious lawyer will thrive working in‑house alongside skilled clients within a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
* Have the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders by effectively communicating legal concepts to professional audiences.
We seek professionals who are proactive, detail‑oriented, and committed to making a tangible difference through legal expertise.
Benefits
* Salary of £54,940 plus £5,250 Market Forces Factor allowance.
* Pension contribution.
* Generous holiday entitlement.
* Supportive, flexible working and family‑friendly policies.
We offer the opportunity to combine home working with your contractual office base, subject to operational needs and collaboration with colleagues or attendance at other locations as required.
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, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. 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 in a convincing way and persuaded a client to follow or accept your advice on the direction of a major or sensitive project or piece of work.
Competence 3 – Legislative Knowledge
Definition: Applies a knowledge of statutory environmental and technical requirements to protect both the Environment Agency and the environment.
Please give an example of when you have applied your knowledge of Planning law in your work, that illustrates how you would be able to use your knowledge and experience in order to ensure the Environment Agency complies with statutory requirements.
Role specific licence requirements
Practising Certificate with at least 3+ years PQE.
Additional information
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non‑departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Legal
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