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, whose specialisms include enforcement and prosecution, public / environmental law (area and national), property, employment, and commercial. This is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the environmental sector as you develop the legal skills, capabilities and expertise required in order to qualify as a solicitor.
Training seats and responsibilities
Starting in approximately April 2026, you will undertake four six-month training seats, working closely with a training supervisor as well as the wider team. Your work will vary by team, but broadly will include:
* assisting in providing effective and efficient legal services, contributing to the delivery of environmental outcomes in line with operational needs and our objectives;
* providing accurate and timely legal advisory, litigation and prosecution support within each training seat, under supervision and guidance;
* conducting a challenging caseload under supervision and guidance; and
* building and sustaining effective relationships with legal colleagues, internal clients and external stakeholders to understand issues and provide effective responses.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in all we do, and to valuing the diversity of our workforce, customers and communities. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E.), disabled, female and LGBT+ candidates.
Location and working pattern
The team works hybridly from one of seven legal hubs at Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Leeds, Peterborough, Reading or Warrington. You will be based at your closest legal hub but will need to travel to other offices according to the location of each training contract seat, as part of gaining the best training and experience.
You can expect to be working in the office (or on-site, in court, etc) two or three days per week.
Experience and qualifications
This role is open to applicants who have passed both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1 and 2) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
No Previous Legal Employment Or Work Experience Is Required.
Application and additional information
As part of your application, please provide a cover letter telling us why you would like to train at the Environment Agency and what skills and experience you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact:
* Up to 26 September, Adam Haselhurst (adam.haselhurst@environment-agency.gov.uk)
* From 29 September, Henry Sackville Hamilton (henry.sackvillehamilton@environment-agency.gov.uk)
Interviews will be conducted in late-October / early-November. Note: AI-generated answers are not permitted. If we reasonably suspect an application response has been wholly or partially generated by AI, your application will be rejected.
Contract length and competition
Length of contract: up to 24 months.
Other information
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share; 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.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is sponsored by Defra. We are not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. For applicants in local government or other listed bodies, you may be eligible for continuous service for redundancy calculation purposes. If you are unsure of your status, please contact your HR team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We also have a policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence: please ensure all examples and statements are truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.
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