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.
Overview
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 provide risk-based legal advice across a broad spectrum of commercial matters and work with internal and external partners to support public sector work.
Responsibilities
* Give accurate, risk-based legal advice at the forefront of a broad spectrum of commercial matters, including public procurement, dispute resolution, intellectual property, Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain.
* Manage your own caseload, provide clear risk-based guidance, and develop solutions to complex and sensitive matters.
* Advise all levels of the organisation across commercial law, including procurement, civil litigation and dispute resolution, IP, externally funded projects, and collaborations with other public bodies, charities and research bodies.
* Collaborate with other legal teams and specialisms within the Environment Agency and with Government Legal Services.
Team and Working Environment
The Environment Agency is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements. The Leeds, Bristol, Birmingham and Peterborough offices host a team of six lawyers with expertise in general commercial contract work; the team includes individuals from private practice and local authority backgrounds. Hybrid working is available. Some roles may be part-time.
Experience/Skills Required
* 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 experience being advantageous.
* 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 (directors, boards, government officials) and responding to challenging external inquiries.
* Ability to provide guidance to managers, officers and fellow lawyers on strategic direction and case management.
* Strong influencing and persuasive abilities, capable of engaging with individuals at all levels, including organisational leaders.
Requirements
* You must be an English law-qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive (with a current practising certificate) or have the right to practice English law.
* We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share; please include any information about preferred working arrangements on your application.
* We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a Market Forces Factor payment, generous pension and 27 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time).
* Some national travel is required for this role. Interviews are anticipated to take place in October 2025.
Additional Information
* Role-specific license requirements are as above.
* If you are applying from the Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and would not be a Crown Servant in the event of appointment.
* We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and support flexible working patterns, including job share. We also guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.
* The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses Central Government frameworks for external recruitment. For information on becoming a Crown Commercial Service supplier, visit gov.uk.
Role Details
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Contract
* Job function: Legal
We’re committed to protecting the environment and delivering value for money in all recruitment activities.
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