Senior Lawyer - Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team
Job ID: 32054
Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference in creating a better environment for people and wildlife, while supporting sustainable development. You will advise the Environment Agency’s National Infrastructure Team in the development consent order process and in relation to planning and national infrastructure legislative regimes.
Job Description
Full‑time, mid‑senior level role within the National Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) and Planning legal team. The role offers a high degree of autonomy, professional development opportunities, a generous defined‑benefits pension scheme and support for flexible working arrangements.
Responsibilities
* Advise senior management on planning, infrastructure and environmental law matters.
* Represent the Agency in national infrastructure planning procedures and development consent order processes.
* Negotiate and draft legal documents, contracts and agreements relevant to the Agency’s statutory duties.
* Support the development of policy and guidance in flood risk and coastal management.
* Monitor legislative developments and provide risk assessments for the Agency’s activities.
Qualifications
* Qualified lawyer with the right to practise in England and Wales.
* Experienced in public, planning and environmental law.
* Minimum 3 years post‑qualification experience.
* Strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills.
* Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders, explaining complex legal concepts to non‑legal audiences.
Experience / Skills Required
* Confident, credible and able to explain intricate legal matters clearly and concisely.
* Strong analytical skills and up‑to‑date knowledge of public law principles.
* A naturally curious, proactive, detail‑oriented lawyer who thrives in a collaborative environment.
* Capability to influence and persuade stakeholders by effectively communicating legal concepts to professional audiences.
Benefits
* Salary of £54,940 plus £5,250 Market Forces Factor allowance.
* Pension contribution.
* Generous holiday entitlement.
* Supportive, flexible working and family‑friendly policies.
Role‑Specific Licence Requirements
Practising Certificate with at least 3 years PQE.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Christopher Hayball at christopher.hayball@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Equality & Diversity
The Environment Agency is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, and offer a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with a disability.
Artificial Intelligence Guidance
Artificial intelligence can support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism or AI‑generated content presented as your own will result in application withdrawal.
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