Job Description
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:
* 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.
The Environment Agency is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements for all vacancies. We value a diverse environment where every voice is heard and respected.
The Team
We are six lawyers based across Bristol, Birmingham and Peterborough, each with our own legal specialisms but with a shared expertise in general commercial contract work. We come from a mix of private practice (City and national) and local authority backgrounds. We attend client and team meetings in person where appropriate and otherwise work hybridly. Two of us work 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, 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 the strategic direction and management of casework
* Strong influencing and persuasive abilities, capable of engaging and convincing individuals 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.
We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share, and invite you to include your preferred working arrangements in your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We are a Non-Departmental Public Body committed to delivering value for money and use Central Government frameworks for external recruitment.
Qualifications to Note
Interviews typically occur in October 2025.
We are committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
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