Overview
The Environment Agency seeks a Senior Lawyer for the Water Industry Enforcement Team. Our lawyers conduct criminal proceedings, advise on enforcement of environmental requirements, and support civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and monetary penalties. They provide training on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers. The role offers an opportunity to manage an interesting caseload and contribute to improving the performance of the Water Industry.
We are committed to an inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. Please include any preferred working arrangements in your application.
The Team
The roles are based in the Water Industry Enforcement Team, part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services.
Responsibilities
* Conduct criminal proceedings and advise on enforcement of environmental requirements.
* Advise on the imposition of civil sanctions (e.g., enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties).
* Provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of statutory and enforcement powers.
* Own an interesting caseload and support the organisation’s commitment to improving the Water Industry’s performance.
* Travel to court and other locations as required; roles can be based at any main hub locations with homeworking arrangements as appropriate.
Experience / Skills Required
* Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
* Ideally experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer in complex criminal cases involving breaches of environmental legislation or other complex criminal/regulatory law.
* Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure; experienced criminal advocate with trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court; experience of preparing complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court.
* Higher rights advocate status is beneficial but not required; ability to advise on the right regulatory response to environmental offending and the Environment Agency’s use of civil sanctions in lieu of criminal proceedings.
Additional Information
* This role receives a Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
* Flexible working patterns including job share; home working combined with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to business needs.
* Role can be based at any main hub location; travel to court and other locations as required.
* Interviews are planned for October 2025.
* For queries, contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.
We are fully committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria. The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, and we participate in government recruitment frameworks where applicable.
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