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. As a Senior Lawyer in the Commercial Law Team, you will:
Responsibilities
* 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.
Team and working arrangements
The Environment Agency is fully committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements for all our vacancies. We operate with a hybrid approach; the team is six lawyers based across Bristol, Birmingham and Peterborough with a mix of private practice and public sector backgrounds. Two team members 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 (experience in construction law or dispute resolution is a plus).
* 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 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.
Qualifications and licences
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.
Role specifics and diversity
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns including job share; please include any information about your preferred working arrangements on your application. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.
Additional information
We are a Non-Departmental Public Body and utilise Central Government frameworks and contracts for external recruitment. For information about becoming a supplier, visit the Crown Commercial Service page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know.
Some national travel is required for this role. Interviews are planned for October 2025.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Legal
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