Senior Lawyer – Enforcement and Prosecution – 32501
The senior lawyer will own an interesting caseload, protect the environment and make a mark in a national organisation that offers a good work‑life balance, a salary pension scheme and great professional development. The role is based in Birmingham, Peterborough, Worthing, Exeter, Leeds, Reading, Warrington or Worthing. A senior lawyer in the Water Industry Enforcement Team (WIET) may be a team leader. The work is delivered across the country, with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility for complex criminal and civil matters and representation of the Environment Agency.
Responsibilities
* Provide high level, accurate, timely legal advice and support to relevant parts of the organisation.
* Deliver good quality effective legal casework and progress procedural issues.
* Manage own caseload, including complex / sensitive advice, criminal and / or civil proceedings, challenges, transactional and other matters.
* Represent the Environment Agency in court and other settings.
* Prepare complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court and advise on the right regulatory response to environmental offending.
* Advise on the Environment Agency’s ability to use civil sanctions in place of criminal proceedings.
* Work with a high degree of autonomy including on more complex / sensitive advice, criminal and / or civil proceedings, challenges, transactional and other matters.
Qualifications
* Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent (FILEX with rights of audience in criminal proceedings).
* Experience as a prosecutor or defence lawyer handling complex criminal cases concerning breaches of environmental legislation or other complex areas of criminal and regulatory law.
* Sound knowledge of criminal law, practice and procedure; experienced criminal advocate with trial experience in the Magistrates’ Court.
* Experience preparing complex cases for trial and sentence in the Crown Court.
* Higher rights advocate (not mandatory).
* Understanding of the Environment Agency’s civil sanctions and regulatory responses to environmental offending.
Additional Information
Senior lawyer roles receive a G6 Market Forces Factor allowance of £5,250 per annum.
Roles combine home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to meeting business needs. The roles can be based at any main hub location and travel to court and other locations as required.
Please indicate your location preference as part of your application.
Interviews will be held in January 2026.
For any queries relating to the role please contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk.
EOO and Accessibility
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. Flexible working patterns and job share are available. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra and aligns with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
We invite applicants to join a national organisation that prizes expertise, integrity and a commitment to protecting the environment.
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