32054 - Senior Lawyer - Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team

Environment Agency; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A national environmental organization is looking for an experienced lawyer to join their team in the United Kingdom. The role involves advising on legal aspects of infrastructure planning and environmental law, providing opportunities for professional growth and a good work-life balance. Candidates should have a background in planning law and at least 3 years of PQE, along with strong analytical and communication skills. This is a chance to contribute to meaningful environmental projects.

Benefits

Generous defined-benefits pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• 3+ years PQE and confident in managing own caseload.
• Proven track record of handling complex legal issues.
• Ability to influence and communicate legal concepts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the development consent order process.
• Collaborate with partners for environmental sustainability.
• Handle legal matters in planning and environmental law.

Skills

Planning law

Infrastructure planning law

Environmental law

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Education

Law degree with qualification to practice in England and Wales

Job description

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please clearly state any preferences regarding your working arrangements in your application.

You will be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference in creating a better environment for people and wildlife, while supporting sustainable development. Your role will involve advising the Environment Agency’s National Infrastructure Team in the development consent order process and more widely in respect of changes to both the planning and the national infrastructure legislative regimes.

If you have experience in areas such as planning law, infrastructure planning law and environmental law, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to causes that benefit not only individuals but also the wider environment. This is your chance to work for a purpose you believe in.

The Environment Agency operates at the forefront of environmental change, where its impact directly affects communities and ecosystems. We collaborate closely with a diverse range of partners to ensure sufficient water supply for people and wildlife, reduce flood risks, and protect and enhance air, land, and water quality. We also oversee environmental standards within which industry operates, ensuring sustainable practices.

This vital role is based within our National Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) and Planning legal team, focusing on planning and national infrastructure law. You will have the opportunity to positively influence both projects and the wider regimes from an environmental legal perspective.

Working on dynamic challenges with a high degree of autonomy, this role offers an excellent chance to make a meaningful impact within a respected national organisation. We provide a good work‑life balance, a generous defined‑benefits pension scheme, and excellent opportunities for professional development.

The team

Work with passionate colleagues who share your commitment to the environment and people. Our established, supportive network will help you settle into your new role.

We welcome applications from qualified lawyers with the right to practise in England and Wales. The work is diverse, offering opportunities to develop your skills and grow within the role according to your expertise.

Experience and Skills Required

Our Grade 6 roles are suitable for experienced lawyers with 3+ years PQE, confident in managing their own caseload without supervision.

Candidates should have a proven track record of handling complex legal issues, preferably in public, planning and environmental law.

In addition, you must be:

• Confident, credible, and able to explain intricate legal matters clearly and concisely.
• Have strong analytical skills and up‑to‑date knowledge of public law principles are essential.
• A naturally curious lawyer will thrive working in‑house alongside skilled clients within a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
• Have the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders by effectively communicating legal concepts to professional audiences is crucial.

We seek professionals who are proactive, detail‑oriented, and committed to making a tangible difference through legal expertise.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on meaningful issues and develop further as a trusted legal advisor.