Senior Lawyer - Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team

Environment Agency; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A national environmental authority in the UK is seeking a Senior Lawyer to join their Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team. This role involves advising on planning and environmental law issues, with a focus on making a tangible difference to communities and ecosystems. Candidates should possess 3+ years of experience and have proven skills in handling complex legal matters. The position offers flexibility, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Generous defined-benefits pension scheme

Flexible and family-friendly working policies

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• 3+ years PQE in public, planning and environmental law.
• Proven track record of handling complex legal issues.
• Confident in managing own caseload without supervision.

Responsibilities

• Advise on development consent order process.
• Work on planning and national infrastructure law.
• Collaborate with diverse partners on environmental challenges.

Skills

Planning law

Environmental law

Infrastructure planning law

Analytical skills

Stakeholder communication

Legal issues management

Education

Qualified lawyer with the right to practice in England and Wales

Job description

Environment Agency

Senior Lawyer - Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Planning Team

Reference: 32054

Salary Minimum: £54,940 + MFF allowance of £5,250 pa

Grade: Staff Grade 6

Location: Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Leeds, Peterborough, Reading or Warrington

Post Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time

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/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.

• 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.

Contact and Additional Information

• Salary of £54,940 plus £5,250 Market Forces Factor allowance
• Pension contribution
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Supportive, flexible working and family-friendly policies

We offer the opportunity to combine home working with your contractual office base, subject to operational needs and collaboration with colleagues or attendance at other locations as required. We recognise there’s more to life than work. This role offers the legal challenges of private practice, but with flexibility and a clear sense of purpose.

Interviews are scheduled for January 2026.

For further information, please contact Christopher Hayball [e-mail].

Closing date: 15 December 2025, 23:55 hours.