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

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A public body protecting the environment is seeking a Senior Lawyer to advise on legal aspects of planning and infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public, planning, and environmental law, with a salary of £54,940 plus a Market Forces Factor allowance. This position offers full-time or part-time work from Birmingham, contributing to important environmental initiatives.

Benefits

Pension contribution

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working policies

Qualifications

• 3+ years PQE, managing caseload without supervision.
• Proven track record in public, planning, and environmental law.

Responsibilities

• Advise on development consent order process.
• Provide legal advice on planning changes.
• Collaborate to reduce flood risks and enhance quality.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder influence

Education

Qualified lawyer in England and Wales

Practising Certificate with at least 3+ years PQE

Job description

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

Number of jobs available: 1

Region: East of England, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber

City/Town: Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Leeds, Peterborough, Reading, Warrington

Grade: Staff Grade 6

Post Type: Permanent

Role Type: Legal Services

Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time

Salary Minimum: £54,940

Closing Date: 15/12/2025, 23:55 hours

Overview

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. 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.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Environment Agency’s National Infrastructure Team on the development consent order process.
• Provide legal advice on changes to planning and national infrastructure legislative regimes.
• Collaborate with partners to ensure sufficient water supply, reduce flood risks, protect and enhance air, land, and water quality.
• Support sustainable practices within the organisation and across partner organisations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified lawyer in England and Wales with the right to practice.
• 3+ years PQE, confident in managing a caseload without supervision.
• Proven track record of handling complex legal issues in public, planning, and environmental law.
• Strong analytical skills and up-to-date knowledge of public law principles.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain intricate legal matters clearly and concisely.
• Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders, communicating legal concepts to professional audiences.
• Curiosity and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.
• Practising Certificate with at least 3+ years PQE.

Benefits

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

Contact

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

Additional Information

Interviews are scheduled for January 2026.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. The Environment Agency is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs.

Equal Opportunities

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share. We also support flexible working and job share arrangements.