Senior Legal Counsel - Environmental

Michael Page (UK); Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced lawyer to manage environmental compliance and litigation in the Energy & Natural Resources sector. Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years PQE and a strong background in environmental law. The role offers a competitive salary of £90,000 to £100,000, a hybrid working environment, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Car allowance of £5,800 annually

Generous pension contributions

Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with experience in environmental law.
• Ability to manage complex legal matters within budget constraints.
• Experience in providing legal advice in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex environmental enforcement proceedings and litigation.
• Interface with regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance.
• Provide legal advice to manage risk across the business.

Skills

UK/IRE qualified

Strong knowledge of laws and regulations

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Effective communication skills

Proven contract negotiation and drafting skills

Capacity to manage multiple priorities

Education

Minimum of 6 years PQE

Job description

Overview

• Your chance to join a UK leading Energy & Natural resources business
• Join a strong brand

About Our Client

Our client is a prominent entity in the Energy & Natural Resources sector, known for its strong presence in the Thames Valley area. As part of a large organisation, they are committed to excellence in their services and maintaining high standards in all operational aspects.

Job Description

• Responsible for managing complex and material environmental enforcement proceedings and litigation and regulatory issues either in house or in conjunction with external legal providers, extending to high court litigation and/or disputes and regulatory investigations.
• You will be involved in the management and oversight of material environmental legal matters, projects and litigation and the provision of legal advice to manage environmental compliance and reputational risk across the business.
• Ability to interface with regulatory agencies, Ofwat and the Environment Agency
• Responsible for managing, supporting and promoting good corporate governance, as far as this relates to environmental legal compliance
• Responsible for the management of external Legal Service Provider and panel law firms when providing environmental legal support, and for a significant external legal spend.
• Report to the Director of Legal (Environmental) or other parts of the business on all aspects of environmental legal compliance, material projects/matters and litigation risk
• Ensure the quality of advice and service
• Ensure appropriate and adequate reporting of material matters at an Executive and Board level.
• Interface with regulators on matters relating to environmental compliance

The Successful Applicant

• UK/IRE qualified with a minimum of 6 years PQE
• Experience of providing environmental legal advice within a regulated environment and within agreed budgetary and timing constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex legal matters with accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of laws and regulations within the Energy & Natural Resources industry.
• Proven contract negotiation and drafting skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deliver within deadlines.
• Effective communication skills to liaise confidently with stakeholders at all levels.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary from £90,000 to £100,000 per annum (DOE)
• Bonus scheme
• Car allowance of £5,800 annually.
• Generous pension contributions
• Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working arrangement based in Reading.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a large organisation in the Energy & Natural Resources sector.