Senior Legal Counsel - Environmental

Michael Page Legal; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel in Reading to provide expert legal advice within the Energy & Natural Resources sector. The role involves managing environmental legal matters and interfacing with regulators, while ensuring compliance and governance. Offering a competitive salary of £90,000 to £100,000, along with a bonus scheme and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Annual leave: 26 days increasing to 30

Car allowance

Generous pension contributions

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years PQE as a legal counsel.
• Experience in providing environmental legal advice in a regulated environment.
• Ability to manage complex legal matters efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental enforcement proceedings and litigation.
• Provide legal advice on environmental compliance.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies regarding compliance issues.

Skills

Environmental legal advice

UK/IRE qualification

Contract negotiation

Problem-solving

Stakeholder communication

Education

Qualified lawyer with minimum of 6 years PQE

Job description

Overview

Our client is offering an exciting opportunity for a Senior Legal Counsel to join their already well established in house legal function, to provide expert legal advice and guidance within the Energy & Natural Resources industry.

Client Details

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.

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

Profile

A successful Senior Legal Counsel should have:

• 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.

Job 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.