Make a Difference in the World

We are seeking talented and enthusiastic candidates who would like to be part of a team making a real difference to create a better place for people and wildlife and supporting sustainable development. You’ll be providing legal advice across a wide range of issues relating to the work of the Environment Agency from the exercise of our statutory powers, through the drafting of agreements to advising on planning issues.

If you have experience in any of the following - general planning law, infrastructure planning law, environmental law, highways, contracts, civil litigation, judicial review or property / land law, this is your chance to help not just people, but the wider environment. Work for what you wish for.

About us

The Environment Agency operates at the forefront of environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We work closely with a wide range of partners to make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife, to reduce the risk of flooding, to protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply environmental standards within which industry can operate.

This crucial role is based in our Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) and Planning team. No two days will be the same as you take on a diverse caseload, providing high quality legal advice in relation to major scheme developments, our powers of entry, planning, highways, navigations and litigation.

Working on ever-evolving challenges and with a high level of autonomy, this is your opportunity to make your mark in a national organisation that promises a good work-life balance, generous defined-benefits pension scheme and great professional development.

The team

Work with great colleagues who are as passionate as you about the environment and people. A well established, experienced and supportive network of colleagues will help you settle into your new role.

What you’ll bring

You'll be a fully qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister or legal executive) with at least 3 years post qualification experience.

Our Senior Lawyer roles are suitable for more experienced lawyers who are confident handling their own case load without supervision.

Preferably with a track record of handling technical legal issues and ideally experience advising on public and environmental law, you'll be confident and credible, able to explain complex issues in a simple and concise way, with proven analytical skills and an up-to-date knowledge of public law principles. If you are a naturally curious lawyer, you will love working in-house alongside our highly skilled clients with a “one team” approach. You'll be able to show you can influence and persuade people to make a real change by explaining legal concepts and risk.

Don’t think you have all the skills? We welcome applications from qualified lawyers with the right to practice in England and Wales even if you don’t think you match the rest of our criteria just yet. The work is extremely varied and there is scope for you to develop in the role according to your expertise.

We also have a Lawyer role available that is suitable if you have recently qualified or are considering a move into a new area of law, and would involve working closely with, and some supervision by, more experienced colleagues in the team. Please visit: https://environmentagencyjobs.tal.net/vx/appcentre-1/candidate/ and search for vacancy ref:31427.

Find out more
We offer the opportunity to combine home working with working at your contractual office base, subject to meeting business need through working alongside colleagues or attending other locations as needed. We understand there’s more to life than work. This role offers all the legal challenges of private practice, but with a flexible approach and a tangible sense of purpose.

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. For more information, please contact Nick Hayden (nick.hayden@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Sarah Ward (sarah.ward@environment-agency.gov.uk).

Closing date: 1 September 2025.

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.