Job Description
Job description
Job Description
The Environment Agency operates at the place where 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, reduce the risk of flooding, protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply environmental standards within which industry can operate.
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.
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.
This crucial role is based in our Area 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 our powers of entry, major scheme development, planning, highways, navigations and litigation. You'll work closely with internal clients and play an influential role in the team to ensure standards are met in a client-focused manner.
The team
The team is led by a Senior Managing Lawyer and Team Leaders and works closely with other FCRM and planning lawyers in the wider Area FCRM and Planning team and also with National colleagues who advise on implementation of policy and legislation matters.
Experience/skills Required
You'll be a fully qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister or legal executive), with a track record of handling technical legal issues and ideally experience advising on environmental law. You'll need to demonstrate that you are 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 and regulation. You'll also have a demonstrable track record of influencing and persuading people at all levels, and the ability to explain legal concepts to a variety of customers and stakeholders.
Contact and additional information
We are based in seven hub offices across England (Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter, Reading, Peterborough, Leeds and Warrington). 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.
Please contact Nick Hayden (nick.hayden@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Sarah Ward (sarah.ward@environment-agency.gov.uk) for further information.
Interviews to take place either w/c 7 or 14 October 2026.
Competence 1
Achieves Results
Description
Please describe how you prioritise and organise tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Competence 2
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Please give an example of how you would approach presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Competence 3
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Please explain how you address the needs of internal and external customers in order to provide rapid and effective responses.
Role specific professional membership requirements
Current Practising Certificate
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1+++, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
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, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Job Description
The Environment Agency operates at the place where 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, reduce the risk of flooding, protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply environmental standards within which industry can operate.
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.
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.
This crucial role is based in our Area 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 our powers of entry, major scheme development, planning, highways, navigations and litigation. You'll work closely with internal clients and play an influential role in the team to ensure standards are met in a client-focused manner.
The team
The team is led by a Senior Managing Lawyer and Team Leaders and works closely with other FCRM and planning lawyers in the wider Area FCRM and Planning team and also with National colleagues who advise on implementation of policy and legislation matters.
Experience/skills Required
You'll be a fully qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister or legal executive), with a track record of handling technical legal issues and ideally experience advising on environmental law. You'll need to demonstrate that you are 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 and regulation. You'll also have a demonstrable track record of influencing and persuading people at all levels, and the ability to explain legal concepts to a variety of customers and stakeholders.
Contact and additional information
We are based in seven hub offices across England (Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter, Reading, Peterborough, Leeds and Warrington). 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.
Please contact Nick Hayden (nick.hayden@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Sarah Ward (sarah.ward@environment-agency.gov.uk) for further information.
Interviews to take place either w/c 7 or 14 October 2026.
Competence 1
Achieves Results
Description
Please describe how you prioritise and organise tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Competence 2
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Please give an example of how you would approach presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Competence 3
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Please explain how you address the needs of internal and external customers in order to provide rapid and effective responses.
Role specific professional membership requirements
Current Practising Certificate
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1+++, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
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, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Lawyer | Area FCRM Planning | 2+486 position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Leeds offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.