Lawyer - Enforcement & Prosecution - 35239

Lawyer - Enforcement & Prosecution - 35239
2
East Midlands, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber
Birmingham , Exeter , Leeds , Peterborough , Reading , Warrington
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Legal Services
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share
£43,198

15/06/2026, 23:55 hours

BS05 Job Family Role Profile Business Support Services, Grade 5

Basic Check

The diverse nature of the Environment Agency provides ever-evolving challenges for our legal teams.

We are looking for a junior lawyer to join our Water Industry Enforcement Team which is part of the wider Enforcement and Prosecution team within Legal and Audit Services. We are additionally looking for a junior lawyer to undertake maternity leave cover for 12 months for our Peterborough team.

Our lawyers conduct criminal proceedings and advise on all matters relevant to the enforcement of environmental requirements. They also advise on the imposition of civil sanctions such as enforcement undertakings and variable monetary penalties. They provide training to staff on disclosure requirements and the use of various statutory and enforcement powers.

In this team you will have the opportunity to own an interesting caseload and make a valuable contribution to supporting our commitment to improving the performance of the Water Industry.

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.

Work with passionate colleagues who share your commitment to the environment and people. Our established, supportive network will help you settle into your new role. 

We welcome applications from qualified lawyers with the right to practise in England and Wales and with some criminal litigation experience. The work is diverse, offering opportunities to develop your skills and grow within the role according to your expertise.

Our Grade 5 roles are suitable for a recently qualified lawyer with 0-3 years PQE, or someone exploring a new area of law such as environmental law but transitioning across with experience of criminal litigation.

You will work closely with and be supervised by experienced colleagues.

Ideally you will have some experience (as a prosecutor or defence lawyer) of criminal cases and/or an interest in environmental legislation or other areas of criminal and regulatory law.

In addition you will:

  • Be confident, credible and able to explain legal matters clearly
  • Be naturally curious and someone who thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
  • Be able to effectively communicate legal concepts and influence stakeholders
  • Be proactive, detail-oriented with good analytical skills, and committed to making a tangible impact
  • See this as an exciting opportunity to work on meaningful issues and develop as a trusted legal advisor and prosecutor.

As with all roles in Legal Services, we combine home working with attendance at the contractual office base, subject to meeting business needs. The roles can be based at any of our main hub locations. There will be travel to court and other locations as required.

We aim to hold interviews at the end of June / beginning of July 2026.

For any queries relating to the role please contact LASrecruitment@environment-agency.gov.uk

Achieves Results
Please describe how you prioritise and organise tasks and resources to ensure the timely achievement of results.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Please give an example of how you have addressed the needs of internal and external customers and describe any challenges encountered in order to provide an effective response.
Legislative Knowledge
Please give an example of when you have applied your knowledge of an area of law in your work, that illustrates how you would be able to use your knowledge and experience in order to protect the Environment Agency and the environment.
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 1999, 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.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.