Job Description

Trainee Solicitor - 31706

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Trainee Solicitor - 31706

Number of jobs available
1
Region
East of England, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber
City/Town
Birmingham , Bristol , Exeter , Leeds , Peterborough , Reading , Warrington
Grade
Staff Grade 4
Post Type
Fixed Term
Role Type
Legal Services
Working Pattern
Full Time
Salary Minimum
33,000 pro-rata
Closing Date:
05/10/2025, 23:55 hours


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Candidate pack
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Security checks level
Basic Check
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.




The breadth and diversity of the Environment Agency's remit provides ever-evolving challenges for our legal teams, whose specialisms include enforcement and prosecution, public / environmental law (area and national), property, employment, and commercial. This is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the environmental sector as you develop the legal skills, capabilities and expertise required in order to qualify as a solicitor.




Starting in approximately April 2026, you will undertake four six-month training seats, working closely with a training supervisor as well as the wider team. Your work will vary by team, but broadly will include:


assisting in providing effective and efficient legal services, contributing to the delivery of environmental outcomes in line with operational needs and our objectives; providing accurate and timely legal advisory, litigation and prosecution support within each training seat, under supervision and guidance; conducting a challenging caseload under supervision and guidance; and building and sustaining effective relationships with legal colleagues, internal clients and external stakeholders to understand issues and provide effective responses.


We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in all we do, and to valuing the diversity of our workforce, customers and communities. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E.), disabled, female and LGBT+ candidates.
The team
Our Teams work hybridly from one of seven legal hubs at Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Leeds, Peterborough, Reading or Warrington. You will be based at your closest legal hub but will need to travel to other offices according to the location of each training contract seat, as part of gaining the best training and experience.




You can expect to be working in the office (or on-site, in court, etc) two or three days per week.
Experience/skills required
This role is open to applicants who have passed both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1 and 2) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC).




No previous legal employment or work experience is required.
Contact and additional information
As part of your application, you are asked to provide a cover letter; in this section, please tell us why you would like to train at the Environment Agency and what skills and experience you will bring to the role.



For further information, please contact:


Up to 26 September, Adam Haselhurst (adam.haselhurst@environment-agency.gov.uk) From 29 September, Henry Sackville Hamilton (henry.sackvillehamilton@environment-agency.gov.uk)


Interviews will be conducted in late-October / early-November.




Note: AI-generated answers are not permitted. If we reasonably suspect an application response has been wholly or partially generated by AI, your application will be rejected.
Length of contract
up to 24 months
Competence 1
Achieves Results
Description
Definition: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results



Question: Please describe how you set and deliver high work standards, demonstrate the drive to meet targets, and prioritise and organise tasks or resources, all to ensure timely achievement of results.
Competence 2
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Description: Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.



Question: Please let us know how you address the needs of, and provide rapid and effective responses to, internal and external customers.
Competence 3
Legislative Knowledge
Description
Description: Applies a knowledge of statutory environmental and technical requirements to protect both the Environment Agency and the environment.



Question: Please tell us about two environmental law developments that impact the Environment Agency.
Role specific license requirements
This role is open to applicants who have passed both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1 and 2) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

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.