Job Description

Environment Senior Associate (7+ PQE)
Location: Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Market-leading + excellent benefits
Wexe2x80x99re working with a top-tier international law firm thatxe2x80x99s seeking a Senior Associate (7+ PQE) to join their highly regarded environmental law practice. This is a strategic hire within a nationally recognised team, offering the chance to work on a wide variety of cutting-edge, high-impact projects across the UK in both the public and private sectors.
The role is ideal for an experienced environment lawyer with a mix of regulatory, transactional, and contentious experience, particularly someone who enjoys taking the lead on complex issues and mentoring others within a collaborative team setting.The Opportunity:
This position offers the chance to be involved in strategic environmental advisory work, contractual negotiations, and environmental litigation. Youxe2x80x99ll work across the Energy, Infrastructure, and Real Estate sectors, advising top-tier clients on the full spectrum of environmental regulation, including:

• Regulatory and compliance issues (e.g., permitting, waste, water, EPR, producer responsibility, etc.)
• Transactional environmental support across corporate, real estate, and project finance deals
• Contaminated land, insurance, asbestos management, and risk allocation
• Enforcement matters, including defending civil sanctions and regulatory actions
• ESG, net zero strategy, carbon and biodiversity credits, natural capital, and climate resilience
• Environmental input into major infrastructure development and consenting

Highlights of Work:

• Supporting flagship UK carbon capture and hydrogen infrastructure projects
• Advising on environmental risk and compliance in major M&A and real estate transactions
• Leading on novel regenerative agriculture and natural capital offset projects
• Representing developers and operators in enforcement actions and environmental disputes

Who Wexe2x80x99re Looking For:

• UK-qualified solicitor with 7+ years PQE in environmental law
• Solid grounding in both non-contentious and contentious matters
• Commercially astute and client-focused, with a strong academic background
• Able to manage major matters independently and mentor junior team members
• Proven experience in a major UK law firm or recognised environment practice
• Enthusiastic about business development and team leadership

Whatxe2x80x99s on Offer:

• Work alongside some of the most respected environmental specialists in the UK
• Exposure to headline national and international projects
• A genuine opportunity to take the lead on matters and develop your own practice
• Supportive and inclusive team culture with strong career development
• First-class training and progression framework, including 1:1 mentorship
• Competitive salary, annual bonus, and flexible/hybrid working

Ready to take your next step in a firm thatxe2x80x99s shaping the future of environmental law?
Get in touch today for a confidential discussion: Contact Charlotte Wills on 01275 463111 or charlotte@austenlloyd.co.uk, quoting ref CW 59794

Austen Lloyd