Environment Senior Associate (7+ PQE)
Location: Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Market-leading + excellent benefits
We’re working with a top-tier international law firm that’s 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. You’ll 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 We’re 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

What’s 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 that’s 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