Principal Environmental Regulatory Lawyer

Reference: 4844448Job ID: 5424321Posted: 2026-11-10Closing date: 2027-02-09Location: LeedsSalary: 75,000 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Energy, Utilities & Mining / In-house LegalCompany: HaysConsultant: Lucy AyrtonHays office: Sheffield — Floor 2, Fountain Precinct, Balm GreenPhone: 0114 2768844Email: Lucy.needham@hays.comYour new companyHays Legal is delighted to be working exclusively with a high-profile organisation with a significant national footprint to recruit a Principal Environmental & Regulatory Lawyer.This is an excellent opportunity to join an established in-house legal team within an organisation responsible for complex operational assets, environmental protection and significant infrastructure. The role offers exposure to high-profile and developing areas of environmental and regulatory law, with the opportunity to advise at senior and Board level.Your new roleReporting to a Senior Regulatory Lawyer, you will provide strategic and operational legal advice across a broad range of environmental and regulatory matters.Your responsibilities will include:Advising on environmental law and regulation, including water resources, flood management, reservoirs, environmental designationsProviding advice on emerging environmental legislation and regulation, including climate changeAdvising on compliance with reservoirs legislationSupporting the organisation on water industry regulation in connection with commercial activitiesAdvising on engagement with environmental and water industry regulators and other key stakeholdersSupporting complex environmental disputes and litigation, including regulatory enforcement, judicial review, civil litigation and licensing appealsProviding pragmatic and commercially focused advice on complex and high-profile mattersContributing to the development of organisational policy and helping senior stakeholders navigate evolving legal and regulatory riskWhat you'll need to succeedYou will be a qualified lawyer with at least 3 years' PQE and a strong background in environmental law.You will be able to demonstrate:Strong technical knowledge of environmental and regulatory lawExperience providing strategic, proactive and practical legal adviceConfidence working with senior stakeholders and translating complex legal issues into clear, workable solutionsThe ability to manage a varied caseload and work independentlyExcellent written and verbal communication skillsExperience of environmental litigation, regulatory enforcement, water regulation, reservoirs legislation or health and safety law would be advantageous, although not all of these areas are essential.What you'll get in returnThis is a rare opportunity to take on a senior and varied environmental legal role within an organisation whose work has a direct impact on the natural environment, infrastructure and communities.You will join a supportive in-house legal function and gain exposure to complex, high-profile regulatory matters, with the opportunity to influence decision-making at the highest levels of the organisation.The role offers remote working, with travel to key organisational hubs required as necessary.What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Lucy Ayrton, 07858986254 If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4844448 - Lucy Ayrton