Senior Associate/Principal Associate - Environmental (Non contentious)- Leeds/Manchester

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with more than 5,000 people across over 30 countries. We’re full-service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values, we’re purposeful and purpose-led. So although the world is fast-moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive. We’re ambitious for our clients, our communities – and for you. Whether you’re starting out on your career or well established, whether you’re a lawyer or in business services. If you’re looking for what’s next, we are too.

What to expect

As a lawyer, you enjoy a variety of work: regional to international and across practice groups. With us, you grow your global mindset. You’re encouraged to put ideas into action and there’s always something new and different to get involved in. We see the fast-moving world as a place where we can all thrive and succeed. We’re excited for what’s next, so with us, you can be too.

Our team

The Environment, Health and Safety team is publicly recognised as a top tier, market leading practice which helps many of the world’s leading organisations through difficult times. Whether responding to a crisis as it emerges, dealing with regulators on site or representing clients in Magistrates’ Courts or at permit appeals, we have it covered.

We conduct due diligence for our clients when they buy and sell companies, offer advice across the EHS spectrum, and, increasingly help clients in the ESG space. The work is fast paced, interesting and with a real human dimension. We love what we do and that shows in the team dynamic. 

We are seeking a talented and motivated individual to join the team as a senior lawyer. The successful applicants will be hungry to learn, can’t wait to build strong client relationships and are determined to succeed.  The right applicant will have the desire to grow into the team and develop their career with us over the medium and long term. 

The Role

We are seeking applications from candidates with at least 5PQE experience in environmental work looking to succeed and progress their career to become market leading EHS practitioners.

Whilst the team provides advice across the full range of environmental issues, key work areas include:

• Chemical compliance including as a result of Brexit
• Permitting – IED, MCP, Environmental Permitting Regulations – both in GB and across the EU
• Waste – waste management, classification and end of waste issues
• Circular Economy

We are seeking a talented and motivated individual to join the team as a qualified lawyer. The successful applicant will have a good grounding in environmental law but be eager to learn in areas where they perhaps have less experience and build strong client relationships and be determined to succeed. 

Our preferred location is Manchester, but we can be flexible and consider Leeds or other regional offices outside of London for the right candidate. 

Key responsibilities

• As an integral part of the team, you will handle your own matters with supervision
• Supervise junior members of the team
• Be pro-active and willing to get involved in business development, training (both internal and to clients/potential clients) and contribute to the strategic direction of the team
• You will have access to sector specialists and be expected to work with these contacts across the firm to help develop growth areas for the team
• You will provide environmental and health & safety advice on real estate and corporate transactions
• You will work with international environmental colleagues on multi-jurisdictional transactions and projects – often managing large projects providing fully integrated practical advice through a single point of contact
• You will work with other members of the environmental team and also with other teams such as real estate, planning, corporate and health and safety
• The focus of the role is predominantly non contentious environmental work however there is also lots of opportunity to do contentious environmental work
• You will find the work varied and challenging, for example advising clients on REACH and biocides legislation, EU ETS and producer responsibility legislation
• You will also draft and negotiate environmental provisions allocating responsibility for potential environmental liability in transactions
• You will also be involved in training, both externally for clients and internally for colleagues

Skills and experience

•    5+ years PQE experience in Environmental Law
•    Strong legal research skills
•    Good communication and influencing skills
•    Strong drafting skills
•    Commercial and practical attitude
•    Excellent academic qualifications, with a degree classification of 2:1 or higher

What’s in it for you?

At Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

• We’re fair, transparent and equitable
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion
• We provide a platform for your career, whatever your ambitions through our structured professional and personal training, mentoring and development programs
• We provide experience and opportunity through international and cross-function exposure
• We provide an opportunity to give back through our pro bono work and community engagement
• We help you plan ahead through retirement planning, insurance and assurance

Diversity & Inclusion

At Eversheds Sutherland, “Inclusive” is a core business value. We bring together different skillsets, global mindsets and approaches. We foster diversity of thought and the freedom to put ideas into action. We have an inherent respect for the individual. We have a strong belief in collaboration and teamwork. Sharing ideas, asking questions, solving challenges and meeting our clients’ goals: together.

We want all our people to thrive at work and reach their full potential and we work hard to continue to build a diverse and inclusive culture, monitor and report on our progress and impact, and develop our approach. This is reflected in our policies, systems and processes, and in our work with diversity membership organisations.

Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we are open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process.

We want you to perform at your best during our recruitment process. If there is any adjustment or support you need, please contact us so we can discuss how we can best assist you.

For you,

For your success.

And what's next.