Why join us?

DWF is seeking an experienced Associate or Senior Associate to join our specialist Environment team.

You will support the team in advising on the environmental and sustainability aspects of national and international transactions, including those involving real estate, corporate, finance, restructuring, infrastructure, and projects.

The role also involves assisting with environmental investigations and prosecutions, providing stand-alone commercial environmental advice and representing clients across a range of regulatory matters. You will work on high-profile transactional and regulatory matters with real-world impact, gaining direct exposure to clients.

The position offers structured development within a specialist, sustainability-focused practice, alongside a supportive and flexible team culture with clear progression pathways.

The successful candidate may be based in any of DWF's regional offices, including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool, with flexible working arrangements available.

Responsibilities

• Advise on contentious and non-contentious environmental matters.
• Handle environmental regulatory investigations.
• Provide strategic advice on compliance, risk, and enforcement.
• Advise on environment related policy development, and commercial strategy.
• Support environmental due diligence on a range of transactions.
• Act for clients in dealings with regulators, including the Environment Agency.
• Draft and negotiate environmental provisions in legal documents.
• Work collaboratively with other teams across the firm including corporate, projects and real estate.
• Contribute to business development and team growth.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with experience in environmental law.
• Proven experience advising on contentious and/or non-contentious environmental matters.
• Experience handling regulatory investigations.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regimes including waste, contaminated land, nuisance, environmental permitting, producer responsibility, waste and chemicals.
• Experience providing due diligence advice.
• Ability to advise individuals, corporates, and company officers and liaise effectively with regulators, including the Environment Agency.
• Commercial, pragmatic approach with strong communication skills.
• Confident, personable and effective in managing stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to collaborate and work across multi-disciplinary teams.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.