This position is an integral member of ClientEarth’s UK Geography Team. The Lawyer, UK Environment will advocate for strong environmental protection across the UK. They will use the law and legal strategies to strengthen and improve environmental protections in the UK.
The UK’s environmental law framework has changed following the UK’s departure from the EU and is evolving further under new UK Government leadership. A central component of the Lawyer’s job is to understand the changes already made (both to substantive laws and governance frameworks) and recognise and respond to future proposals.
Important dates to note: Applications close on 31 August 2026. If your profile passes initial screening, you will be requested to submit additional information in the form of three additional questions. The deadline to have your responses to these questions submitted is 3rd September 2026 for your application to be fully considered.
Please also remember to check our recruitment process section at the bottom of the advert to get acquainted with our recruitment process for this role.
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Carry out legal research and analysis; critically analyse laws, legislative proposals and policy proposals relating to the UK’s protection of the environment.
- Prepare legal and policy briefings and analysis both for ClientEarth and its NGO partners, and for public and political audiences
- Initiate and build good relationships with stakeholders in the UK and internationally (where required), NGOs (both environmental and wider civil society), institutions working on science and policy, MPs, civil servants and government advisers.
See the job description (below) for a full list of duties for this role.
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University Law degree or equivalent
- Current legal qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales
- Familiarity with framing and functioning of environmental law across the UK including devolved administrations
- Experience in legal practice or other legal role that allowed for informed decision-making and work planning;
- Ability to engage confidently with diverse stakeholders including decision-makers, civil servants, NGOs, industry representatives and funders
See the job description (below) for a full list of requirements for this role.
Note to candidates: We know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.
Have a question about this job? Please visit our Careers site for advice on applying, FAQs, and more.
Flexible working: We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based See our Benefits page for more as well as our flexible working FAQ.
ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.
Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in the countries listed at the top of this job advert.
ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.
We are a non-profit using the power of the law to bring about end-to-end systemic change: informing, implementing and enforcing the law, drafting and advising decision-makers on policy, building legal expertise, and ensuring citizens’ access to the laws that defend them.
We take governments to court – and win. We force polluting industries to shut down. We protect irreplaceable forests and vulnerable species. We empower people and NGOs with the legal rights to bring forward environmental battles of their own. Using the law means that we create real, long-lasting and embedded change.
We’re working to secure a lasting civilisation in which people and nature thrive together. We work in partnership across borders, systems and sectors, ingeniously using the law to protect life on Earth.
