Salary:
£85,000 - 115,000
Reference Number:
JRL/155946
Posted:
8th December 2025
Senior Environmental Lawyer - Leeds (Principal Associate to Legal Director)
If you're an experienced Environmental specialist lawyer (7+ PQE) who wants to operate at the sharp end of EHS work without being tied to London, this is a standout opportunity with a truly global firm. The Leeds office is open to strong candidates who want a platform that's serious about growth, cross-border work and delivering proper career progression.
This team is one of the best-known EHS practices in the market - the kind that's first on the list when major organisations hit a crisis, face regulators on-site, or need heavyweight support on complex transactions. It's fast-paced, technical, and varied, with a strong human side to the work. The culture is collaborative, switched-on, and very much about long-term development.
The work covers:
Chemical and product compliance (including post-Brexit regimes)
Permitting: IED, MCP, EPR - UK and EU
Waste, circular economy, classification and end-of-waste
ESG advisory
Transactional environmental support across corporate and real estate
Multi-jurisdictional projects with integrated international teams
Drafting and negotiating environmental liability provisions
Opportunities for contentious work when it arises
You'll handle your own matters, help guide junior lawyers, and play an active role in BD, training and shaping the direction of the practice. Expect plenty of direct client exposure, cross-practice collaboration, and the chance to build genuine expertise in emerging regulatory areas.
What they're looking for:
At least 7PQE in environmental work
Strong research, drafting and influencing skills
A commercial mindset and the confidence to operate with autonomy
Someone who genuinely wants to grow into a market-leading practitioner
Why it's worth a look:
This isn't just another regional environmental role. You get the scope, quality and international reach of a global firm, with the flexibility and balance that comes with their hybrid working approach. The benefits package is comprehensive, the progression routes are clear, and the firm takes inclusion seriously - in policy, in practice and in how they hire.
If you're in Leeds and ready for a step that puts you in the top tier of environmental work while keeping your base in the North, this is one to pay attention to. Get in touch with Juliet Lawson for more details.
BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.
Apply now