Senior Solicitor

We are currently recruiting a full time Senior Solicitor on a permanent basis Your passion has never had a greater purpose

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as aSenior Solicitor, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As aSenior Solicitor, you will,

• Use your advanced legal expertise, particularly in environmental law and corporate governance, to provide specialist legal advice and support to SEPA. This role is critical in ensuring SEPA safely delivers its duties for Scotland;
• Deliver complex and sensitive legal advice to SEPA’s leadership teams. Your work will directly support SEPA’s mission and strategic objectives;
• Provide expert legal advice across a wide range of practice areas;
• Advise on the interpretation and implementation of new legislation. Contribute to SEPA’s input in shaping legislative and policy frameworks, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives;
• Analyse and interpret complex information from diverse sources, including legislation, case law, as well as technical scientific data, in order to provide clear and actionable legal advice;
• Communicate effectively with internal teams to deliver detailed legal advice that supports SEPA’s goals. Engage with external stakeholders, including government bodies, legal representatives, and partner organisations, to advance SEPA’s interests;
• Develop and deliver training sessions and guidance materials to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations across the organisation;
• Support the Head of Corporate Legal and the Legal Senior Manager in managing litigation, disputes, and judicial reviews. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, representing SEPA at tribunals and hearings, and liaising with external agents; and
• Supervise solicitors and paralegals; ensuring high‑quality work and adherence to professional standards. Provide mentorship and guidance to develop team capability;
• This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. You may be required to undertake other duties consistent with the level and grading of the role.

This is a highly important role within our Governance, Performance and Engagement portfolio, which means you’ll need:

• To be a Scottish Qualified Solicitor with LLB Degree and Diploma in Legal Practice or equivalent and a current full (unrestricted) practising certificate;
• At least 5 years legal professional experience as a practising solicitor;
• Knowledge and experience of application of legislation in either a regulatory or environmental law context;
• Proven experience analysing and interpreting legislation to inform policy, strategy or approach; and
• Supervisory experience.

Please open the link to the Senior Solicitor role profile which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family. Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and h as:

• Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
• Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
• Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Progressive Family Friendly policies
• Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online…