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Senior Specialist Lawyer Job in UK 2026 | Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru

January 22, 2026 3:58 pm

Senior Specialist Lawyer Job in UK 2026 | Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru

Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru – NRW), the national environmental regulator for Wales, is recruiting a Senior Specialist Lawyer to join its legal team in Cardiff in 2026. This is a high-impact public sector legal role focused on environmental regulation, water quality, and complex permitting matters, particularly in relation to storm overflows and major water discharges.

The position is open to both UK and international candidates and meets the requirements for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, making it an excellent opportunity for experienced lawyers seeking to build a long-term, senior-level legal career in the United Kingdom. The role offers hybrid working, long-term stability, and the chance to contribute directly to the protection of Wales’ natural environment.

About the Role

As a Senior Specialist Lawyer, you will provide authoritative, risk-based legal advice primarily to the Environmental Permitting function, while also supporting wider policy and regulatory teams across NRW. You will work on high-profile, complex, and often sensitive matters, ensuring that regulatory decisions are legally robust and able to withstand scrutiny.

The role includes responsibility for major litigation, including judicial reviews and appeals, as well as involvement in enforcement, prosecutions, and the development of regulatory and legislative instruments. This is a senior, trusted advisory position where your judgement, legal strategy, and ability to balance legal risk with public interest objectives will be central to the organisation’s success.

About the Hiring Firm

Natural Resources Wales is the principal environmental body responsible for managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and regulating key sectors in Wales, including water and wastewater. The organisation plays a critical role in safeguarding water quality, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

NRW works closely with the Welsh Government, other public bodies, industry, and communities, and is recognised for its commitment to evidence-based regulation, transparency, and long-term environmental stewardship. The organisation has experience supporting international professionals through the Skilled Worker visa route, although visa costs are borne by the applicant.

Responsibilities

Provide high-quality, pragmatic, and risk-based legal advice to senior leadership and operational teams
Lead and manage complex civil litigation, including judicial reviews and specialist proceedings
Instigate and conduct criminal proceedings, including advising on prosecutions, cautions, and civil sanctions
Ensure regulatory and permitting decisions are legally sound, robust, and defensible
Commission, manage, and oversee external legal providers to ensure value for money and high-quality outcomes
Draft and advise on legislative instruments, byelaws, and subordinate legislation where required
Engage with key stakeholders, including government bodies, regulators, industry, and the courts
Contribute to the development of NRW strategies and policies from a legal risk and compliance perspective
Support knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous improvement within the legal function

Requirements

Qualification as a solicitor or barrister (or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience
Strong background in public law, regulatory law, environmental law, or complex litigation
Proven experience handling high-profile, complex, and sensitive legal matters
Ability to provide clear, strategic, and risk-based advice at a senior organisational level
Excellent advocacy, drafting, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
Strong judgement, professionalism, and commitment to public interest outcomes
Willingness to relocate to the UK and work in a hybrid model (visa sponsorship available)

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This is a rare opportunity to secure a senior, influential legal position within one of the UK’s most important environmental bodies, with Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available for international candidates. If you are an experienced lawyer seeking meaningful work, long-term stability, and the chance to shape environmental regulation at a national level, this role in Wales offers an outstanding and highly credible pathway to career progression in the UK public sector.