Senior Regulatory Lawyer (Senior / Principal Associate) - Water Industry

Eversheds Sutherland

Jul 10

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior & Expert Level
Legal
Reading

Requirements

Skills and experience:
Qualified solicitor with at least 8 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) of working within a regulated sector, ideally within the water and sewage sector.
Experience of working in an in-house environment and of working with all levels of seniority within a business would be beneficial.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the legislation, licences, codes of practice, rules, guidance and case law that governs the operational running of a regulated utility company, including, but not limited to:
Water Industry Act 1991 and historic legislation relating to the regulation of the water industry;
New Roads and Street Works Act 1991;
Environmental Protection Act 1991 / Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016;
Water Resources Act 1991;
Agreements and codes governing arrangements between wholesalers and retailers and agreements between undertakers for bulk services; and
Rules governing charges and charges schemes.
An awareness and understanding of:
general aspects of securitisation;
consumer law; and
competition law
Capable of working independently and managing a small and busy team.
Organised and good at managing time effectively, using appropriate systems and processes.
Use of appropriate, professional and client-friendly language.
Ability to work alone with confidence and self-discipline, taking ownership of tasks and able to demonstrate sound judgment and decision making skills.
Ability to learn a complicated and dynamic business, understand the client, its customers and the regulatory regime in which the business operates and to proactively advise on a combination of legal and business issues.
Experience of drafting, reviewing and negotiating key legal documents.
Good relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills and highly team-oriented.

Responsibilities

Acting as subject matter expert for regulatory matters relating to water and waste, water fittings, water resources, street works, charges schemes and drought (including temporary usage bans).
Liaising with subject matter experts in the MLS team or elsewhere within ES on environmental permitting, environmental protection, planning, property, competition law, construction, procurement and commercial.
Managing your own caseload and reporting to the client and the Head of Legal Service Delivery on the progress of cases being handled by the O&R team.
Supporting the other O&R team members with their caseload where required.
Managing the lawyers within the O&R team, offering guidance on the conduct of cases and getting regular updates on the progress of these. Setting individual and team objectives, monitoring performance, conducting regular performance reviews (ES uses a “check in” process) and looking after development for individual team members.
Taking instructions from the client, gathering information and providing clear and concise legal advice in writing and in meetings.
Attending meetings and negotiations as legal adviser with opposing parties.
Identifying ways to add value and improve internal efficiencies, including process improvements.
Actively contributing to the management of the wider MLS team, MLS operations and deliverables under the MLS contract with the client, including working with the Head of Legal Service Delivery (and Deputy) and other Principal Lawyers.
Complying with all service level agreements (SLAs) and KPIs, including accurately recording time and meeting reporting obligations.
Being responsible for the allocation, in line with relevant SLAs, of new O&R matters which are submitted through the client instruction portal.
Drafting regulatory documents.
Keeping up to date with all relevant legal, legislative, regulatory and industry developments relevant to the legal specialism, informing and updating the team, and providing proactive updates to facilitate the client’s operational activities.
Designing and delivering regulatory law training to the client’s business and management teams.
Undertaking a range of continuing professional development (CPD) activities ensuring efficient knowledge transfer across the legal team.

FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Regulatory Lawyer in the Water Industry?

The key responsibilities of the Senior Regulatory Lawyer include acting as a subject matter expert for regulatory matters relating to water and waste, managing a caseload and reporting on progress, supporting other team members with their caseload, managing and guiding the lawyers within the team, providing clear and concise legal advice to the client, attending meetings and negotiations, identifying ways to add value and improve efficiencies, contributing to the management of the wider team, complying with service level agreements, drafting regulatory documents, staying up to date with legal developments, delivering training, and undertaking continuing professional development activities.

What qualifications and experience are required for the Senior Regulatory Lawyer position in the Water Industry?

The ideal candidate should be a qualified solicitor with at least 8 years’ post-qualification experience of working within a regulated sector, ideally within the water and sewage sector. They should have detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, licences, codes of practice, and case law. Experience working in an in-house environment and with all levels of seniority within a business would be beneficial. The candidate should be capable of working independently, managing a small team, and have strong interpersonal skills.

What benefits and support does Eversheds Sutherland provide for employees in this role?

Eversheds Sutherland provides a range of benefits focused on looking after employees, including development opportunities, performance rewards, financial support, and healthcare benefits. The firm supports flexible working arrangements, health and wellness programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives, career development programs, international exposure, pro bono opportunities, retirement planning, and insurance.

Eversheds Sutherland

Helping our clients, our people and our communities to thrive

Law

Industry

5001-10,000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

A pioneering global law practice, we provide high quality legal advice and innovation worldwide. We deliver high quality, innovative solutions to complex business issues for a range of diverse range of clients. Our global teams operate seamlessly to deliver the commercial know-how and strategic alignment that clients need from their advisers to help further their business interests. We shape our advice to the unique circumstances and challenges of each project, and ensure the right people are in the right places to offer insight and certainty every time – from the day-to-day to the most complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions. What unites us is our commitment to service excellence through a people-focused approach. We know our clients’ businesses, the industries and markets they operate in, and most of all, we understand that great relationships yield the best outcomes.