We are working with a unique opportunity to join a long-established and highly respected player in the shipping industry. This company is seeking a proactive Senior Legal Counsel to join their London office in a broad, hands-on legal role. You’ll work closely with the General Counsel and act as their deputy when needed, including overseeing a junior lawyer. The role involves delivering real-time legal advice on operational and contentious shipping matters, with direct exposure to chartering and insurance teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide clear and practical legal advice on disputes and operational issues related to the owned and chartered fleet.
- Advise on charterparty, bill of lading, and LOI matters, along with other maritime commercial documents.
- Collaborate daily with chartering and operations teams, acting as a trusted legal advisor.
- Liaise with P&I, FD&D, and war risk insurers regarding claims.
- Represent the company in maritime arbitration proceedings (primarily under LMAA).
- Draft and review commercial contracts, including S&P and newbuild agreements (limited transactional exposure).
- Supervise and support the junior legal counsel.
- Step in for the General Counsel to ensure continuity when required.
Key Requirements:
- Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent).
- Approx. 5–10 years’ PQE with strong shipping law experience—especially in charterparty and carriage of goods disputes.
- Experience in maritime arbitration (LMAA) and familiarity with P&I and defence club processes.
- Confident working independently and under time pressure.
- Previous in-house legal experience in shipping or a solid private practice background with shipping clients.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Experience in supervising or mentoring junior lawyers is desirable.
If you are interested in this role and would like to find out more, please click ‘Apply Now’ or ‘Register your CV’.