Global Legal Counsel Specialist - Maritime litigations

CMA CGM; Marseille; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CMA CGM Global Legal Counsel Specialist in Marseille leads maritime litigation handling claims arising from carriage contracts and third parties. You provide legal support to operations, manage external law firms, and pursue recoveries while staying aligned with group policy.

You will monitor legal activity across regions, negotiate settlements, and stay current with evolving maritime law. An international, dynamic setting awaits you at CMA CGM.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (+4/5 years) in Maritime Law with 3+ years in transport, logistics or insurance.
• First experience in shipping is a plus.
• Fluent English in an international environment.
• Autonomous, rigorous with analytical mind and initiative.
• Strong negotiation and written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle and defend customer claims related to carriage contracts and third-party claims.
• Monitor and report claim activity within the geographical scope using group network and offices.
• Oversee coverage of claims by P&I clubs and insurers of the group.
• Appoint and supervise external law firms to defend CMA CGM’s interests; pursue recoveries.
• Monitor file financial data using in-house IT systems.
• Negotiate settlements with plaintiffs and third parties under authority.
• Proactively offer legal/operational solutions as needed.
• Stay updated on new laws, regulations, and case law relevant to responsibilities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Autonomy

Rigorous

Initiative

English fluency

Education

Postgraduate degree in Maritime Law

Job description

Global Legal Counsel Specialist - Maritime litigations

Marseille, FRA | CMA CGM Legal - Insurance | Permanent contract | Full Time

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

YOUR ROLE

As maritime legal counsel of the Legal Department in CMA CGM head office you will be in charge of handling claims presented in relation with the company activities, as well as to provide support and advices to operational and commercial teams and protect the company against legal risks and violations.

You will report to the maritime litigation manager within the maritime litigation dept.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO

You will be responsible, within a specific geographical area, to handle and defend customer’s claims presented in relation with carriage contracts, or any third-party claims linked with the company’s business, as well as to provide support and advices to operational and commercial teams. In addition, you may be in charge to handle specific missions liked with documentation and/or contractual review, fraud, or recovery files.

• You will monitor and report the claim and legal activity within your geographical scope with the help of the group agencies network and regional offices and as per the organization set up by the legal department.
• You will handle the coverage of the claims by the P&I clubs and the insurers of the group.
• You will appoint and supervise external law firms to defend CMA CGM’s interest and you will handle recoveries toward third parties.
• You will monitor the financial data of your files by accurately using the in house IT systems.
• Working closely with your Managers, and within the authority granted, you also negotiate settlements with plaintiffs and third parties
• With pro-activity, you will anticipate and offer legal/operational solutions if necessary.
• Finally, you are constantly aware and up to date with new developments in the law (regulations, case law) within your area of responsibility.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR

• You have a postgraduate degree (+4/5 years) in Maritime Law with a minimum experience of 3 years in transport, logistics or insurance as well as good command of computer tools.
• A first experience in shipping would be appreciated.
• Working in an international and multicultural environment, you speak English fluently.
• You are autonomous, very rigorous, and have an analytical mind and a strong sense of initiative.
• You have negotiation skills and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure !

Information at a Glance

Rise in motion with CMA CGM Group: where ambition meets opportunity.

Join a global team of nearly 200 nationalities, shaping the future of global trade, moving essential goods, forging newpaths, and pushing boundaries to serve an ever-changing world.

The pace is fast, the challenges are real, but the rewards are greater: growth, purpose, and thechance to make a meaningful impact. Thisis more than a job. It’s a journey on which you rise.