Marine Solicitor

JMC Legal Recruitment; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is seeking a junior Marine Solicitor to join a Southampton team. The role offers exposure to vessel sales, marine finance, Admiralty Court disputes, and complex transactions from day one.

The ideal candidate has NQ-3 PQE in commercial litigation or transactional law, with strong drafting and communication skills, and a curious, proactive mindset to build a niche marine career in a supportive, specialised team.

Qualifications

• NQ-3 years' PQE in commercial litigation, commercial or transactional law.
• Strong drafting and communication skills.
• Organised, proactive and keen to learn.

Responsibilities

• Handle a mix of transactional and contentious marine matters.
• Involved in vessel sales and purchases.
• Assist with marine finance and charter agreements.
• Support Admiralty Court and arbitration disputes.
• Draft contracts and support complex transactions.
• Conduct legal research and deliver client advisory work.
• Support senior lawyers on high-value international matters.

Skills

Drafting

Communication

Organization

Team collaboration

Ambition

Job description

Marine Solicitor | NQ-3 PQE | Southampton

Breaking into marine law isn't easy. Roles like this don't come around often.

This is a chance to join a specialist marine team that works at the sharp end of the industry, advising clients across shipping, logistics, insurance and superyachts. You don't need prior marine experience, just a solid grounding in litigation or commercial work and a genuine interest in building a niche career.

If you're looking to move into something more specialist, more international and more interesting than the standard junior solicitor role, this is the kind of opportunity that can shape your career early.

The opportunity

You'll join a well-established marine team handling a mix of transactional and contentious work, giving you exposure that most junior lawyers simply don't get.

Expect to be involved in:

• Vessel sales and purchases
• Marine finance and charter agreements
• Admiralty Court and arbitration disputes
• Drafting contracts and supporting complex transactions
• Legal research and client advisory work
• Supporting senior lawyers on high-value and often international matters

You'll work closely with experienced specialists, gain hands-on exposure from day one and steadily build technical depth in a sector that few lawyers get access to.

Why this role stands out

• Rare opportunity to specialise in marine law from an early stage
• Exposure to international, high-value and highly technical work
• Structured training and hands-on mentoring
• Clear development path within a recognised specialist team
• Competitive salary and strong benefits package
• Supportive, collaborative culture where junior lawyers are properly developed

About you

• NQ-3 years' PQE in commercial litigation, commercial or transactional law
• Curious, ambitious and interested in building a specialist skillset
• Strong drafting and communication skills
• Organised, proactive and keen to learn
• Comfortable working as part of a close-knit team

If you're looking to step into a niche area with long-term career value and real variety in your work, this is a standout junior opportunity in Southampton.