Senior Associate - Marine

DWF; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF in London is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to take a lead on complex marine insurance claims, provide drafting and advisory support on policies, and contribute to business development by strengthening client relationships and expanding the team’s market presence.

The Marine team handles high-profile global claims for insurers, P&I clubs, shipowners, charterers and traders. The role is based in London with a hybrid working arrangement to balance collaboration with flexibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in marine insurance litigation at a recognised shipping law firm.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge and experience with court procedures and arbitration (especially LMAA).
• Language skills would be advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a broad range of marine insurance claims ( hull, cargo, war, marine liability, mortgagee’s interests, and yachts), plus wet and dry shipping disputes.
• Work on a wide array of marine insurance litigation claims, including coverage disputes, recovery actions, charterers’ liability, reinsurance, and international trade disputes.
• Draft policies as required, ensuring they meet legal standards and client needs.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers, contributing to knowledge sharing and team development.
• Attend business development events to network and promote our services.

Skills

Marine insurance litigation

Drafting

Negotiation

Arbitration (LMAA)

Court procedures

Business development

Job description

Why join us?

DWF is continuing to invest in the growth of its Marine team in London and is now seeking an experienced Senior Associate to add further depth and capability.

Our Marine team acts on some of the market’s most complex and high‑profile claims globally, representing a diverse client base including UK and international insurers, P&I clubs, shipowners, charterers, freight forwarders, port and terminal operators, and commodity traders.

The team specialises in marine insurance litigation, advising insurers on coverage, defence, and subrogation across a range of matters including coverage disputes, recovery actions, charterers’ liability claims, reinsurance, and international trade disputes.

In this role, you will lead on complex marine insurance claims, provide drafting and advisory support on insurance policies, and play an active role in business development by strengthening client relationships and enhancing the team’s market presence.

The role will be based in our London office, with a hybrid working arrangement that supports flexibility while maintaining strong team connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Managing a broad range of marine insurance claims (including hull, cargo, war, marine liability, mortgagee’s interest insurance and yachts), alongside wet claims (salvage, collision and general average) and dry shipping disputes (charterparty, ship sale and shipbuilding).
• Work on a wide array of marine insurance litigation claims, including coverage disputes, recovery actions, charterers’ liability claims, reinsurance, and international trade disputes.
• Draft policies as required, ensuring they meet legal standards and client needs.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers, contributing to knowledge‑sharing and the continued development of the team.
• Attend business development events to network and promote our services.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential;

• Experience in the field of marine litigation insurance at a recognised shipping law firm.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge and experience with court procedures and arbitration (particularly LMAA).
• Language skills would be advantageous but not essential.

What we offer

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, you may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.