Shipping Lawyer

Gallagher Bassett; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Career development

Job summary

Gallagher is seeking an Associate Solicitor to join Mays Brown, a respected shipping law boutique with over 30 years’ experience advising shipowners, charterers and insurers. The role focuses on dry shipping disputes, drafting robust advice, and supporting senior lawyers on high-value matters.

You will manage matters independently within a collaborative, global-reaching practice and have opportunities to broaden into wet shipping work as desired.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years' PQE in shipping law.
• Experience in shipping law within a recognised firm or P&I Club is preferred.
• Strong drafting and analytical skills; able to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of dry shipping disputes.
• Advise clients on charterparty, cargo and payment disputes.
• Support senior lawyers on complex and high-value shipping matters.
• Draft legal documents, correspondence and advice.
• Handle negotiations and dispute resolution matters.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and attend meetings.

Skills

Shipping law

Drafting

Client relationships

Contractual disputes

Job description

Introduction

At Gallagher Bassett, we're there when it matters most because helping people through challenging moments is more than just our job, it's our purpose. Every day, we help clients navigate complexity, support recovery, and deliver outcomes that make a real difference in people's lives. It takes empathy, precision, and a strong sense of partnership—and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. We're a team of fast-paced fixers, empathetic experts, and outcomes drivers — people who care deeply about doing the right thing and doing it well. Whether you're managing claims, supporting clients, or improving processes, you’ll play a vital role in helping businesses and individuals move forward with confidence. Here, you’ll be supported by a culture that values teamwork, encourages curiosity, and celebrates the impact of your work. Because when you're here, you're part of something bigger. You're part of a team that shows up, stands together, and leads with purpose.

Overview

We are seeking an Associate Solicitor to join Mays Brown, a highly regarded specialist shipping law firm with over 30 years' experience advising clients across the maritime sector.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a broad range of high quality dry shipping disputes for a reputable client base, including shipowners, charterers, traders, insurers and P&I Clubs. The role offers significant client exposure, involvement in complex shipping matters and the opportunity to further develop your career within a respected and growing practice. Exposure to wet shipping matters is also available for those looking to broaden their experience.

How you'll make an impact

• Managing a varied caseload of dry shipping disputes
• Advising clients on contractual, charterparty, cargo and payment disputes
• Supporting senior lawyers on complex and high value shipping matters
• Drafting legal documents, correspondence and advice
• Handling negotiations and dispute resolution matters
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Attending client meetings, industry events and networking opportunities
• Contributing to business development initiatives and market engagement
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider business

About You

• Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years' PQE
• Proven experience in shipping law, particularly dry shipping matters
• Experience gained within a recognised shipping law firm and/or P&I Club
• Strong technical drafting and analytical skills
• Able to manage matters independently while working as part of a team
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills
• Commercially minded with a genuine interest in the shipping industry
• Eligible to work in the UK

Compensation and benefits

At Gallagher, we believe supporting our colleagues goes far beyond the role itself. For more information, visit our Benefits page.

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits programs designed to support your well-being
• Career development opportunities and ongoing learning
• A collaborative, people-first culture with accessible leadership
• The opportunity to do meaningful work with global reach and local impact

At Gallagher, we are dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace.

If your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to join our Talent Community to stay connected to additional career opportunities.

Although this role is listed as full-time, if you're in a job-share partnership, work reduced hours, or have any other flexible arrangement, please still get in touch. We will also offer reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process if required, so please let us know

Gallagher is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)