Senior Legal Counsel, Qatar

Spinnaker; Doha; On-site; QAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Spinnaker is seeking a senior Legal Counsel specialising in shipping and maritime to join our Qatar team. You will provide strategic legal support across shipping, commercial and corporate matters for a leading LNG shipping company.

The role covers charterparties, vessel transactions, ship finance and governance matters, with opportunity to influence high-value offshore projects and international disputes. In-house or private practice candidates with maritime experience are welcome.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in shipping/maritime law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating charterparties.
• Exposure to LNG/LPG shipping, shipbuilding or ship finance is advantageous.
• In-house experience a plus.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to advise internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on shipping, commercial and corporate matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate LNG/LPG charterparties and other contracts.
• Support vessel acquisitions, newbuilds, registrations and deliveries.
• Advise on shipbuilding, EPC and offshore construction contracts.
• Assist with ship financing, refinancing and joint ventures.
• Manage disputes and litigation with external counsel.
• Provide legal support to subsidiaries and joint venture companies on governance and regulatory matters.

Skills

Shipping law

Maritime law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Vessel transactions

Corporate governance

Job description

Legal Counsel – Shipping & Maritime | Qatar

We are currently working with a leading international LNG shipping company seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join their team in Qatar.

This is an excellent opportunity for a shipping lawyer to take on a broad in-house role, supporting the business across shipping, commercial, corporate and transactional matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on a range of shipping, commercial and corporate matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate LNG/LPG charterparties, vessel management agreements and other commercial contracts.
• Support vessel acquisitions, newbuilding projects, ship registrations and vessel deliveries.
• Advise on shipbuilding, EPC and offshore construction contracts.
• Assist with ship financing, refinancing, joint ventures and new business opportunities.
• Manage charterparty disputes, commercial claims and litigation, working alongside external legal counsel.
• Provide legal support to subsidiaries and joint venture companies on corporate governance, compliance and regulatory matters.

Ideal Candidate:

• 10 + years experienced qualified lawyer with a strong background in shipping and maritime law.
• Experience in charterparty drafting, negotiation and interpretation.
• Exposure to LNG/LPG shipping, shipbuilding, vessel transactions or ship finance would be highly advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to advise internal stakeholders across different business functions.
• Previous in-house experience within a shipowner, operator or energy company would be beneficial, although private practice candidates will also be considered.

An excellent opportunity to join an established LNG shipping organisation and gain exposure to a wide range of international maritime and commercial legal matters.