Senior Legal Counsel

Salary: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Our client, based in Geneva, operates as a global supplier of crude oil, petroleum products, and biofuels. It oversees retail and refining operations across Europe and engages in trading activities worldwide.

The Senior Legal Counsel will be responsible for managing disputes and legal proceedings related to trading and shipping. Additionally, this role will involve providing legal guidance on commercial and operational matters, ensuring compliance, and supporting business teams in contract negotiations and risk management.

Your responsibilities:

1. Handle contentious legal matters, including pre-litigation claims, litigation, and arbitration related to trading, storage, and transportation. Provide strategic legal advice, maintain claims records, and coordinate with relevant departments.
2. Support business operations by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts such as sales and purchase agreements, charter parties, and agency agreements. Offer clear, timely advice on indemnities, liability, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
3. Identify and mitigate legal risks, ensure compliance with relevant laws, and promote adherence to internal procedures and controls.
4. Manage relationships with external legal counsel, including selecting, negotiating fees, and overseeing legal work.
5. Provide legal reports to management, auditors, and stakeholders, and conduct training on key legal topics.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Master’s degree in Commercial Law, International Trade Law, or Shipping Law.
2. Qualified under English law.
3. Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience (UK) in private practice, handling shipping and trading cases.
4. Expertise in litigation, claims, contracts, and other legal matters related to trading and shipping.
5. Strong understanding of physical oil trading, including shipping, insurance, and trade finance.
6. Assertive and resilient, capable of handling adversarial legal environments.
7. Persuasive and determined in advocating for the company's best interests.
8. Commercial mindset with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and pragmatism.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly for legal discussions.
10. Fluent in English; proficiency in French is a plus.