Associate (1-3 PQE) - Shipping, Trade & Commodities

DAC Beachcroft; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DAC Beachcroft LLP is hiring an Associate in Singapore to join our Shipping, Trade & Commodities practice. The role offers exposure to a wide range of disputes and transactions in a global maritime context, with autonomy and a good work-life balance.

The successful candidate will have 1–3 years of PQE in shipping or international trade disputes, strong research skills, and the ability to work with senior lawyers across our regional network. English fluency is essential; Mandarin is a plus.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 1–3 PQE in shipping or international trade disputes.
• Experience acting for P&I clubs, shipowners, operators or traders.
• Fluency in English; Mandarin a plus.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
• Strong client communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Managing caseload and supporting Partners on complex shipping, trade and commodities disputes.
• Drafting and reviewing correspondence, reports, and litigation documents.
• Maintaining caseload with high-quality client service.
• Developing understanding of client needs and our business.
• Assisting Partners in business development.
• Demonstrating analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Working with senior lawyers with autonomy and good work–life balance.

Skills

Shipping & Commodities law

Legal research

Client communication

Business development

English fluency

MS Office

Education

Singapore/English qualified lawyer

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Associate (1-3 PQE) - Shipping, Trade & Commodities

Department: Global - Singapore

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Singapore

Description

As part of ongoing expansion of our global offering to clients across insurance, shipping, international trade, and commodities, we are recruiting a Shipping, Trade and Commodities Associate into our Singapore office.

Our Global Shipping, Trade & Commodities practice, is based in Hong Kong, London, Greece, Singapore, and Latin America supports stakeholders across the global maritime ecosystem. The team’s practice spans both contentious and transactional matters, including charterparty agreements, bills of lading, cargo claims, shipbuilding contracts, salvage, collisions, and multi-jurisdictional arbitration. Our clients range from shipowners, charterers, and cargo interests to P&I clubs, brokers, and insurers. Leveraging the region's position as a premier international maritime hub, we work closely with colleagues worldwide to deliver commercially driven solutions on complex shipping matters.

We are looking to recruit a 1-3 PQE qualified lawyer to join the team and support our drive to become the go-to Shipping, Trade and Commodities firm in the region. The successful candidate will gain exposure to a wide variety of cases and client interactions, working closely with senior lawyers in an environment that provides a large degree of autonomy and an excellent work/life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing caseload and/or supporting Partners and colleagues on larger complex shipping, trade and commodities disputes.
• Analysing and applying legal principles and facts to derive technically-sound, commercial strategies for complex cases.
• Drafting and reviewing correspondence, reports, and litigation documents.
• Maintaining caseload in good organisational shape and in accordance with client quality and service level agreements.
• Developing an understanding of the client's and our wider business, and how the two fit together.
• Demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Assisting the Partners in business development.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• English and/or Singapore qualified lawyer with experience in dry shipping and/or international trade disputes - particularly acting for P&I Clubs and Shipowners, operators, and traders.
• Proven track record of academic excellence (minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent).
• Fluency in English (ability to speak Mandarin will be an advantage)
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• A strong desire to learn and proactively seeks out opportunities to expand skills.
• Excellent proficiency in MS Office, in particular Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Capable of analysing and applying legal principles to a complex factual scenario, with a view to achieving a commercial resolution for the client.
• Exhibits quick responsiveness and ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Able to deal confidently and professionally with clients and colleagues on day-to-day issues.
• The ability to think and act quickly under pressure for clients who find themselves in crisis.
• Self-motivated and capable of managing competing deadlines.
• Team-oriented and collegiate with a willingness to share knowledge with and support other members of the team.
• Eager to take part in business development opportunities to support the firm’s growth.

Additional Information

As a Disability Confident Scheme employer, we’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.