In-House Counsel (Maritime Law)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote across SA

Competitive salary package

Global maritime exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced In-House Counsel specializing in maritime law. The role is fully remote from anywhere in South Africa, supporting a globally operating maritime leader with guidance on shipping contracts, charters, disputes, compliance, and vessel finance.

The ideal candidate is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 8+ years PQE and deep knowledge of international maritime conventions and SA legislation.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 8+ years PQE.
• Specialization in maritime and shipping law.
• Strong knowledge of international maritime conventions and SA legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on admiralty, charters, bills of lading, and cargo claims.
• Draft, review, and negotiate shipbuilding, supply and service contracts.
• Manage maritime disputes and liaise with external counsel as needed.
• Ensure compliance with IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL and SA law.
• Advise on vessel registration, flagging, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic recommendations.
• Support commercial and operational teams on day-to-day legal matters.
• Assist with corporate governance for maritime operations.
• Oversee insurance matters related to maritime assets and liabilities.

Skills

Maritime law

Contract negotiation

Legal research

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the maritime industry with operations extending globally, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced In-House Counsel with specialized expertise in maritime law. This role is based in the scenic coastal city of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , however, this position is structured as fully remote, allowing talented legal professionals from across South Africa to apply. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal guidance on a broad spectrum of maritime-related issues, including shipping contracts, charter parties, maritime disputes, regulatory compliance, and vessel finance. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a key role in a thriving international business, contributing to its legal strategy and risk management from a remote location. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of international maritime conventions and South African maritime legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of maritime law, including admiralty, charter parties, bills of lading, and cargo claims.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various maritime contracts, such as shipbuilding agreements, supply contracts, and service agreements.
• Manage and resolve maritime disputes, including claims and litigation, liaising with external counsel as needed.
• Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL) and national laws.
• Advise on vessel registration, flagging, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct legal research on complex maritime legal issues and provide strategic recommendations.
• Support the commercial and operational teams with legal aspects of day-to-day business.
• Assist with corporate governance matters related to the company's maritime operations.
• Oversee insurance matters related to maritime assets and liabilities.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a minimum of 8 years of post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrated specialization and extensive experience in maritime and shipping law.
• In-depth knowledge of international maritime conventions and South African maritime legislation.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating complex maritime contracts.
• Strong understanding of maritime dispute resolution, including litigation and arbitration.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of communicating complex legal concepts clearly.
• Ability to work independently, manage a diverse workload, and meet strict deadlines in a remote setting.
• A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating legal risks in the maritime sector.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and standard office software.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering significant flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere in South Africa. Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with extensive experience in maritime law. Opportunities for professional growth and development within a globally recognized company are substantial. You will be part of a dedicated legal team focused on delivering high-quality legal services to the maritime industry. Our client utilizes state-of-the‑art remote collaboration tools to ensure effective teamwork. Access to legal resources and professional development support will be provided. This role offers the chance to work on challenging, international cases and contribute to the strategic success of a maritime leader.