Maritime Law Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid & retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to international cases

Travel opportunities

Annual performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town invites a seasoned Maritime Law Specialist to join a leading international shipping and logistics group. You will advise on admiralty matters, draft contracts, and represent the company in arbitrations and litigation, with a focus on SOLAS, MARPOL, and SA regulations.

You will collaborate with insurers, P&I clubs, and flag authorities, manage complex maritime disputes, and help shape risk management for operations.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent required.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa is essential.
• Minimum 6 years’ specialized maritime law experience.
• Proven track record in maritime disputes, arbitration and litigation.
• Deep knowledge of international maritime conventions and SA maritime legislation.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure with complex caseloads.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Familiarity with the Cape Town port operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on maritime law, including admiralty, salvage, collisions, charter party disputes, and cargo claims.
• Draft, review, and interpret complex maritime contracts, including bills of lading, charter parties, and shipbuilding agreements.
• Represent the company in maritime arbitrations, litigation, and mediations, both domestically and internationally.
• Ensure compliance with international maritime conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL) and South African law.
• Advise on marine insurance matters, including hull, machinery, P&I, and H&M claims.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic recommendations.
• Liaise with P&I clubs, insurers, flag states, and maritime authorities.
• Assist in developing risk management strategies for maritime operations.

Skills

Maritime law

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal research

Arbitration & litigation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Cape Town port knowledge

Education

LLB degree

Admission as Attorney

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent international shipping and logistics firm, is actively seeking a highly skilled Maritime Law Specialist to join their dynamic legal team in Cape Town . This role is critical for navigating the complex legal landscape of maritime trade, international conventions, and admiralty law. The successful candidate will be instrumental in managing legal risks associated with shipping operations, cargo claims, charter party disputes, and marine insurance. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated maritime legal professional to make a significant impact within a leading organization in the maritime industry. We are looking for an individual with deep expertise and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice in the maritime sector. The position requires a proactive and meticulous approach to legal challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of maritime law, including admiralty, salvage, collisions, charter party disputes, and cargo claims.
• Draft, review, and interpret complex maritime contracts, including bills of lading, charter parties, and shipbuilding agreements.
• Represent the company in maritime arbitrations, litigation, and mediations, both domestically and internationally.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant international maritime conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL) and national legislation.
• Advise on marine insurance matters, including hull and machinery, P&I, and H&M claims.
• Conduct thorough legal research on maritime legal issues and provide strategic recommendations.
• Liaise with P&I clubs, insurers, flag states, and other maritime authorities.
• Assist in the development of risk management strategies for maritime operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent.
• Admission as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of South Africa is essential.
• A minimum of 6 years of specialized experience in maritime law, with a strong understanding of admiralty practice and international shipping regulations.
• Proven experience in handling maritime disputes, arbitration, and litigation.
• In-depth knowledge of key international maritime conventions and South African maritime legislation.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills specific to the shipping industry.
• Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex caseloads.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with the operations of the Cape Town port and related logistics is advantageous.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package reflecting expertise in maritime law.
• Generous medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuing legal education.
• Exposure to high-profile international shipping cases.
• A dynamic and stimulating work environment within a leading global company.
• Annual performance bonuses.
• Opportunities for travel related to case management and conferences.