Maritime Law Specialist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

Medical aid and provident fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Maritime Law Specialist for a prominent international shipping and logistics group based in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). You will advise on charter parties, bills of lading, cargo claims, vessel arrests, marine insurance, and international maritime conventions, collaborating with operations and claims teams.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in maritime law, LLB eligibility, and strong drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in maritime law and regulations.
• Strong drafting and negotiation abilities.
• Experience with charter parties, bills of lading, cargo claims, and marine insurances.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on maritime contracts and international conventions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate shipping-related agreements.
• Advise on cargo claims, arrests, and marine insurance matters.
• Represent the company in arbitration and litigation of maritime disputes.
• Conduct legal research and liaise with external counsel and insurers.

Skills

Maritime law

Contract negotiation

Drafting

Litigation/Arbitration

Education

LLB degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international shipping and logistics company with a significant operational base in Port Elizabeth , is seeking a highly experienced Maritime Law Specialist. This critical role involves managing and advising on the full spectrum of legal issues related to maritime operations, including charter parties, bills of lading, cargo claims, vessel arrests, marine insurance, and international maritime conventions. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of maritime law and regulations, coupled with strong commercial acumen and exceptional drafting skills. You will work closely with the operations, claims, and chartering departments, providing timely and practical legal advice to mitigate risks and resolve disputes effectively. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading player in the global maritime industry and contribute to its ongoing success. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is adept at handling complex international legal matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of maritime law, including shipping contracts, international conventions, and salvage operations.


• Draft, review, and negotiate charter parties, bills of lading, and other shipping-related agreements.


• Manage and advise on cargo claims, general and particular average, and marine insurance matters.


• Handle vessel arrests, liens, and maritime liens.


• Advise on compliance with international maritime regulations, such as SOLAS and MARPOL.


• Represent the company in arbitration proceedings and litigation related to maritime disputes.


• Conduct legal research on complex maritime legal issues and provide comprehensive analysis.


• Liaise with P&I clubs, hull and machinery insurers, and external legal counsel.


• Assist with regulatory compliance and risk management within the maritime operations.


• Provide training to operational staff on legal aspects of shipping and chartering.

Requirements

• An LLB degree or equivalent, admitted as an Attorney or Advocate.


• A minimum of 6 years of dedicated experience in maritime and shipping law.


• In-depth knowledge of international maritime conventions, laws, and regulations.


• Proven experience in handling charter party disputes, cargo claims, and marine insurance matters.


• Strong understanding of ship operations, chartering, and logistics.


• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and advocacy skills.


• Ability to conduct thorough legal research and analysis.


• Proficiency in managing complex international cases and working with diverse stakeholders.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients and international partners.


• Experience working within a shipping company or a maritime law firm is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your specialization.


• Annual performance bonus.


• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.


• Generous annual leave.


• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.


• Access to specialized maritime legal resources.


• A dynamic hybrid work environment based in Port Elizabeth .


• Exposure to international shipping operations and complex legal challenges.


• Potential for career advancement within a growing global entity.


• Employee assistance program.