Maritime Law Specialist

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Profit sharing

Medical aid

Disability & retirement benefits

Generous leave & study leave

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Maritime Law Specialist for its Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal practice. You will advise clients on shipping, admiralty, environmental law and related maritime issues, handling complex disputes and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The role requires an Admitted Attorney with a Master’s in Maritime Law and at least eight years of specialized experience, plus strong drafting and advocacy skills. Hybrid work in Richards Bay and growth opportunities await.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney with a Master’s in Maritime Law.
• Minimum 8 years of specialized maritime and admiralty law experience.
• Strong knowledge of international maritime conventions and SA law.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on maritime law matters including charterparty disputes and cargo claims.
• Draft and review maritime contracts, bills of lading, and charterparties.
• Represent clients in admiralty proceedings, arbitrations and mediations.
• Advise on marine insurance, hull/machinery and P&I liabilities.
• Ensure compliance with international regulations and conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL).
• Oversee regulatory issues related to vessel registration and port state control.
• Conduct research on complex maritime legal issues.
• Manage disputes relating to shipping and offshore activities.
• Advise on cross-border maritime transactions and litigation.
• Develop relationships with shipowners, operators, insurers and regulators.

Skills

Maritime law expertise

Negotiation

Drafting

Client relations

Advocacy

Education

Master's degree in Maritime Law

Admitted Attorney

Minimum 8 years maritime/admiralty law experience

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent firm serving the maritime industry, is seeking an accomplished Maritime Law Specialistto join their expert team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for advising clients on a wide array of maritime legal issues, including shipping, admiralty, international trade, and environmental law related to marine activities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of maritime conventions, legislation, and case law. You will be instrumental in managing complex legal matters, representing clients in disputes, and ensuring compliance within this specialized field. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a dedicated legal professional seeking to thrive in a niche and vital sector. We are looking for someone who can provide strategic legal guidance and foster strong client relationships. The firm offers a dynamic environment conducive to professional growth and achievement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of maritime law, including charterparty disputes, cargo claims, collisions, salvage, and general average.
• Draft and review maritime contracts, bills of lading, and charterparties.
• Represent clients in admiralty proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Advise on marine insurance matters, hull and machinery, and P&I liabilities.
• Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations and conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL).
• Handle regulatory compliance issues related to vessel registration, port state control, and environmental protection.
• Conduct legal research on complex maritime legal issues.
• Manage and resolve disputes related to shipping and offshore activities.
• Advise on cross-border maritime transactions and litigation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with shipowners, operators, insurers, and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney with a Master's degree in Maritime Law or equivalent.
• Minimum of 8 years of specialized experience in maritime and admiralty law.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international maritime conventions, South African maritime legislation, and case law.
• Proven experience in handling complex maritime disputes and transactions.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work effectively with clients in the shipping and offshore industries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of other relevant languages is a plus.
• Membership in relevant international maritime law associations is advantageous.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional excellence and client service.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package, commensurate with extensive experience.
• Performance-based incentives and profit sharing.
• Comprehensive medical aid, disability, and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and study leave.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Exposure to significant and complex international maritime cases.
• A hybrid work environment in the key port city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Collaborative and expert legal team.
• Potential for leadership roles within the practice.