Specialist Maritime Lawyer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Durban-based maritime law firm seeks a Specialist Maritime Lawyer to advise on admiralty, shipping disputes, and international regulations. You will handle cargo claims, vessel collisions, marine insurance matters, and related contracts for an international and local client base.

The ideal candidate is an admitted SA attorney with at least 6 years of maritime experience, excellent research, drafting, and negotiation skills, and the ability to work independently in a hybrid Durban office on

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a strong specialization in maritime or admiralty law.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience focusing on maritime legal matters.
• Solid understanding of Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act and relevant international conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules, Rotterdam Rules).
• Experience with marine insurance claims and P&I matters.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of maritime law, including admiralty jurisdiction, shipping contracts, and international conventions.
• Manage and conduct litigation and arbitration proceedings related to maritime disputes, such as cargo damage, personal injury at sea, and collisions.
• Draft and review shipping-related contracts, including bills of lading, charter parties, and shipbuilding agreements.
• Advise on marine insurance matters, including hull and machinery, P&I, and cargo insurance.
• Represent clients in negotiations and settlement discussions.
• Stay abreast of developments in maritime law and international shipping regulations.
• Liaise with P&I clubs, ship owners, charterers, and cargo interests.
• Conduct due diligence for vessel transactions and financing.
• Assist in regulatory compliance advice for maritime operations.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent maritime law firm situated in the vibrant port city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is actively seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Specialist Maritime Lawyer. This role is ideal for a legal professional with a passion for maritime law and a proven ability to navigate the complexities of admiralty law, shipping disputes, and related international regulations. The position involves advising a diverse international and local clientele on matters such as charterparty disputes, cargo claims, vessel collisions, and marine insurance. The successful candidate will play an integral part in strengthening our client's reputation as a leader in maritime legal services within Durban and globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of maritime law, including admiralty jurisdiction, shipping contracts, and international conventions.
• Manage and conduct litigation and arbitration proceedings related to maritime disputes, such as cargo damage, personal injury at sea, and collisions.
• Draft and review shipping-related contracts, including bills of lading, charter parties, and shipbuilding agreements.
• Advise on marine insurance matters, including hull and machinery, P&I, and cargo insurance.
• Represent clients in negotiations and settlement discussions.
• Stay abreast of developments in maritime law and international shipping regulations.
• Liaise with P&I clubs, ship owners, charterers, and cargo interests.
• Conduct due diligence for vessel transactions and financing.
• Assist in regulatory compliance advice for maritime operations.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a strong specialization in maritime or admiralty law.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-qualification experience focusing on maritime legal matters.
• In-depth understanding of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act, and relevant international conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules, Rotterdam Rules).
• Experience with marine insurance claims and P&I matters.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to providing exceptional client service.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package with potential for bonuses based on performance and contribution. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plans are provided. This Hybrid role allows for a flexible work arrangement, combining office-based work in picturesque Durban with remote working days. You will have the opportunity to work on significant international cases and enhance your expertise in the specialized field of maritime law, contributing to a respected and well-established firm.