Shipping Litigation Associates | 1–8 PQE | London

Dry Shipping Disputes | Attractive Salary, Bonus and Benefits

We are recruiting shipping litigation associates with approximately 1–8 years’ PQE for a growing specialist maritime practice in London.

The practice forms part of a major international business with an extensive global footprint, combining specialist shipping expertise with the resources and reach of a substantial organisation. With an established team and ambitious growth plans, this is an opportunity to join at an exciting stage of its development and contribute to the expansion of its shipping disputes offering.

You will work on international dry shipping disputes for shipowners, charterers, operators and P&I clubs, with substantive case involvement, direct client contact and close access to experienced shipping partners.

The work

The practice advises on disputes arising from charterparties, bills of lading, contracts of affreightment and other shipping contracts. Matters involve London arbitration, including LMAA proceedings, English court litigation and negotiated settlements, often with an international element.

Depending on your experience, your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on contractual rights, liabilities and the commercial merits of claims.
• Drafting correspondence, submissions and settlement proposals.
• Reviewing contracts and evidence, undertaking legal research and developing case strategy.
• Managing matters or defined aspects of larger disputes, with appropriate partner support.
• Working with clients, counsel, experts and overseas lawyers throughout proceedings.
• Contributing to client relationships and the wider development of the practice.

About you

You will be qualified in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction, with approximately 1–8 years’ post-qualification experience and relevant experience in dry shipping disputes.

You should bring strong drafting and analytical skills, sound commercial judgement and the ability to give clear, practical advice. Experience of charterparty and bill of lading disputes, London arbitration or English court proceedings will be particularly relevant.

Applications are welcome across the experience range. Junior associates should demonstrate a solid grounding in shipping disputes and an appetite to develop; more experienced applicants should be comfortable taking greater responsibility for matters and client relationships.

What’s on offer

• An attractive salary reflecting your experience.
• A strong bonus opportunity and comprehensive benefits package.
• A balanced approach to billing expectations.
• Substantive international dry shipping work.
• The resources and international reach of a major global business.
• The opportunity to develop your career within a growing specialist team.
• Close involvement with experienced partners and opportunities to build your expertise and client relationships.

To apply or discuss the opportunity in confidence, please contact Wadkins Associates.