Shipping Associate (1–6 PQE) – Specialist Shipping Law Firm

Location: City of London

Position: Associate / Senior Associate (1–6 PQE)

Practice Area: Shipping & International Trade (Dry Shipping)

The Role

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a 1–6 PQE England & Wales qualified solicitor to join a highly regarded, specialist shipping litigation practice based in the City of London.

Working closely across a select group of leading shipping partners, you will handle a high-quality, varied caseload of high-value and complex dry shipping disputes. The firm acts for a prestigious global client base, including major shipowners, charterers, P&I Clubs, trade houses, insurers, and international operators.

This role offers genuine partner access, hands-on responsibility from day one, and a supportive, collaborative environment that combines the sophistication of top-tier work with the agility of a focused boutique outfit.

Key Responsibilities

• Charterparty & Bill of Lading Disputes: Advising on laytime/demurrage, hire disputes, speed and consumption claims, seaworthiness, unsafe ports, and cargo claims.
• Dispute Resolution & Arbitration: Managing international shipping arbitrations (predominantly LMAA, LCIA, and ad hoc) alongside Commercial Court litigation in London.
• Commodities & International Trade: Assisting on sale-of-goods contracts, trade disputes (GAFTA/FOSFA), and insurance-related issues.
• Client Engagement & Advisory: Providing prompt, commercial advisory guidance to shipowners, charterers, and P&I Clubs on live operational issues.
• Drafting & Strategy: Drafting pleadings, witness statements, skeleton arguments, and procedural applications, working directly alongside senior partners.

Candidate Profile

• Qualification: Solicitor qualified in England & Wales (1–6 years PQE).
• Core Experience: Demonstrable background in dry shipping litigation and maritime arbitration, gained at a recognised shipping practice or leading commercial litigation firm.
• Industry Knowledge: Solid grounding in standard BIMCO clauses, charterparties, bills of lading, and maritime dispute procedures.
• Skills: Excellent legal drafting, strong analytical skills, and a commercial, solutions-driven approach to complex problems.
• Work Ethic: Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable handling significant autonomy while collaborating seamlessly across partner-led teams.

What Is Offered

• Direct mentorship from leading practitioners in the shipping sector.
• A competitive market-rate compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Clear opportunities for career progression within a specialized, non-hierarchical practice.
• A focused, supportive team environment in central London.