Legal Counsel

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Head of Legal, the Legal Counsel will be part of the Legal team (based in Singapore) providing real-time legal advice and support to various departments / offices in different jurisdictions in respect of a wide variety of English Law shipping contracts as well as non-shipping legal matters.

Role Accountabilities

- Provide real-time legal support to global commercial departments.

- Draft, review and advise on legal documents and assist with the negotiation of such documents where required.

- Shipping contracts including charterparties, vessel sharing agreements, slot charters, service agreements, bill of lading etc.

- Develop legal guidelines to provide guidance to commercial teams which will help them better understand standard clauses.

- Independently handle legal disputes and/or manage claims and disputed in collaboration with Insurers and external lawyers.

- Keep abreast of relevant legal developments and provide regular updates/training to commercial teams.

Key Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications

Singapore or English-qualified lawyer – 15-20 years PQE.

Professional Skills

- Genuine understanding and working knowledge of commercial contracts.

- Ability to explain contractual principles in lay terms to both commercial and non-commercial teams.

- Ability to manage conflicting demands from multiple business clients in a fast-paced environment while paying attention to detail.

- Ability to prioritise.

Technical Skills

- Excellent drafting and communication skills.

- Ability to work both independently and in a team.

- Ability to communicate effectively.

- Must have either previously worked in-house in a shipping company or P&I insurer, or as part of a shipping/maritime-focused team when in private practice.

- Previous experience with commercial contracts, in particular charterparties and contracts of affreightment is desirable.