Shipping Solicitor

SHIPPING SOLICITOR - NEWCASTLE

A prestigious law firm in with over 1000 professionals, including 200 partners and legal directors, is seeking a talented Shipping Solicitor to join its highly regarded Shipping Team in Newcastle. This is a chance to be part of a firm renowned for delivering comprehensive legal advice and strategic guidance across a multitude of sectors, including transport, logistics, international trade, retail, insurance, marine, health, education, manufacturing, public sector, and banking and financial services.

As an Associate in the Shipping Team, you will engage with a diverse client base, including P&I Clubs, shipowners, charterers, and cargo owners. The team handles both commercial and contentious matters such as ship arrest, contractual disputes, cargo claims, ship sale and purchase, and advising on terms and conditions.

You will be heavily involved in:

- Major recovery actions for unpaid shipping and bunker claims
- Vessel arrests
- Advising lenders on recovery and sale of vessels under security documentation
- Bill of lading disputes
- Public inquests following fatality, jurisdictional issues, and indemnity and contribution proceedings
- Advising on ship sale and purchase, terminal and port operations, and European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIGs)
- Preparing and reviewing standard terms and conditions

The ideal candidate will be/have:

- Qualified Solicitor or equivalent (e.g., Legal Executive)
- Maritime and contentious experience preferred
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks under pressure
- Business development aptitude

If you do not possess any of the above, you will be a Qualified Solicitor with a demonstrable interest in Maritime law, and previous experience in the Maritime sector, such as time spent at sea would be useful, or you may have been raised in a Navy Family for example.

Salary & Benefits:

- Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, plus a birthday privilege day and Christmas shutdown.
- Flexible Working: Options to help balance work and home life.
- Health and Wellbeing: Optional private medical insurance via BUPA, annual fitness allowance, and an Employee Assistance Programme with access to counselling.
- Financial Security: Flexible pension scheme, ISA saving scheme, independent financial advice, and life assurance.
- Family Support: Enhanced family leave policies and access to 10 days fully subsidised emergency or back-up care per year.
- Professional Development: Bespoke training and development opportunities.
- Electric or hybrid vehicle lease scheme, annual travel season ticket loan, and financial contribution towards home working equipment.

For more information on this Shipping Solicitor role in Newcastle please contact Rozie Hunter at BCL Legal.

BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.