Senior Legal Counsel - Shipping

About the role

We are partnering with a leading global commodities trading business to recruit a Senior Legal Counsel specializing in shipping. The role supports commercial activity across freight, chartering, and trading operations in a fast‑paced, international environment.

Key responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate charterparties, including voyage, time charters and COAs.
• Advise on freight and chartering issues such as laytime, demurrage and off‑hire.
• Provide legal support for trading activities during voyages, including cargo diversions and delivery matters.
• Handle bills of lading, letters of indemnity, and title/risk issues.
• Collaborate with commercial teams on real‑time operational decision‑making.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer under UK or other common law jurisdiction with 5+ years PQE.
• Strong experience in shipping law, preferably focused on chartering and freight.
• Background from a leading law firm or an in‑house legal team.
• Experience advising on commercial shipping operations (not ship finance).
• Exposure to tanker or dry‑bulk shipping is advantageous.
• Familiarity with commodity trading environments is highly desirable.
• Commercially minded, pragmatic and comfortable in a fast‑paced setting.

Required skills