Shipping Litigation Senior Associate

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced shipping disputes lawyer to join a highly regarded marine practice in London. Recognised as one of the market’s leading teams, the group advises on complex shipping, international trade and marine matters for an established client base spanning the global maritime industry. The team is known for handling significant wet and dry shipping disputes, often involving substantial commercial and cross-border elements. Working alongside respected practitioners in the sector, you will play a prominent role in advising shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, P&I Clubs, freight forwarders, shipping lines, ports, terminals and financial institutions on a broad range of contentious matters. The workload is varied and intellectually engaging. Matters regularly include vessel arrests and Admiralty proceedings, recovery actions, charterparty and bill of lading disputes, international arbitration, Commercial Court litigation and complex contractual claims. The team also advises on marine casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, salvage and wreck removal matters, together with General Average disputes and other multi-party claims. Alongside traditional shipping litigation, there is significant scope to become involved in wider commercial and advisory work, including contracts of affreightment, vessel sharing arrangements, port and terminal operations, ship sale and purchase matters, and emergency response situations requiring clear, commercially focused advice under pressure. This role is suited to an experienced solicitor with a strong background in shipping litigation, marine disputes or international trade matters. Candidates should be comfortable managing matters with increasing autonomy, maintaining direct client relationships and contributing to the strategic development of cases. Experience of High Court litigation, arbitration and contentious maritime work will be highly advantageous. The successful individual will join a collaborative and well-established team that places genuine value on technical excellence, commercial awareness and client service. There will be opportunities to supervise and support junior lawyers, contribute to business development initiatives and further strengthen an already impressive market profile. The firm offers a modern and flexible working environment alongside a clear commitment to professional development and long-term career progression. For lawyers seeking high-quality shipping work, strong client exposure and the opportunity to play a meaningful role within a leading maritime practice, this represents a compelling next step.

Responsibilities

Advising shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, P&I Clubs, freight forwarders, shipping lines, ports, terminals and financial institutions on a broad range of contentious matters; Handling significant wet and dry shipping disputes; Managing vessel arrests and Admiralty proceedings, recovery actions, charterparty and bill of lading disputes, international arbitration, Commercial Court litigation and complex contractual claims; Advising on marine casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, salvage and wreck removal matters, together with General Average disputes and other multi-party claims; Contributing to wider commercial and advisory work, including contracts of affreightment, vessel sharing arrangements, port and terminal operations, ship sale and purchase matters, and emergency response situations; Supervising and supporting junior lawyers; Contributing to business development initiatives

Requirements

PQE: 4-6 years, 7+ years; Senior Level (5-10+ years); Experienced solicitor with a strong background in shipping litigation, marine disputes or international trade matters; Comfortable managing matters with increasing autonomy, maintaining direct client relationships and contributing to the strategic development of cases

Nice to have

High Court litigation; arbitration; contentious maritime work

Benefits

Modern and flexible working environment; Commitment to professional development and long-term career progression