Senior Legal Advisor – Maritime & Shipping

About the role

A recruiter is searching on behalf of a client for a highly experienced Senior Legal Advisor with deep expertise in maritime and shipping law, complex dispute management, UAE regulatory compliance and corporate governance. The ideal candidate has a strong, practical understanding of the maritime and shipping industry and can independently manage complex contractual and operational matters.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to management on maritime, shipping, corporate, commercial, regulatory and governance matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate charterparties, maritime agreements, commercial and corporate contracts and other legal documentation.
• Advise on the legal and contractual aspects of vessel operations, chartering, cargo, claims, insurance and disputes.
• Support corporate governance, Board and shareholder matters and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support corporate transactions, strategic initiatives, investments and other business arrangements.
• Identify and assess legal, contractual and regulatory risks and recommend practical solutions to management.
• Manage and coordinate litigation, arbitration, claims and dispute resolution with internal stakeholders, insurers, P&I Clubs and external counsel.
• Monitor developments in UAE and international maritime, shipping and regulatory requirements and advise stakeholders on their impact.
• Liaise with regulators, government authorities, external counsel, business partners and other stakeholders.
• Support the development and review of corporate policies, legal procedures, templates and governance documentation.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Law; professional qualification preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant legal experience.
• Strong maritime and shipping law experience (mandatory).
• Knowledge of UAE and international maritime regulations.
• Experience in the shipping/maritime industry.
• Experience in a listed-company environment is highly preferred.
• Fluent Arabic and English (mandatory).

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of corporate law and corporate governance.
• Experience with charterparties, commercial contracts, claims and disputes.
• Strong legal drafting, negotiation, analytical and communication skills.