Shipping Legal Counsel

Shipping Legal Counsel

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Dormont Manufacturing Co

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice and support for shipping and maritime operations in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Shell, a global leader in energy and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and grow within a supportive, inclusive culture.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the energy transition while developing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: Experience in shipping law and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Shell Trading and Supply (T&S) has an integrated global portfolio of crude oil, refined products, natural gas, LNG, electrical power, chemical feedstocks, low carbon fuels and various environmental products. T&S is Shell’s centre of expertise for Shipping and Maritime matters and operates in over 25 countries worldwide.

You will provide professional, timely, cost‑effective and commercial legal advice and support to T&S’ Shipping and Maritime and freight trading businesses. The individual may also advise the Distribution Operations and Products Trading businesses. The allocation of work among these business lines will be directed by the line manager.

Responsibilities
  • Provide specialist legal advice to the Shipping and Maritime and Freight Trading businesses.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and transactions and provide legal advice to senior management on complex shipping and maritime and freight trading transactions.
  • Collaborate with business and functional teams to assess and manage legal risks associated with trading operations to enable business objectives.
  • Collaborate proactively with Legal colleagues and support activity across multiple commodities including providing legal advice to the Distribution Operations and/or Products Trading businesses.
  • Operate in a fast‑paced, highly visible trading environment shaped by industry change and evolving regulation.
Qualifications
  • Advanced experience in support of shipping and maritime commercial activity.
  • Advanced understanding of the main legal areas relevant to shipping and maritime law including working knowledge of charterparties, bills of lading, cargo claims, demurrage, vessel management agreements and issues arising in the context of oil spill response.
  • Recent dispute resolution experience in these areas is desirable.
  • Some exposure to international civil and/or common law contracts and knowledge of physical commodity trading business.
  • Experience identifying critical legal risks and dealing with complex contracts with a demonstrated ability to think creatively in developing compliant and unique legal and commercial solutions to support the business.
  • Ability to prioritise effectively and work under pressure, including challenging where Legal will not be value adding, work independently, and escalating appropriately.
  • Resilience and the ability to balance speed with accuracy, comfortable working with high levels of autonomy at an operational level, with third parties and also internally, providing strategic advice to management and senior stakeholders up to VP and EVP level.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent drafting and negotiating skills.
  • Demonstrable track record as a team player with the ability to develop and sustain relationships with business and functional colleagues at all levels.
  • Self‑motivated, self‑directed, able to prioritise workload and to work both relatively independently and as a member of a team, while at the same time knowing when to seek advice from his or her line manager or more senior colleagues.
  • Qualified to practice as a solicitor or a barrister in a common law jurisdiction.
  • Fluent written and spoken English.
  • Legal excellence through strong analytical and problem‑solving capability, high quality drafting skills balanced with appropriate risk tolerance and commercial awareness.
  • Understands commercial drivers and frames advice that enables business outcomes while protecting Shell’s licence to operate.
  • Maximising performance by prioritising high value, high risk work, and using digital tools to improve efficiency and reduce low value activity.
  • Digital fluency and AI‑readiness are critical, must demonstrate confidence in adopting technologies, and using AI tools to enhance quality, speed and consistency of legal support.
  • Future ready and change positive, by embracing innovation, boldly and proactively, and leaning into new ways of working as Legal transforms.
  • Promotes a continuous improvement mindset and challenges self and others to identify and implement opportunities for improvement.
  • One Team mindset, operating collaboratively across boundaries, functions, and geographies, sharing knowledge, and contributing proactively to Legal’s collective performance.
  • Values led, acting with honesty, integrity and respect for people.
  • A clear commitment to the highest standards of ethical and compliant behaviour as well as inclusive leadership, modelling behaviours that support a commitment to E&C and DE&I.
  • Performance Framework, Code of Conduct and reinforcing a constructive speak‑up culture.
  • Willing to share and learn from mistakes.
  • Learner mindset, including demonstrating curiosity, continuous improvement, and capability of independently building up knowledge in new and developing areas of law; sharing learnings with wider community.
What we Offer
  • Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together.
  • Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.
  • Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.
  • Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.
  • Achieve your balance in a value‑led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
  • Benefit from a range of flexible working options.
  • Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance‑related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world.
  • Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non‑birthing parents.
  • Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world.
  • We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences to apply.
  • Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams.
  • Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.

Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Shipping Legal Counsel employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co

Shell Trading and Supply (T&S) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of the energy transition. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working options, competitive salaries, and extensive training programmes that foster personal and professional growth. Collaborating with experienced colleagues in a value-led culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a global setting.

Dormont Manufacturing Co

Contact Details:

Dormont Manufacturing Co Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Shipping Legal Counsel

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

Tap into Online Legal Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Dormont Manufacturing Co, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.

Leverage Your University’s Career Services

If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Shipping Legal Counsel

Legal Expertise in Shipping and Maritime Law
Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Risk Assessment and Management
Dispute Resolution
Knowledge of Charterparties and Bills of Lading
Understanding of Cargo Claims and Demurrage
Ability to Work Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Dormont Manufacturing Co, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Dormont Manufacturing Co and the specific role of Shipping Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Dormont Manufacturing Co’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Dormont Manufacturing Co.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Dormont Manufacturing Co.