Maritime Lawyer / Legal Counsel

About this role

The role is for a Maritime Lawyer / Legal Counsel at HRM Office, based in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The position focuses on providing legal, regulatory, contractual, and risk management support with primary responsibility for maritime operations, while also offering guidance to other entities as needed. The successful candidate will handle maritime and commercial contracts, advise on shipping and marine operations, ensure regulatory compliance, support dispute resolution, and protect the organisation’s legal and commercial interests. Applicants should have strong knowledge of Nigerian maritime law and experience in shipping, offshore marine services, oil and gas, or related fields. The role requires practical, commercially sound legal advice and the ability to identify and mitigate legal risks.

What you would do

• Advise on Nigerian maritime laws, regulatory compliance, vessel documentation, licensing, and industry requirements.
• Review marine insurance arrangements and advise on contractual liabilities, indemnities, and operational risks.
• Manage maritime and commercial claims, disputes, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Draft, review, and negotiate charter party agreements, vessel hire contracts, commercial agreements, and other business-related contracts.
• Provide legal advice on maritime operations, shipping, vessel chartering, marine logistics, and offshore support services.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, external solicitors, insurers, business partners, and other stakeholders.
• Provide commercial and corporate legal support to maritime and other entities.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks, monitor contractual obligations, and provide timely legal advice to management.
• Maintain proper legal documentation and support governance and compliance obligations.

What they are asking for

• Integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills with practical, commercially sound advice.
• Working knowledge of maritime claims, marine insurance, P&I arrangements, dispute resolution, and contractual risk management.
• Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts including charter parties and vessel hire agreements.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian maritime law, shipping regulations, commercial law, and industry requirements.
• 5 - 8 years’ post-qualification experience in maritime law, shipping, or related legal practice.
• Experience in shipping, offshore marine services, oil and gas, energy, or logistics is an added advantage.
• Strong communication, organisational, and stakeholder-management skills; ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic document-management tools.
• LL.B. degree and call to the Nigerian Bar.

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