Maritime Lawyer / Legal Counsel

About this role

HRM Office is looking for a Maritime Lawyer/Legal Counsel to provide legal, contractual, regulatory, and risk-management support mainly for maritime operations, with scope to assist other entities. The role is based in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and is a full-time position reporting to the Managing Director. The successful candidate should have strong Nigerian maritime law knowledge and experience in shipping, offshore services, oil and gas, or related industries, and will handle contracts, compliance, disputes, and commercial risk for the organisation. The role involves advising on maritime operations, drafting and negotiating contracts such as charter parties, and liaising with regulators and other stakeholders. The position supports the organisation’s governance, compliance, and cross-entity legal needs.

What you would do

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

What they are asking for

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

Listing details are summarised from the source. Always confirm the role and the employer on the original posting before applying, and never pay to apply for a job.