Role Purpose
Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel will provide real-time legal advice and support to the bulk businesses and the bulk corporate team. Whilst the role will incorporate both contentious and non-contentious work, the focus will be on providing contentious support for the Swire Bulk chartering and operations teams.
Role Accountabilities
Business Partnering
· Provide real-time legal support to the commercial departments, with particular focus on the Swire Bulk chartering and operations teams.
· Support commercial teams in the resolution of contentious issues including real-time guidance on risk-mitigation, tactical and strategic issues and appropriate escalation.
Legal Support
· Day-to-day management of formal dispute proceedings in various jurisdictions, coordinating commercial teams, insurers, clubs, and external counsel as required.
· Draft, review and advise on legal documents (including charter agreements, service agreements, equipment purchase/hire agreements, shipbuilding contracts, etc) and assist with the negotiation of such documents where required.
· Provide legal support on special projects such as the acquisition of businesses/assets, as required.
External Relationships/Knowledge
· Maintain and develop strong relationships with external legal partners, insurers and support providers.
· Keep abreast of relevant legal developments and provide updates/training to the commercial teams as appropriate.
Crisis Management
· Make every effort to be aware of and understand your role in the event of a crisis.
· Make every effort to attend any relevant training, simulations and or meetings relating to Crisis Management.
· Perform your role as best as possible in a calm and collaborative manner in line with the relevant policy and procedures in the event of a Crisis.
· Provide input and feedback towards the ongoing improvement of the Crisis Management framework and procedure.
Safety
· Take responsibility for your safety and that of those around you by displaying safety leadership principles.
· Challenge and stop unsafe acts and behaviours or unsafe conditions.
· Comply with the Global Safety Standards, Polices and Operating Procedures.
Key Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications
· English or Singapore qualified lawyer.
· At least 5– 8 years PQE gained in the shipping department of an international law firm.
· Experience in a P&I/FD&D club or ship-owner preferred.
Professional Skills
· Genuine understanding of the shipping industry.
· Able to manage conflicting demands from multiple business clients in a fast-paced environment while paying attention to detail.
· Ability to prioritise.
Technical Skills
· Strong litigation background with experience of the day-to-day management of contentious cases (under the guidance of a partner/manager).
· Excellent drafting skills with experience of drafting contentious correspondence and formal submissions. Contract drafting experience welcome.
· Non-contentious experience is desirable (but not essential), particularly ship-finance or corporate.
