Civil Litigation Lawyer – Marine Team
Plymouth
Full time with some remote working + parking
About the firm
Our client is an award-winning, full service law firm with offices in Plymouth, Kingsbridge, Totnes and Bristol. Their strong ties and excellent reputation with local and regional businesses reflect their ability to engage with clients, to developing long term, trusted advisory relationships. With specialist departments in Marine and International Property, this firm acts for clients nationally and internationally, regularly dealing with individuals and companies based in London, Hong Kong and South Africa, amongst others.
Working with a ‘one firm’ ethos across locations, the firm has adopted core values of integrity, effectiveness and respect which are reflected in how colleagues work together and provide support across offices. They pride themselves on their welcoming, friendly, and positive culture where colleagues genuinely enjoy working and socialising together.
About the role
The Marine team in Plymouth is recruiting for a Civil Litigation Lawyer to support increasing client demand. Prior experience in the marine sector is not essential as plenty of support will be provided to learn the various aspects and issues which commonly arise. The work is varied and interesting, and you can expect to advise on matters including defence claims, marine insurance disputes, surveyors’ negligence and salvage claims. The team also advise in relation to ship arrest and detention, shipping casualties, collisions, personal injury and fatal accidents. The lawyers in the team are committed to helping their clients to resolve disputes and claims using Alternative Dispute Resolution and mediation as preferred methods.
The Marine team are ranked at Tier 1 in the Legal 500 in the region, showcasing their considerable expertise and understanding of clients’ priorities and preferences across contentious and non-contentious matters. Clients vary from UK and international marine insurers, P & I clubs, ship owners and operators, to yacht clubs, local ports and harbours, marine-related businesses and the fishing industry. Their close links with marine insurers and the shipping industry generates a considerable workstream, and the team is an active participant in the British Marine Federation.
The firm’s marine advocacy lawyers deal with the defence of criminal acts, including prosecutions brought by the MCA and MMO and prosecutions for fisheries offences including by IFCAs.
With clients and friends throughout the industry, the Marine team works hard to attend key events and trade shows, including various Boat Shows, Seaworks and the Fishing Expos, as well as supporting the British Marine Federation at director and committee level.
The Marine team takes a forward-thinking approach to training, which has included obtaining sailing qualifications and attending training to become qualified commercial fishermen. This option to immerse yourself in the sector and how it operates has helped build confidence and credibility with clients, giving the team’s lawyers the tools to help them excel professionally.
The role is based in an office with parking overlooking the busy Barbican in Plymouth, which provides stunning views of the pleasure and commercial vessels.
About you
You’ll be an experienced Litigation or Dispute Resolution Lawyer with the confidence and ability to work with limited supervision on a variety of contentious matters, with support from the partner and colleagues in the team as needed. Specific experience within Marine or Shipping law is not essential in this role as you will be fully supported and encouraged to get to know and understand the sector over time. Our clients’ focus is on your understanding of civil dispute resolution and experience you may have in using Alternative Dispute Resolution and mediation as part of the process.
You’ll have excellent research and analytical skills, and be a skilled communicator with proven interpersonal and rapport building skills. You’ll be positive and enthusiastic about networking, representing the Department at events in the UK and potentially abroad, as well as taking the time to regularly engage with new and existing clients in order to strengthen professional relationships, and continue to enhance your sector knowledge.
Ideally, you will:
Share the firm’s enthusiasm for excellent client care
Be able to work under pressure and meet client expectations
Enjoy working as part of a professional and motivated team
Have the enthusiasm to take an active role in the continued development of the Marine team
You can expect:
A competitive, market-rate salary
Excellent opportunities for career progression
The opportunity to take a central role in the development of the firm’s marine offering
A supportive and collegiate working environment with importance placed on a healthy work/life balance
For an informal discussion about this opportunity without commitment and in confidence, please contact Charlotte Ferguson, Recruitment Manager at cferguson@cathedralappointments.co.uk or call 07342 840879.
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