Hays Specialist Recruitment

Shipping Solicitor/Associate

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX

Key information

Pay
£52,000 to £62,000 a year
Hours
Full-time
Contract
Permanent
Workplace arrangement
Hybrid - 2 days remote
Posted date
21 Oct 2026
Closing date
20 Nov 2026

About this role

Your new company

An excellent opportunity has arisen to join the Newcastle office of a leading national law firm within its highly regarded Shipping and Marine practice.

The team advises a broad range of clients across the shipping sector, including P&I clubs, vessel owners and operators, and handles a mix of contentious and commercial maritime matters.

Due to continued growth, the firm is looking to recruit a Shipping Solicitor / Associate to join its Newcastle team.

Your new role

You will work alongside experienced shipping lawyers on a varied caseload, with particular exposure to disputes involving vessels, tankers and liquid and gas cargoes.

Your work will include

  • Charterparty disputes
  • Bill of Lading disputes
  • Cargo contamination and shortage claims
  • Unpaid hire and demurrage claims
  • Off-spec bunker disputes
  • Vessel arrests
  • Ship sale and purchase matters
  • Sanctions checks and related advice
  • Preparing and reviewing standard contractual terms and conditions
  • Broader contentious and commercial shipping matters

The position provides the opportunity to work directly with established clients within

What you'll need to succeed

You will be a qualified solicitor or legal executive with relevant litigation or shipping experience.

Previous maritime and contentious experience would be preferred, although candidates with strong transferable disputes experience and a genuine interest in developing within shipping law may also be considered.

You will ideally demonstrate

  • Strong litigation and dispute resolution skills
  • Experience managing matters independently as well as collaboratively
  • Good drafting and analytical skills
  • Excellent organisational and time-management abilities
  • Strong client-facing and communication skills
  • The ability to manage competing deadlines
  • Commercial awareness
  • An interest in networking, business development and growing client relationships

What you'll get in return

You will join a well-established shipping practice offering exposure to specialist and varied maritime work and an impressive client base.

The role offers

  • Salary of up to £62,000, depending on experience
  • Hybrid working with 3 days per week in the Newcastle office
  • Exposure to specialist shipping and maritime disputes
  • A mix of contentious and commercial work
  • Direct contact with P&I clubs, vessel owners and operators
  • Strong scope for continued technical and career development
  • The opportunity to develop within an established national marine practice

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, email or call us now on 0161 228 7770.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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