Marine and International Trade Associate

What we will offer:
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We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no
limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career
and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm
with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early
responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can
expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round
performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between
the firm and its employees.
Team Structure:
Stephenson Harwood has one of the world's leading shipping and trade law
practices, offering a breadth of services to clients in the admiralty, dry
shipping, insurance, offshore and commodity sectors that few other firms can
match.
From our offices in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul we
frequently act in high profile disputes involving complex legal and commercial
problems. We often have to advise on cross-border and jurisdictional disputes
which has resulted in a considerable pool of experience relating to the
majority of important maritime jurisdictions. Our clients include many of the
world's largest ship owners, shipyards, banks, insurers, P&I clubs, energy
services companies and commodities traders.
The size of the team globally and the depth of its experience means we are
well positioned to advise on any shipping or trade-related concern, from the
most complex marine incident or financing structure to the more
straightforward cargo claim or sale and purchase dispute.
Due to continued growth, the practice is seeking talented experienced
associates across the areas of dry shipping commodities in particular but
experience on admiralty and marine insurance matters would be helpful. You can
expect to work with high profile clients, receive continuous development and
gain a high degree of involvement in business development as well as
significant client exposure.

Dubai Office:
The Middle East is a significant part of our network. Our multi-disciplined
team advises on a range of issues that arise under both English law and UAE
law. This includes advising on some of the most complex transactions in the
region. Over the years we have also nurtured strong relationships with
regional law firms, key government agencies and regulatory bodies.

Our Dubai office advises clients carrying out in-bound and out-bound
transactions concerning the Middle East as well as Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The experienced team at Stephenson Harwood's Dubai office provides legal
advice on a broad range of finance and business matters to financial
institutions, corporates, and governmental entities. Sophisticated and
perceptive legal advice is coupled with a creative, commercial, and service-
oriented approach to legal services, carried out to the highest standards.
Main Responsibilities:
* Clear, concise and unambiguous preparation and drafting of documentation
* Matter management, to include prioritising tasks within and between matters
* Liaising with clients and other third parties, by telephone and in writing
* Managing experts and counsel efficiently and proactively
* Developing own informal internal and external network of contacts
* Building excellent working relationships with clients and peers within SH
* Attending business development and profile raising events
* Managing more junior experience level staff where applicable
Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in
our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible
working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview
process.
Attributes/Skills Required:
* Qualified English lawyer with at least ‎3 years (or equivalent) experience in litigation and with exposure of and an interest in the marine and international trade sector.
* Ability to acquire, consolidate and apply fundamental and up-to-date knowledge of the law
* Excellent academic and professional qualifications
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Good housekeeping and file management practices; manages and records time promptly and accurately
* A good understanding of the Firm's position in the market and how it distinguishes its services from its competitors
* Organised and able to work to strict deadlines with the ability to prioritise realistically
* Resilient with the ability to handle setbacks and pressure
* Cooperative and collaborative in approach and able to develop excellent working relationships at all levels and roles
* Able to operate professionally and proactively at all times
This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive
list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the
responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm's strategy and business
needs.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse workforce.
We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, sexual
orientation, culture or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create
a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths
and unique perspectives.
About the Firm:
With ‎8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson
Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of
our clients - listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals
across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of
deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international
service.

Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration,
employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international
trade, and real estate and projects.

We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients' needs and give the
right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest
calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver
pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.

We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to
our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage
applications from underrepresented demographics.

Our values:

Individuality - We encourage creativity and develop talent
Commitment - To be the best and deliver the highest standard
Teamwork - We work together to build close, long-term relationships
Straight talking - We say what we mean and do what we say

These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They
are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform
our decisions and actions.

Our vision into ‎2026
To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an
entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.

This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much
about our values as about our character - the attributes we want to see from
all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent -
a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. That's how we unlock our
entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.

A key part of the ‎2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors:
decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and
transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for
accelerated profitable growth.