Legal Counsel - Shipping Claims

Department Shipping Claims - Legal Position
Legal Counsel - Shipping Claims
Reporting Manager-Manager – Legal Counsel,Shipping Claims a) Purpose (Why does the position exist, WITH what objectives and WITHIN what limits)
Reviewing, advising on and handling shipping law related queries, disputes and claims (including insured/P&I and/or FD&D) involving the Scorpio group of companies (“Scorpio”). These could range from providing real time legal advice to various departments under Scorpio, handling disputes and claims inhouse as well as with the assistance of external lawyers.
Internal Network-Liaising with other departments of Scorpio, including Operations, Chartering, Post Fixture claims, Crewing and Insurance

External Network-Liaising with external solicitors, P&I Clubs, brokers,
H&M underwriters, counterparties and any other persons which may be required, on a case-to-case basis
Relevant Experience-Maritime Law / Dispute Resolution / Claims Handling
Business/Industry Understanding -Shipping, Operations, Chartering and Insurance
Knowledge – Education & Functional-Degree: LLB
(LLM would be beneficial but it is not a prerequisite)
-Qualified lawyer (in India or another jurisdiction)
-Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in shipping claims handling is preferred (gained in-house and/or in law firms)
-International Law knowledge and experience would be beneficial
-Strong English language skills
-Strong Research and Drafting skills
-Knowledge of, and interest in, the Shipping Industry
-Proficient user of MS Office applications, email, and internet
-Prior experience in handling matters dealing with the
Tanker trade would be beneficial but not a prerequisite
-Sailing background would be beneficial but not a prerequisite
Skills – Behavioural
-Team Player, Responsible and Motivated individual
-Ability to assist with Research and strategizing
-Attention to detail
-Ability to assist with managing disputes and liaise with external solicitors
-Ability to attend to time sensitive and urgent matters in an organized and efficient manner
-Ability to assist with reviewing and analysing extensive documentation efficiently
-Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner
Responsibility
- Analysing case papers and preparing legal advices, notices and various correspondences at the first instance
- Liaising with various internal stakeholders, including, but not limited to, chartering, operations, insurance, post fixture claims, crewing, technical and commercial managers and (where applicable) to ensure a timely and efficient handling of disputes involving Scorpio
- Liaising with relevant external parties, primarily external lawyers, P&I Clubs and H&M underwriters
- Assisting chartering and operations departments with reviewing and negotiating charter party terms and addressing immediate operational issues
- Keeping abreast with legal developments, particularly with regards to maritime law, interpretation of contracts including charterparty clauses, which may affect how Claims are handled and resolved
- Advising and assessing the risk and exposure involved in case of any deviation from our standard agreed charterparty clauses
- Running internal seminars (including web-based and power point presentations) on shipping related matters, updates and disputes for various internal stake holders
Reporting
- Maintaining an up to date and detailed Claims status chart and reporting on a weekly basis to internal stakeholders
- Reporting and updating the Manager-Legal Counsel and other relevant internal stakeholders for on ongoing or threatened litigation by or against
Scorpio
- Annual reports on cases/issues handled by the Shipping Claims Team
- Assisting finance and other internal stakeholders on external audits
Vetting
- Review contracts, charter parties, pool agreements, LOUs, settlement agreements, warranties and other documents which may be relevant from time to time