Defence lawyer

Job Description

We have a vacancy for a Defence lawyer to join our Germany team, based at our head office in Arendal, Norway. The role will entail working with our German membership (Owners, charterers and brokers) providing legal advice on a variety of largely contractual disputes arising under contracts of carriage by sea, managing a broad range of shipping cases and disputes in addition to day to day handling of P&I claims and enquiries.

Providing a first class claims handling service is central to what we do. Our Defence lawyers and Claims executives handle a wide range of claims relating to Defence, P&I risks such as cargo, people, property damage, pollution and H&M matters.

As a Defence lawyer at Gard you will have a significant degree of autonomy and will work closely with Members, clients and brokers supported by highly competent Claims handlers in Arendal and across Gard’s global network.

Gard places a strong emphasis on cross-functional and cross-team collaboration. We work closely with underwriting colleagues to support the marketing of Gard’s capabilities in the German market.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Effective and competent handling of both Defence and P&I claims toward the German membership with a strong focus on service and Member satisfaction.
• Providing prompt, clear and practical advice/solutions to Members & clients on matters falling within Defence and/or P&I cover.
• Promoting to the German membership loss prevention initiatives and participation in the same when appropriate.
• Preparing reports and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements and always in accordance with Gard’s Claim handling instructions and Quality Management Systems.
• Close cooperation with colleagues within claims globally and with the underwriters working with the German membership.
• Travel primarily to Germany to meet the membership and brokers, give presentations, and partake in market events, as well as industry discussions where appropriate.
• Mentoring and training colleagues to increase their Defence and P&I knowledge and claims handling capabilities.

The person we are looking for has:

• A qualification as an English solicitor or the equivalent in a common law jurisdiction.
• A minimum of two years’ experience working with English contractual and tortious law.
• A proven track record in handling different types of Defence and P&I claims.
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, including the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, Members, clients and brokers.
• The ability to contribute positively to a team-oriented environment.
• Motivation to learn and share knowledge.
• A willingness to accept challenges and work outside their comfort zone should this be required.
• The ability to analyse, structure and organise tasks, and to work with a solution and results oriented mindset.
• Effectiveness under pressure and the ability to work independently.
• A high degree of cultural awareness and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and spoken English, which is a prerequisite for the role.
• A background in shipping law and/or commercial litigation with a recognised law firm, another International Group P&I Club, or relevant experience as in-house Counsel, which will be considered advantageous.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary package, including participation in the corporate bonus scheme.
• Medical insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• An excellent working environment.
• Full coverage of communication equipment, including PC and mobile phone.

In Gard we collaborate with relocation Agder to provide the best support for our new colleagues that are intending to move from other countries to Arendal. You can read more about that here: relocationagder.no/about-us/

We perform background checks on all relevant candidates through our partner EY.