Immigration Lawyer jobs in United Arab Emirates

Established in 1992 in the USA with current global Head Quarters in Dubai (UAE) and a presence in nine different countries, GMS is the world's LARGEST Buyer of ships and offshore vessels and a leader in sustainable recycling. Its ship-owning arm, Lila Global, has a growing diverse fleet of bulk carriers and tankers which are commercially managed and technically managed out of Dubai.

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Shipping / Litigation Lawyer to provide strategic legal advice and manage contentious and non-contentious matters. This role will focus on sale and purchase (S&P) transactions, charter party disputes and general disputes, ship financing, regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel to mitigate risks and drive favorable outcomes in high-value disputes.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 3+ years of experience in shipping litigation, arbitration, and commercial maritime law.
• Strong knowledge of charter parties, BIMCO agreements, and S&P agreements.
• Experience managing disputes.
• Proven ability to work under pressure in fast-paced, international environments.
• Strong negotiation, drafting, and advocacy skills.
• Past employment as an in-house legal counsel for a ship-owning group.
• Competent IT user capable of working across multiple IT systems (MS Office + In-house systems).

Skills

• Excellent command of verbal and written English.
• Extremely organized, self-disciplined, self-motivated, fiercely persuasive, a strong negotiator with a keen eye for details (perfection), thoroughness of work, and an intense desire to win.
• Ability to take a commercial approach to legal matters and work beyond regular hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
• Oversee and manage complex litigation and arbitration across multiple jurisdictions.
• Work with external legal counsel and law firms in key shipping markets to handle ongoing and developing FDD cases, ship arrests, cargo claims, and enforcement actions.
• Provide strategic dispute resolution advice, including risk assessment, settlement negotiations, and case strategy development.

• Charter Party Contracts & Disputes:
• Draft, review, and negotiate charter party agreements (e.g., bareboat, time, and voyage charters).
• Advise on disputes related to off-hire, hire payments, performance claims, laytime and demurrage, early redelivery, and vessel condition issues.
• Assist in enforcing and interpreting charter party clauses and resolving disputes through arbitration or litigation.

• Sale & Purchase (S&P) Matters:
• Provide legal support on ship sale and purchase transactions, including MOAs (Memoranda of Agreement), delivery conditions, and title transfer.
• Manage disputes arising from contractual breaches, delayed delivery, defective conditions, and payment defaults.
• Advise on ship financing structures, ownership arrangements, and liens on vessels.

• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:
• Conduct due diligence on counterparties, vessels, and corporate structures, ensuring compliance with international sanctions, environmental laws, and maritime safety regulations.

• Policy & Legal Developments:
• Draft and implement internal legal policies and procedures to align with changing maritime and commercial laws.
• Monitor and interpret international treaties, statutory laws, and court decisions affecting the shipping industry.

• Industry Engagement & Representation:
• Represent the company in international shipping conferences, legal seminars, and regulatory meetings to stay updated on industry trends and developments.

• Other Responsibilities:
• Provide legal training to internal teams on risk management, contracts, and dispute resolution.
• Handle additional legal matters as required by the company.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and bonuses.
• Excellent opportunity to grow rapidly, be recognized in a globally distinguished firm and work in a multicultural, fast-expanding international organization.
• Ability to work in ALL areas of the maritime industry and learn from some of the most experienced minds.
• An ethical, innovative, professional and rewarding work environment where diversity is appreciated and team members are encouraged to participate and share ideas.
• Modern offices in a modern city with excellent quality of life.