HRM Office is an organization that provides technology-driven Human Resource services across Africa, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, talent development, payroll, performance management, organizational development, and outsourcing, aiming to make HR more strategic, efficient, and cost-effective for businesses with real-time data and virtual collaboration.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Maritime Lawyer / Legal Counsel
Location: Lekki Phase 1, Lagos Employment Type: Full-time Reporting To: Managing Director Primary Business Focus: Maritime services, with legal support to other entities as required
Job Summary
We are seeking a commercially astute and experienced Maritime Lawyer/Legal Counsel to provide legal, contractual, regulatory, and risk-management support across the organization, with primary responsibility for our maritime operations.
The successful candidate will manage maritime and commercial contracts, advice on shipping and marine operations, ensure regulatory compliance, support dispute resolution, and safeguard the organizaion’s legal and commercial interests.
The ideal candidate must have a strong understanding of Nigerian maritime law, with experience in shipping, offshore marine services, oil and gas, or related industries. The ability to identify legal risks and provide practical, commercially sound advice is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Provide legal advice on maritime operations, shipping, vessel chartering, marine logistics, and offshore support services.
Draft, review, and negotiate charter party agreements, vessel hire contracts, commercial agreements, and other business-related contracts.
Advise on Nigerian maritime laws, regulatory compliance, vessel documentation, licensing, and applicable industry requirements.
Manage maritime and commercial claims, disputes, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
Review marine insurance arrangements and advise on contractual liabilities, indemnities, and operational risks.
Provide commercial and corporate legal support to our maritime and other entities.
Liaise with regulatory authorities, external solicitors, insurers, business partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
Identify and mitigate legal risks, monitor contractual obligations, and provide timely legal advice to management.
Maintain proper legal documentation and support the organization’s corporate governance and compliance obligations.
Requirements and Qualifications
LL.B. degree and call to the Nigerian Bar.
5 - 8 years’ relevant post-qualification experience in maritime law, shipping, commercial law, or a related legal practice.
Demonstrable experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts, preferably including charter parties, vessel hire agreements, and marine services contracts.
Strong knowledge of Nigerian maritime law, shipping regulations, commercial law, and applicable industry requirements.
Working knowledge of maritime claims, marine insurance, P&I arrangements, dispute resolution, and contractual risk management.
Experience in shipping, offshore marine services, oil and gas, energy, or logistics will be an added advantage.
Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide practical, commercially sound advice.
Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic document-management tools.
High standards of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
Key Competencies:
Maritime and commercial legal expertise.
Contract negotiation and risk allocation.
Regulatory compliance and legal risk management.
Claims handling and dispute resolution.
Commercial awareness and business judgment.
Stakeholder management and relationship building.
Strong organization, documentation, and deadline management.
Proactive problem-solving and sound decision-making.
Professional integrity and discretion.
What We Offer
An opportunity to play a strategic legal role within a diversified business group.
Direct exposure to maritime, offshore services, energy, and commercial transactions.
The opportunity to work closely with senior management and operational teams.
A challenging role with scope to strengthen the organization’s legal, contractual, and compliance frameworks.
Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience and qualifications.