how to become a maritime lawyer uk

by Miss Antonina Schimmel IV 5 min read

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Maritime law, you must first obtain a qualifying degree in law or a degree in any other discipline followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Full Answer

What degree do I need to be a maritime lawyer?

Many maritime lawyers have an L.L.M. degree in the field. The L.L.M. prepares lawyers for the unique body of law and practical challenges that come with specialization in the field.

What does a maritime lawyer do?

A lawyer might represent many different clients, or they might represent one client who regularly has maritime law needs. A lawyer might work in an advisory capacity or handle disputes and formal litigation. Many maritime lawyers have an L.L.M. degree in the field.

Where can I study for a master’s in maritime law?

With a global reputation for maritime research and world-leading academics, Southampton Law School is one of the best places in the UK to study for a master’s in maritime law. This degree combines the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you’ll need for a range of specialisms.

How do I become a lawyer in the UK?

There are also opportunities within large law firms which deal with international legal cases. To become a lawyer in the UK, you'll likely need to complete a university degree and several years of training. It is an academically challenging profession and highly competitive.

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How much do maritime lawyers make UK?

ÂŁ60,000 per yearThe Lawyer Portal website estimates the average salary of a Maritime/Shipping Lawyer as ÂŁ60,000 per year in the United Kingdom. According to Law Crossing, the average salary of Maritime/Shipping Lawyers in the United States of America is $118,500 per year.

How can I be a maritime lawyer?

Maritime Lawyer Education Requirements Most states require attorneys (including maritime attorneys) to graduate from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree, pass state bar association exams and maintain a license to practice law in that state.

Is maritime law lucrative?

Most maritime law jobs in the USA result in lucrative careers, so it's natural that the requirements are steep. This job can get quite stressful, especially during long courtroom sessions, but also while you're still climbing the corporate ladder and gathering experience.

Is maritime law difficult?

Maritime law is complex. It involves a variety of civil laws including contract law, personal injury law, employment disputes and even lost treasure. For the attorneys who practice it, maritime law can provide a sound and challenging career.

Are maritime lawyers in demand?

The duties make up activities like handling any legal matters which are relevant to ships and shipping companies registered in India. Currently, there are 10 maritime States across the country. There is a steady increase in demand for skilled professionals in all the diverse areas related to the sector of maritime.

Is maritime law international law?

Maritime law is domestic, whereas the law of the sea is international. United States Maritime law deals with injuries and property damage that occurs as a result of the activities of corporations and individuals in navigable waters.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

Why should I study maritime law?

Not many realise that the rules governing the sea vary tremendously from those on land. From issues such as accidents due to colliding fishing vessels, the discovery of sunken treasures, employees' rights while working at sea, to conflicts arising from environmental issues. Maritime law covers them all.

How do I become a Merchant Navy lawyer?

Either you do one year diploma in nautical science and do 18 months of training on ship or you do 3 yrs BSc in nautical technology and 12 months of training on ship. After you complete your training you have to do various short term courses and clear exam of 2nd mate.

What do marine lawyers do?

A Maritime Lawyer is an attorney that specializes in maritime injuries and boating accidents that occur in both recreational and commercial maritime activities.

Who controls maritime law?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) The IMO is held responsible for the security of all international shipping. The IMO also has the responsibility to enforce that ships follow the safety procedures set by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

What do shipping lawyers do?

Shipping lawyers deal with the carriage of goods or people by sea, plus any and every matter related to the financing, construction, use, insurance and decommissioning of the ships that carry them (or are arrested, sunk or salvaged while carrying them).

What Is Maritime Law?

Maritime law, besides referred to as admiralty police or the laws of the sea, is a solicitation of domestic and international laws and treaties that govern behaviour on the sea.

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Relevant Laws and Regulations

The IMO has 174 extremity states and the governments of these states are responsible for implementing the follow external conventions :

Private Maritime Law

When applying maritime law you have to take into consideration both public external and private regulations in place.

Shipping Law

Shipping law is a sub-section of nautical law dealing with aspects of what is explained above – specifically the movement of goods and passengers by sea. It can be divided into “ wet ” and “ dry. ” Wet are the issues that occur on the actual voyage and dry encapsulates the contracts involved in the voyage.

How to Become a Maritime Lawyer

If you are concerned in pursuing a career in Maritime law, you must first obtain a passing degree in law or a degree in any early discipline followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Maritime Law Salary UK

As with many different areas of the law, the highest salaries for nautical lawyers will be found in London with salaries tending to decrease the more north you move. One statistical web site found that the modal wage for a maritime lawyer lies at around ÂŁ60,000.

Where does maritime law come from?

Maritime law is a collection of international agreements and domestic laws. Many domestic laws codify and give domestic enforcement power to international agreements. In the United States, Maritime law is mostly federal law.

Who practices admiralty law?

Admiralty lawyers are highly skilled litigators. They must understand federal and state laws and have sound judgment to help clients choose the proper and advantageous forum. They must know what laws apply among the myriad of international agreements, federal laws and state laws that exist that might apply to the case. Admiralty lawyers must know how to successfully advocate for their clients using the rules of procedure and the body of law that applies to the case.

Why do maritime lawyers work?

Maritime lawyers make the seas safer. They hold wrongdoers accountable. They help people get the compensation that they deserve when there’s a breach of contract, unpaid wages or a personal injury on the seas. Maritime lawyers also help develop new maritime laws. Maritime law is complex. It involves a variety of civil laws including contract law, personal injury law, employment disputes and even lost treasure. For the attorneys who practice it, maritime law can provide a sound and challenging career.

Why are there so few lawyers that specialize in maritime law?

There aren’t many attorneys that specialize in maritime law because there’s a lot to master to practice in the field effectively. Lawyers who specialize in the field tend to gravitate towards the coasts.

What laws do Admiralty lawyers have to know?

They must know what laws apply among the myriad of international agreements, federal laws and state laws that exist that might apply to the case. Admiralty lawyers must know how to successfully advocate for their clients using the rules of procedure and the body of law that applies to the case.

What is the area of law?

The area of law governs how people interact and do business on the waters of the world. Also called admiralty law, maritime law primarily governs activities on international waters. However, there are also laws that apply to the waters in and near each country. Generally, each country applies their own laws to inland waters like lakes and rivers.

What are the laws of the maritime industry?

However, maritime law affects everyone who travels on the high seas. Maritime laws regulate a wide variety of activities and possible events including commerce, navigation, lost cargo, leisure travel and the interaction between employers and seamen.

Non-Public Maritime Law

When making use of maritime law, it’s essential to consider each public worldwide and personal laws in place. Private maritime law contains the legal guidelines and guidelines domestically which take care of maritime or nautical points and delivery inside that specific territory.

Transport Law

Transport law is a sub-section of maritime law coping with features of what has defined above – particularly the motion of products and passengers by sea. It may be divided into “moist” and “dry.” Moist is the problem that happens on the precise voyage, and dry encapsulates the contracts concerned within the journey.

How to Become a Maritime Lawyer

Suppose you have an interest in pursuing a profession in Maritime law. In that case, you need first to get hold of a qualifying diploma in law or a level in some other self-discipline adopted by a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Maritime Law Salary UK

As with many various areas of the law, the best salaries for maritime legal professionals shall be present in London, with salaries tending to lower the extra north you progress. One statistical website discovered that the typical wage for a maritime lawyer lies at around ÂŁ60,000.

What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer via the university route requires you to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) before taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which is set to replace the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) for all new entrants in September 2021, although there are transitional arrangements in place for those already studying these courses.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

If you study full time, it will take about five or six years to qualify as a solicitor. This includes a three-year law degree, the SQE assessments and two-years of qualifying legal work experience. Studying a non-law subject for your degree means you'll need to take an SQE preparation course before sitting the exams, which can extend the training period.

Can I become a lawyer with a 2:2 or a third?

You'll find that a 2:1 degree is often the minimum requirement for entry.

What are the best universities for studying law?

Where you choose to study should be based on your own research into different locations, institutions and their facilities, reputations, industry connections and employability records. It's a personal choice - just because an institution tops the rankings doesn't necessarily mean it's right for you.

What skills will I need?

In addition to strong academic grades, there are certain skills you'll need to demonstrate to become a lawyer.

How do I get legal work experience?

Getting plenty of law work experience is vital if you want to become a lawyer - it’ll help you to develop the required skills and learn whether it's the right career for you.

What does a barrister do in England?

In England and Wales, barristers represent individuals or organisations in court, carry out research into points of law and advise clients on their case. Many are self-employed in chambers, while others work in government departments or agencies including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Government Legal Service (GLS). Advocates play a similar role in Scotland.

Table of Contents

Step #2: Decide on whether you want to study a Bachelor of Laws (BBL), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law

The path to a career in Law (International and UK students)

There are generally four stages to becoming a fully qualified lawyer in the UK.

Next steps

We hope that this article has helped you understand more about the processes involved with applying to law school, and to learn about some of the best universities for Law degrees in the UK. You can find more detailed information about studying Law and a career as a doctor in the Subjects/Career Guides section of the Kings website.

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Where Does Maritime Law Come from?

  • Maritime law is a collection of international agreements and domestic laws. Many domestic laws codify and give domestic enforcement power to international agreements. In the United States, Maritime law is mostly federal law. Sometimes, things like personal injury cases that occur on the seas might go to a state court. However, laws that specificall...
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Duties to Clients

  • A ship owner has a duty of care to their clients. If a ship transfers cargo for a client, the ship owner is responsible for the safety of the cargo from loading to discharge. There are a few exceptions like acts of God and perishable goods.
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Unique Jurisdiction Considerations

  • Article III, Section 2of the U.S. Constitution gives the U.S. federal courts jurisdiction over maritime law disputes. The federal court’s jurisdiction isn’t exclusive. Some types of cases can still go to state courts. Cases that involve property disputes like salvage cases always go to federal court. Cases like damaged cargo, products liability and personal injury can go to state or federal court. …
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Investigating and Prosecuting Crime on The High Seas

  • The U.S. Coast Guardenforces maritime law within its jurisdiction. The United States has jurisdiction up to 12 miles from its coast. The United States has limited jurisdiction for another 12 miles. The Coast Guard can board vessels and investigate illegal activity in these areas. In U.S. jurisdiction, U.S. laws apply. Beyond the limits of U.S. waters, the law that applies is the law wher…
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Who Practices Admiralty Law?

  • Admiralty lawyers are highly skilled litigators. They must understand federal and state laws and have sound judgment to help clients choose the proper and advantageous forum. They must know what laws apply among the myriad of international agreements, federal laws and state laws that exist that might apply to the case. Admiralty lawyers must know how to successfully advoc…
See more on legalcareerpath.com

Why Become A Maritime Lawyer?

  • Maritime law is a specialized and exclusive area of law that can be financially and personally rewarding for attorneys in the field. If you’re interested in providing high-quality legal services in a niche area of civil litigation, maritime law may be for you. Maritime lawyers may develop a private practice that also includes other aspects of civil litigation. They might also find stability in their c…
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Practicing Maritime Law

  • Maritime lawyers make the seas safer. They hold wrongdoers accountable. They help people get the compensation that they deserve when there’s a breach of contract, unpaid wages or a personal injury on the seas. Maritime lawyers also help develop new maritime laws. Maritime law is complex. It involves a variety of civil laws including contract law, personal injury law, employm…
See more on legalcareerpath.com