Legal Counsel – Maritime & Transport

Legal Counsel – Maritime & Transport at White & Case Poland (Gdańsk)

White & Case Poland is establishing a presence in Gdańsk, Poland's principal maritime city on the Baltic coast, to serve clients in the maritime, shipping, and transport sectors. The role is based in the Olivia Business Centre in Gdańsk's Oliwa district, close to the Tricity metropolitan area (Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia).

About the Role

You will advise shipowners, port operators, logistics companies, and financial institutions on maritime and transport law matters. The role requires knowledge of the Kodeks morski (Maritime Code), Ustawa o portach i przystaniach morskich (Ports and Harbours Act), and international maritime conventions (Hamburg Rules, Rotterdam Rules). You will handle shipping disputes, vessel financing, charter party negotiations, and port concession matters.

Gdańsk's status as home to the Port Gdańsk (one of the Baltic's largest container ports) and the Sąd Morski w Gdańsku (Maritime Court in Gdańsk) makes this an ideal location for a maritime practice. You will also advise on transport law under the Prawo przewozowe (Transport Law) and CMR Convention for international road carriage.

• Advise on maritime law matters including vessel sales, ship financing, and maritime liens under the Kodeks morski
• Draft and negotiate charter party agreements, bills of lading, and shipping contracts
• Handle maritime and transport disputes before Sąd Morski w Gdańsku and commercial courts
• Advise port operators on concession agreements and regulatory compliance
• Support project finance transactions for port infrastructure and maritime assets
• Advise on international transport law (CMR Convention, Prawo przewozowe) for logistics clients

• Qualified adwokat or radca prawny with 3-5 years of experience in maritime, shipping, or transport law
• Knowledge of the Kodeks morski, international maritime conventions, and Polish transport regulations
• Experience with shipping disputes, vessel financing, or charter party agreements
• Familiarity with Sąd Morski proceedings and maritime arbitration
• Understanding of port operations and logistics regulatory framework
• Fluent Polish and English; German or Scandinavian languages are advantageous