Articles From the Team

Working 9-5? Has that ship sailed?

At BCL Legal we are firm believers in building and developing long-term relationships with our candidates. We work closely with candidates throughout their career and it may be that there comes the point where the long hours are neither an appropriate or attractive proposition. My focus at BCL Legal is Transportation Law – with a particular focus on Shipping. By it’s nature, shipping is a 24/7 business, and it doesn’t stop for bank holidays, weekends or religious holidays. With all of this in mind, it makes me wonder, is it even possible to have a 9-5 role when working in shipping law?

As with all legal sectors, there are a number of factors to consider - the matter that you are dealing with, the geographical focus that you may have, the overall ethos that the organisation you are working with has etc. I think that, traditionally, shipping law has had environments that have embraced the work/life balance far more so than others – i.e. P&I clubs; but recently I have noticed that there is an increasing level of flexibility from the private practice arena. With a noticeable skills shortage between the 3 -7PQE range (understandable given market conditions at the time) it remains clear that demand for experienced, motivated and self-sufficient shipping lawyers (both contentious and non-contentious) is at a peak. Whilst the reality of shipping law (both contentious and non-contentious) is that there is no guarantee of a 9-5pm, I think that the shipping industry is now better placed to assist you in finding a role that will give you a bit more “me-time”.

At present we are working with a number of shipping law firms and organisations that are keen to speak with experienced shipping law professionals. It may be that you are looking for a role that can offer you a better work/life balance as well as maintaining quality of work. If this is the case then please do get in touch with BCL Legal or email us at info@bcllegal.com for a confidential discussion.