Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

The Work

Maritime Lawyers have specific knowledge and expertise in the field of maritime law which is also known as Admiralty Law.

This is a distinct body of law that governs activities and offences that take place on navigable waters, including oceans, rivers, streams and lakes.

Maritime law also covers activities, such as loading or unloading ships, that take place on land but are maritime in nature.

Maritime law can be particularly complex and is very different to the law onshore.

Maritime lawyers are contacted in the event of an injury at sea. Sailors are entitled to certain benefits and assistance from their employers if they are injured, and may use a maritime lawyer bring a suit. Passengers also have legal rights in the event that they are injured at sea.

Damage to cargo or loss of cargo at sea is another area governed by Maritime Law.

Maritime lawyers also handle topics related to processing liens (rights) on ships and equipment used at sea.

Salvage and treasure recovery are also areas of maritime law. When people wish to stake a salvage claim or get permission to recover treasure, they work with a maritime lawyer to file the necessary paperwork and ensure that their permits are in order. Issues of salvage and treasure can be very contentious, especially when they involve historic wrecks or items of national significance, in which case a salvager could meet with significant opposition in the course of applying for the appropriate permits.

The job of the Maritime Lawyer is to construct and argue a case in court. Large shipping companies may keep a Maritime Lawyer on retainer to provide ongoing legal advice and to step in when legal situations arise.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
• Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
• Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
• Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
• Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
• Present and summarise cases to judges and juries.
• Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
• Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
• Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

In the Republic of Ireland, it takes almost three years from start to finish to become a Solicitor or a Lawyer. Completion of the Law Society's Professional Practice Courses (PPC 1 & 2) plus an apprenticeship (in-house training of 24 months duration) with an approved solicitor is necessary.

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Law - Pre-University, Business Studies (with Law): Pre-University Course at NFQ Level 5 Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO entry: The vast majority of students would first have completed a degree, though not necessarily a law degree. Most trainees without law degrees will first take some form of preparatory course to equip them with the required legal background Search CAO courses. 

There is a qualifying examination (Preliminary Examination) for non-Graduates seeking to become apprenticed. It is held once a year, is of degree standard and is restricted to candidates who are aged twenty-one years and upwards.

Full details of entry requirements from The Law Society are available here

Professional Development 

A Master of Laws programme (LLM) to develop specialist knowledge in maritime law is available with the International Maritime Law Institute (INMLI). It is not required to practice maritime law, but may enhance employment opportunities and demonstrate specific knowledge in the field.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €145k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Azon/ Morgan McKInley/ CPL/ Lincoln/ Sigmar/ Indeed/ Salary Expery / Payscale

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels have declined annually since 2020 for this occupation, resulting in a negative growth rate for the five-year annual average. There were a small number of employment permits issued for legal counsel across a number of sectors including ICT and the financial sector. However, the professional, scientific and technical activities sector accounts for the majority of employment in this occupation.

• Law Society of Ireland

  • Blackhall Place, Dublin 7
  • (01) 672 4800 ( Law School Tel No.: (01) 672 4802)
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• International Maritime Law Institute (INMLI)

  • P.O. Box 31, MSD 1000, Msida, Malta C/o University of Malta Campus
  • 356 2131 9343 / 2131 0816
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place D02 NT99, Dublin 2, Ireland
  • (01) 7753900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here