Seawork 2026

CAREERS & TRAINING

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LEGAL

Follow the links for Finance and Insurance.

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law or the laws of the sea, is a collection of domestic and international laws and treaties that govern behaviour on the sea. The United Nations through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) issues conventions that can be enforced by coast guards and the navies of most signatory countries.

Maritime law can govern many insurance issues regarding cargo on ships, civil matters between owners of vessels and passengers and piracy issues. It also covers registration, inspection and insurance of ships.

English law is applied to shipping disputes far more widely than the law of any other country.

Qualifications and Training

The most common route is obtaining a qualifying degree in law or a degree in any other discipline followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law. After this, if you want to follow the solicitor pathway you will have to undertake the Legal Practice Course and a recognised period of training.

To become a barrister in the field, you’ll do the Bar Practice Course and then a year-long pupillage.

There are training contracts and pupillages available with law firms and chambers which have a maritime specialism. This will put you on the right course to practice in this area post qualification.

You can also work in maritime law by becoming a Chartered Legal Executive and working in a firm which undertakes maritime law. Legal Executives frequently work alongside solicitors and carry out legal work, under their supervision.

You could also work as a paralegal. Paralegals carry out research, prepare legal documents and give legal advice to clients. You can enter straight from school but you are likely to need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You can continue to train once you are working, there are plenty of courses to improve your career’s opportunities such as:

Level 2 Diploma in Legal Studies
CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice
NALP Level 3 Diploma in Paralegal Practice

Salary Brackets

Solicitor £25,000 - £100,000

Barrister £17,000 - £200,000

Chartered Legal Executive £15,000 - £55,000 +

Paralegal £15,500 - £40,000

Colleges/Universities

Post Graduate Maritime course Southampton University

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/maritime-law-masters-llm

Bar council

https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister.html

Law Society

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor

CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)

https://cpq.cilex.org.uk/start-non-graduate/

National Association of Licensed Paralegals

https://www.nationalparalegals.co.uk/qualifications/

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GOOD TO KNOW

A law qualification is useful for almost any other career you might want to undertake.

Intermediate apprenticeships

Intermediate apprenticeships are the entry-level apprenticeship for those looking to make a start in the world of work. Available to anyone from the age of 16, with no maximum age limit, they’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change. You’ll need five GCSEs grade A*-E/ 3-9 including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or two National 4s including Maths and English (or equivalent).

Advanced apprenticeships

You can apply for an advanced apprenticeship if you have five GCSEs or National 4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or you’ve completed an intermediate apprenticeship or similar Level 2 qualification. They’re full-time roles, with a competitive salary and they’re a great way to develop specialist skills.

Higher apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for an alternative to attending university. You’ll need at least five GCSEs or National 5 + Highers (or equivalent) including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role. Additionally, you’ll require a minimum of two A levels or a level 3 equivalent qualification.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are great for 18–19-year-old school leavers looking to gain a degree while also starting their career journey. It’s the perfect option for those who can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university. They’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change.