The position provides and procures legal services across Trafigura's full commercial portfolio, with particular focus on (i) trading of physically and financially settled crude oil, products, bulk, gas, LNG, power, renewables, metals and minerals; (ii) managing trading, shipment, storage and transportation disputes; and (iii) supporting trade and structured finance connected to commodity transactions. Responsibilities include instructing, managing, and supervising external legal counsel as required.
Key responsibilities
The role serves as the first point of contact for the provision and procurement of legal services, identifying any need for in‑house legal resources and managing their procurement. The position coordinates and implements standards and policies for the office in collaboration with the Group General Counsel of Trafigura across the following areas:
Contentious
* Assisting during all stages of disputes from live advice to commodity traders and operators through to managing day‑to‑day claims issues, arbitration, litigation, mediation and enforcement – mainly trading, shipping and demurrage disputes but will include other disputes or investigations, including financial and insolvencies.
* Reporting to management and commercial desks upon the progress of disputes.
* Provision of legal assistance with emergency response issues.
* Drafting and advising upon a variety of trading and commercial agreements.
* Drafting and advising on sale/purchase contracts, trade and structured finance, and associated documentation and MOUs.
* Establishing, reviewing/updating standard template documents, advising on sanctions and regulations relevant to the business.
Professional
* Work as member of Trafigura Group Legal Network which provides and procures a full legal service to the Trafigura Group. Establish strong working relationships across business.
Required qualifications
* Minimum 5 years PQE experience in commodities trading, contentious and non‑contentious.
* Demonstrated experience drafting storage, chartering, transportation, trade finance contracts.
* Practiced at a top law firm.
Preferred qualifications
* English, Australian, Singapore or US law‑qualified, but other jurisdictions considered.
* In‑house corporate experience a plus, especially in energy/trading sector, but not essential.
Attributes for success
* Self‑motivated, proactive, and efficient with a positive, solutions‑oriented approach.
* Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice.
* Commercial acumen and ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization, particularly when advising under pressure.
* High integrity and commitment to ethical business practices.
Department overview
Trafigura's Legal Department operates as a strategic partner to one of the world's leading independent commodity trading and logistics companies, supporting global operations across oil, metals, gas, power and renewables in over 150 countries. The legal team provides commercially focused advice on complex trading transactions, M&A, structured finance, infrastructure investments and corporate governance. Working in a fast‑paced environment, the team balances rigorous legal analysis with practical, timely solutions that enable business growth while maintaining robust risk management and governance frameworks aligned with Trafigura's commitment to responsible trading practices.
Equal opportunity employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce! We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.
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