Legal Trainee

Are you ready to launch your legal career in an international, dynamic and maritime environment and explore the oceans of opportunities within Damen? The Damen Legal Traineeship offers you a unique opportunity to develop into an all-round legal professional in one of the world’s most diverse and forward‑thinking shipbuilding families. 

Over the course of two years, you will gain broad exposure to corporate, compliance and commercial legal matters, with direct involvement in major transactions and strategic projects. You will experience Damen from multiple perspectives and grow into a confident legal sparring partner for the business. 

The Legal Traineeship 

The Legal Traineeship is a two-year journey and consists of four rotations of approximately six months each. The program has a solid core structure, while allowing room to tailor certain elements to your interests and background. 

You will rotate through, among others, the following departments: 

• Compliance  – advising on (export) compliance and integrity matters in an international context and driving and developing the compliance program; 

• Corporate Legal – supporting and advising on corporate housekeeping and structuring, governance, M&A, financings and other strategic corporate matters; 

• Commercial Legal – legal support to sales and divisions, including contracting and commercial support to specific divisions (such as the building divisions, Damen Services (providing after-delivery warranty or Damen Financial Services, where focus will be on providing financial services to the customers of the Damen Group (via loan or lease), or the negotiations with financiers to Damen Financial Services itself). 

Throughout the traineeship, you will be guided by one overall mentor and work closely with experienced legal professionals across the organization.  

During the traineeship, you will develop your legal and compliance knowledge and transform this knowledge into practice. You will explore the many facets of negotiating and contracting including the compliance side of the business. Along the way, you will uncover what energizes you most and master the skills needed to provide solid legal advice while supporting the company in doing business. As you progress through the traineeship, opportunities for international experience may come your way, guided by your development and business needs. 

What You Will Do 

As a Legal Trainee, you will: 

• Get to know the wider Damen group and corresponding network for building your future career; 

• Gain hands‑on experience across disciplines within the legal field; 

• Learn to balance legal risk management with commercial objectives; 

• Build a strong internal network with colleagues worldwide and learn how we work as ONE FAMILY, ONE GOAL, ONE DAMEN; 

• Develop the decisiveness, ownership and improvement mindset defined in the Damen Leadership Profile, with a focus on managing complex stakeholder environments, identifying legal and compliance risks, and contributing to effective risk mitigation strategies ; 

• Contribute directly to complex (international) transactions and strategic projects. 

Who You Are 

We are looking for ambitious starters with strong legal foundations who are keen to develop within an international corporate environment. You: 

• hold a completed Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.), preferably in private law, corporate / commercial law or maritime law; 

• feel at home in our values: fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship and share our enthusiasm for the maritime world;  

• are at the start of your professional career. Prior experience through a successful student internship, for example within a commercial law firm, is considered a plus; 

• have excellent command of English and preferably Dutch, both written and spoken; 

• are analytically strong, accurate and intellectually curious; and 

• feel comfortable in a dynamic organization where ownership and responsibility matter. 

What’s In It for You? 

Career Growth Opportunities 

• A tailor‑made, two‑year journey designed to unlock your full potential and grow into a role that suits you best. 

A Global Family 

• Join a passionate community with peers across Young Damen and colleagues worldwide. 

Continuous Learning 

• Benefit from dedicated coaches, mentors and training offered through the Damen Academy. 

International Exposure 

• Gain hands‑on experience across disciplines and contribute to legal matters with an international scope. 

Attractive Employment Conditions 

• A competitive salary, at least 40 days of leave and unique trainee events that make your journey both meaningful and fun. 

What You Will Take With You? 

By the end of your traineeship, you will have: 

• a clear understanding of your talents and ambitions; 

• a clear understanding of the variety in legal functions within our company; 

• boosted your leadership and people skills; 

• gained the insights to support the business from the legal perspective; 

• made meaningful impact; 

You will be well positioned to take the next step in a career direction that matches your strenghts and ambitions.  

Are you enthusiastic about the Damen Legal Traineeship? Here’s how to get on board. 
You can apply online via career.damen.com/traineeships by submitting your CV and motivation letter.

Please respond before June, 15th.
We would like to start the traineeship on September, 1st

After an initial CV screening, selected candidates will be invited for a first interview. This is followed by an online assessment and the final stage consists of a panel interview. 

Do you have any questions? 
Feel free to reach out to our Recruiter, we’re happy to help you navigate your next step. 
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