Internship with BW Group in Singapore | School of Law and Social Justice

Charlotte Martin and a friend standing in an urban plaza at night, surrounded by tall buildings illuminated with purple lights and a large tree decorated with blue and white lights.

This summer, I spent an incredible five weeks in Singapore as a legal intern with BW Group. This experience not only deepened my understanding of shipping law, especially in areas such as contract drafting and interpretation, but also gave me invaluable insight into the strategic role of in-house legal counsel within a global business.

Internship highlights

Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to take on a wide range of engaging and challenging tasks that provided me with firsthand exposure to the complexities of shipping law and the wider maritime industry. I was actively involved in reviewing legal documents such as FSRU Conversion Contracts, NDAs and Shipman Agreements, which deepened my understanding of contractual frameworks and commercial arrangements within the sector. In addition, I worked closely with the BW legal team on data protection matters, contributing to the update of the company’s artificial intelligence and data usage policy to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards.

Beyond document review, I gained meaningful insight into the practical realities of maritime law by attending discussions concerning a vessel collision at sea, and by participating in internal legal team meetings where I presented my completed tasks. These experiences not only strengthened my analytical and technical skills but also enhanced my confidence in professional communication.

Cultural experiences

I also had the chance to immerse myself in the country’s rich and diverse culture. From the lush history of Fort Canning Park to the vibrant buzz of Orchard Road, every corner of the city had something new to discover. I explored hawker centres bursting with flavour, chic restaurants blending global influences and landmarks that told the story of Singapore’s past and present, from the elegant Raffles Hotel to the colourful streets of Chinatown.

A highlight, when I reflect on my cultural experiences, was visiting Marina Bay Sands. Standing at the top of the famous hotel and looking out over the skyline I could see the entire city, from the busy streets below to the distant islands, such as Sentosa. That moment captured everything I had come to love about the city.

Key takeaways

Overall, this internship was a truly formative step in my professional journey. I am sincerely grateful to the legal team at BW Group for their guidance and generosity. In particular I would like to thank Pamela Parenzee-Michaelis, my supervisor, whose encouragement and support made my internship not only rewarding but also very enjoyable. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Nick Fell and the University of Liverpool School of Law and Social Justice for organising such an incredible opportunity for law students. I feel honoured to have been part of this programme and better equipped to manage the new challenges I will face in my future legal career.

About the author

Charlotte Martin graduated from the University of Liverpool Law School with a Law LLB (Hons) in 2025.