Sonali Mundaye
Dy. Manager Legal & Operation Management Team
Mumbai
Summary
Experienced Deputy Manager with a strong background in handling cargo claims (Reefer, Dry, and SOC), container damage recovery, and legal case management. Skilled in coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, guiding them through claims processes, and managing third-party recovery when liability is involved. Expertise in drafting legal notices, contracts, and agreements, vetting legal documents, conducting legal research, and providing interpretations. Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to organizational processes, workflows, and policies, ensuring smooth operations and high levels of customer satisfaction. Prudent, disciplined, and self-motivated with a proven ability to perform both independently and in teams. Adept at managing complex claims and legal matters while maintaining excellent interpersonal skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Dy. Manager Legal & Operation Management Team
Yang Ming Line (India) Pvt. Ltd.
04.2024 - Current
- Independently manage all claims matters, including Import/Export Cargo Claims (Reefer, Dry, and SOC), Container Damage Recovery Claims, and detention-related cases at a Pan-India level.
- Oversee Hull and Machinery claims, coordinate with P&I Club, and provide timely updates and detailed reports to the head office and P&I Club. Handle SCMTR and HCCAR-related matters, coordinate with CSLA advocates on legal issues (e.g., review petitions, special leave petitions, writ petitions), and assist with vessel arrest matters, security deposits, and refunds.
- Liaise with CBI, DRI, SIIB, and Customs, attend personal hearings, submit written statements on case-by-case matters, and participate in Customs Task Force meetings to expedite the release of long-idling containers. Actively follow up with CFSs to ensure early release of containers.
- Manage all Pan-India legal matters, coordinate with advocates to finalize plaints, and gather and provide case-specific details to legal teams as needed.
- Lead fortnightly management meetings with the head office to update on the progress of legal cases, container idling issues, and customs matters. Participate in audit meetings and provide auditors with required information.
- Prepare, vet, and review contracts and agreements with various stakeholders, including CFSs, ICDs, and Reefer Depots. Draft legal documents, including Power of Attorney and Board Resolutions, at a Pan-India level.
- Handle recovery matters from liable parties, manage bids and quotations for salvage sales, and assist in meeting procedural requirements of customs for back-to-town cargo.
Senior Executive Legal Department Maritime Claims
CMA CGM Global Business Services India Pvt Ltd.
12.2019 - 04.2024
- Responsible for handling cargo claims (Reefer and Dry) as per SOP Globally
- Co-Ordination with local front desk regarding the claim handling and guiding them with regards to claim
- Interaction between Customer, Law Firms, Solicitors, Freight Forwarders, Recovery Agents and Agency Colleagues
- Following up with third-party for recovery when third party liability involved
- Assessing the claims on merits and settling it as per the terms and conditions agreed between the shipping line and customer
- Negotiations with the claimant, Lawyers, Freight Forwarders, Recovery Agencies on mail and over the call
- Strategize global claims pay-out and recoveries
- Maintain contact and provide notification to P&I club(s) regarding matters of principle, club cover, legal advice and guidance
- Obtaining the recovery from the third liable party for the possible loss or damage to the cargo of the claimant
- Charter Party disputes
- Handling the group's Global Key Customer Claims
Legal Associate
AAK Legal Advocates & Solicitors.
08.2018 - 11.2019
- Preparing Legal Notices, Recovery Notices
- Drafting Contract Agreements, Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreements, Employment Contracts, Leave and License Agreements, Distributors Agreements, Suppliers Agreements, Franchise Agreement, Sales Deed etc
- Conducting inspection and verification of Documents
Legal Associate
Lex Mantis.
04.2018 - 08.2018
- Drafting legal notices
- Drafting contracts/agreements
- Trademark Filing (Preparing POA, Preparing Forms, Preparing reply to examination reports)
- Assisted in preparing legal due diligence report
- Assisted in due diligence of copyright infringement
- Legal Research work
- Vetting of various commercial agreements/contracts/letters etc
CS Associate
N M & Co.
07.2014 - 03.2018
- Handled compliances relating to Company Law for Private and Public companies
- Preparing Minutes of Board Meeting and General Meetings
- Filing Charge related forms with ROC (Form CHG-1)
- Handled Annual Filing work of Private Limited companies
- Handled Company Incorporation of Private Limited companies
- Vetting of various commercial agreements/contracts
Education
LLB - Legal
New Law College
Mumbai, Maharashtra 06.2013 - 05.2016
CS- Semi Qualified - Company Secretary
Institute of Company Secretaries of India
Mumbai 05.2010 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce
Sathaye College
Mumbai 06.2008 - 05.2013
Skills
- Legal Case Handling (Writ Petitions, Review Petitions, Special Leave Petitions, Recovery Suit etc)
- Drafting & Reviewing Legal Notices, Contracts, and Agreements
- Cargo claim handling (Refer, Dry, SOC), Container damage cases, Hull and Machinery claims, Legal Research & Interpretation
- Third-Party Recovery and Liability Management
- Customs Compliance (SCMTR, HCCAR, Long-Idling Containers)
- Coordinating with P&I Clubs, Advocates, and Regulatory Authorities
Accomplishments
- Appreciation emails from head-office and P&I clubs for legal case settlement and recovery.
- Samurai Award 2022 for Best Performance in Department.
Skills
Upper intermediate, Upper intermediate, Upper intermediate, Upper intermediate
Timeline
Dy. Manager Legal & Operation Management Team
Yang Ming Line (India) Pvt. Ltd.
04.2024 - Current
Senior Executive Legal Department Maritime Claims
CMA CGM Global Business Services India Pvt Ltd.
12.2019 - 04.2024
Legal Associate
AAK Legal Advocates & Solicitors.
08.2018 - 11.2019
Legal Associate
Lex Mantis.
04.2018 - 08.2018
CS Associate
N M & Co.
07.2014 - 03.2018
LLB - Legal
New Law College
06.2013 - 05.2016
CS- Semi Qualified - Company Secretary
Institute of Company Secretaries of India
05.2010 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce
Sathaye College
06.2008 - 05.2013
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