UK-based internation law firm Linklaters has appointed William Liu as its chair of Asia, a newly created role in which he will focus on advancing the firm’s Asia strategy, building on the success of its last five decades in the region. 

Liu has been a Linklaters partner since 2008, having joined the firm as a trainee in 1998. He is a trusted adviser to government agencies, leading corporates and financial institutions on many of Asia’s most significant and complex transactions, the firm notes, helping clients find clear, commercial solutions.

He has advised on all offshore offerings by China’s ministry of finance since 2009, and his recent work includes advising on the landmark debt restructuring of Country Garden, the refinancing and liability management of New World Development and the recapitalization of Cathay Pacific.

In addition to his new role, Liu will continue to serve as a partner in Linklaters’ global capital markets practice. 

Most recently, Liu served as regional managing partner for Asia and as one of the firm’s social mobility champions, having previously been head of China and Asia head of capital markets.

Working closely with the firm’s senior partner and chair, Aedamar Comiskey, and firm-wide managing partner, Paul Lewis, as well as the executive committee and wider leadership team, Liu will play a lead role in driving the firm’s Asia strategy. This includes the development of clients and markets, continued investment in lateral and internal talent, and enhancing the firm’s overall service offering in the region. 

“Liu has played an integral role in driving our growth in Asia, helping to position us to win and deliver the most complex cross-border mandates for clients,” Comiskey adds. “I am confident his leadership in this new role will further our ambition to inspire confidence and trust as the number one global legal team.”