Linklaters Names Long-Serving Partner as Asia Chair

Why It Matters

Liu’s appointment signals a strategic push to expand Linklaters’ market share in Asia’s high‑growth legal landscape, enhancing its ability to serve multinational clients.

Key Takeaways

• William Liu named Linklaters Asia chair
• Promotion aligns with 50‑year regional milestone
• Liu will drive Asia‑Pacific growth strategy
• Focus on cross‑border deals and regulatory work
• Signals intensified competition among global law firms

Pulse Analysis

Linklaters’ decision to appoint William Liu as Asia chair marks a pivotal moment for the firm as it celebrates five decades of presence across the continent. Since establishing its first office in Hong Kong in the 1970s, the UK‑based firm has built a reputation for handling complex, multinational transactions. The leadership change dovetails with the firm’s broader ambition to solidify its position in fast‑growing economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, where demand for sophisticated legal counsel is accelerating.

Liu brings more than two decades of experience managing Linklaters’ regional operations, having overseen major deals in finance, technology, and infrastructure. His deep client relationships and fluency in both Western and Asian business cultures position him to spearhead initiatives around digital transformation, ESG compliance, and dispute resolution. Under his guidance, the firm is expected to expand its advisory capabilities, recruit top talent, and invest in technology platforms that enhance service delivery for multinational corporations navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments.

The appointment also reflects intensifying competition among global law firms vying for a slice of Asia’s lucrative legal market. By elevating a seasoned insider, Linklaters signals confidence in its regional expertise and a commitment to delivering integrated, cross‑border solutions. Clients can anticipate more coordinated support across jurisdictions, while the firm aims to capture a larger share of high‑value transactions, reinforcing its status as a leading player in the Asia‑Pacific legal arena.