Edward Liu

Edward Liu is a highly accomplished lawyer with qualifications as a solicitor in Hong Kong SAR, England & Wales, and as a lawyer in the People's Republic of China. He is widely recognised as a leading expert in commercial dispute resolution, specialising in international arbitration and commercial litigation. In July 2022, Edward received the Medal of Honour from the Hong Kong SAR Government in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of legal, arbitration, and dispute resolution services in Hong Kong, particularly in the field of transportation. Since 2020, Edward has consistently been recommended by renowned legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, China Business Law Journal, Asia Business Legal, and Lloyd's List as a leading lawyer in both dispute resolution and shipping practices.

Edward’s expertise spans a wide range of international commercial disputes, including areas such as trade and commodities, energy and offshore projects, shipping and shipbuilding, shareholder disputes, international investment (especially related to Belt & Road projects), construction and infrastructure, commercial fraud, insolvency and restructuring, regulatory investigations, international sanctions, and the global enforcement of judgments and arbitration awards. Edward represents a diverse clientele, including financial institutions, insurance companies, multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, Chinese state-owned enterprises, as well as major shipping and commodities companies. He handles complex cross-border commercial disputes in courts located in Hong Kong, London, and international tribunals. Additionally, Edward provides advisory services to banks, insurers, and trading companies on non-contentious matters related to asset finance, trade finance, and shipping finance.

In the field of dry shipping, Edward possesses extensive experience in handling various types of claims, including those arising from charterparties, bills of lading, long-term contracts of affreightment, sale of second-hand vessels, marine insurance, collisions, groundings, salvage and general average, ship arrests, and jurisdictional challenges. He has also been involved in numerous shipbuilding cases involving Chinese shipyards. As the principal representative of the International Chamber of Shipping (China) Liaison Office and Shanghai Representative Office, Edward actively contributes to discussions and the formulation of conventions and regulations within the United Nations International Maritime Organization. He is responsible for communication and coordination with the Chinese government and shipping organizations regarding policies and measures in the maritime industry.

Edward Liu joined Haiwen in August 2022 as partner. Before joining Haiwen, he was a partner of Hill Dickinson Hong Kong, and also worked as senior associate and associate at Reed Smith Richards Butler and DLA Pipier.

Statutory and Advisory Appointments by Hong Kong SAR Government:

Member, The Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Expert Group

Member, Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee

Member, Expert Advisory Group on Legal and Dispute Resolution Services

Member, Advisory Body on Third Party Funding of Arbitration and Mediation

Member, Aviation Development and Three-Runway Advisory Committee

Member, Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board

Member, Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Appeal Board

Member, Appeal Board Panel (Town Planning)

Other Professional Appointments in Hong Kong:

Council Member, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Member, Professional Services Advisory Committee, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Member, Arbitration Committee, the Law Society of Hong Kong

Member, Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examination Committee, the Law Society of Hong Kong

Executive Member, the Hong Kong Maritime Law Association

Member, the China Sub-Committee, the Hong Kong Shipowners' Association

Member, the Hong Kong & Macau SAR Committee, China Classification Society

Mainland China Appointments:

Member, China Overseas Friendship Association

Member, Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference

Member, Shanghai Hongkou District Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference

Member, Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association