Edward Cole

The majority of Edward's practice is in commercial dispute resolution through both litigation and arbitration. He has a particular expertise in insurance and reinsurance coverage.

Edward has significant experience in disputes involving an international element. He is happy to advise on conflict of laws and choice of jurisdiction, and coordinate a team across multiple jurisdictions to achieve a favourable result. The events that give rise to insurance claims often raise issues of compliance with industry standards. Edward can assist individuals or companies respond to regulatory investigations and represent them at inquests.

Edward has a wide experience in marine and transport disputes. He has acted for owners, charterers, cargo interests and their underwriters, and for stakeholders in shipbuilding and offshore project disputes. He has also acted in the superyacht industry, in matters arising from damage to yachts and superyacht refits. His experience encompasses pre-contractual drafting, handling disputes for non-performance, and casualty and incident response. He was an editor and contributor to the 14th edition of Marsden on Collisions at Sea.

Before joining Osborne Clarke, Edward worked in a specialist practice representing underwriters in respect of major and complex losses across a variety of types of cover, and he brings this experience to our insurance practice.

Previously, Edward practiced as a self-employed barrister, where he appeared as a sole advocate in a range of courts and tribunals up to the Court of Appeal, having a broad practice including regulatory hearings and prosecutions and white-collar crime. This practical experience allows Edward to see how a dispute will develop, and assists with devising the strategy well in advance of any hearing. He is equally happy assisting clients with litigation or guiding clients through alternative dispute resolution.

Edward has a PhD in insurance law, and has taught contract law at undergraduate level.

Helping you succeed in tomorrow's world

My approach is to help clients formulate the right strategy, both commercially and legally, at an early stage. I aim to help clients understand what options are available, with a realistic view to how the evidence will develop, and to help them take proactive steps to resolve a dispute as efficiently and early as possible.