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Stephen J. Peaker

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Profile

Stephen has been the Partner heading up the Family Law Department at OLN since 2000, and is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (“IAFL”) and the former Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Family Law Association (“FLA”). Stephen is an associate member of Resolution (the Solicitors Family Law Association, UK) and member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia. Stephen has been instructed on many leading cases in the areas of family law and trusts law. He also advises extensively in respect of trusts and wills, wealth protection and tax planning. Stephen is highly recommended by Chambers and Partners as leading lawyer in Family / Matrimonial (International firms) in Chambers Greater China Region Guide 2023, details of which are set out below at “What Others Say”.

Stephen has contributed to a number of articles on Family Law for legal publications, is one of the authors of the FLA Code of Conduct and has lectured on family law. Stephen appeared in RTHK Radio 3 Programme about the previous government consultation on law reform on child custody and access. Stephen has been an Advisory Board Member to Butterworths on continuing education courses and a Distinguished Professional Mentor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Law.

Stephen is the exclusive IR Global advisor for Family Law in Hong Kong.

Admissions and Memberships

Since 1990   Solicitor, England and Wales

Since 1995  Solicitor, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

External Publications

Child Relocation 2024 (Hong Kong SAR, China) – Trends and Developments, by Stephen Peaker (Partner), Yvonne Kong (Partner), Lauren Ng (Associate) & Gabriel Yuen (Paralegal), Chambers & Partners, September 2024

Family Law 2024 (Hong Kong SAR, China) – Trends and Developments, by Stephen Peaker (Partner), Yvonne Kong (Partner), Lauren Ng (Associate) & Phoenix Chan (Associate), Chambers & Partners, February 2024

Child Relocation 2023 (China) – Trends and Developments, by Stephen Peaker (Partner), Yvonne Kong (Partner), Lauren Ng (Associate) & Phoenix Chan (Associate), Chambers & Partners, September 2023

The Future Of Travel From A Family Law Perspective

An update on the status and enforceability of prenuptial agreements in Hong Kong

As the UK moves closer to allowing no fault divorce where does Hong Kong stand?

Litigation funding and financial provision payments for children of unmarried parents

What Others Say

Stephen Peaker has vast experience handling various matrimonial matters. He is especially skilled in financial settlement and trust issues.

– Chambers Greater China Region 2023

Stephen Peaker specialises in matrimonial disputes, regularly instructed on cases involving contentious trusts and financial settlement issues. “He has so many years of experience behind him,” observes a source, going on to describe him as “a great strategist” who is “good at coming up with creative ideas in solving clients’ cases.”

– Chambers Asia-Pacific 2020

Stephen Peaker is a specialist in asset redistribution arising out of matrimonial disputes as well as trusts and wills matters. A market source describes him as “technically sound.”

– Chambers Asia-Pacific 2019

Stephen Peaker stands out for his in-depth experience in cross-border matrimonial issues. Commentators note his “large client base” and increasing visibility in the market. His broad practice also covers trust and wealth protection matters.

– Chambers Asia-Pacific 2018

Founder of the practice Stephen Peaker has long-standing experience advising on matrimonial issues, as well as trusts and wealth protection. A peer praises him as “an easy-going opponent in terms of co-operation – but he certainly fights fiercely for his clients!” He also won recognition for his ability to “think outside the box.”

– Chambers Asia-Pacific 2016

Stephen Peaker is commended by peers because “he takes a creative approach and has a very international practice.”

– Chambers Asia-Pacific 2015

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Notable Cases
JURISDICTION

S v S [2005] HKCFI 1304

Represented husband on leading authority in respect of substantial connection before Hartmann J.

B v A [2007] HKFLR 138

Successfully obtained order for substantial connection for wife against husband after 6-8 months in Hong Kong before Hartmann J.

HHML v RYD [2010] (unreported)

Successfully represented wife before Poon J. to discuss husband’s challenge to Hong Kong jurisdiction on forum non-conveniens.

Z v Z [2012] HKCFI 2117

Successfully challenged Hong Kong jurisdiction both as to substantial connection and forum non-conveniens before Deputy Judge Chu.

S v S [2005] HKCFI 1304

Represented husband on leading authority in respect of substantial connection before Hartmann J.

B v A [2007] HKFLR 138

Successfully obtained order for substantial connection for wife against husband after 6-8 months in Hong Kong before Hartmann J.

HHML v RYD [2010] (unreported)

Successfully represented wife before Poon J. to discuss husband’s challenge to Hong Kong jurisdiction on forum non-conveniens.

Z v Z [2012] HKCFI 2117

Successfully challenged Hong Kong jurisdiction both as to substantial connection and forum non-conveniens before Deputy Judge Chu.

CHILDREN

P v P [1997] HKCA 705

Successfully represented wife on appeal to obtain care and control of two children for wife.

CYP v LC [2014] (unreported)

Successfully represented mother to obtain order for care and control and permanent removal of children to Singapore.

V v V [FCMC 7676 of 2011]

Successfully represented father to obtain order for permanent removal of children to Colorado, USA.

C v A [HCMP 158 of 2011]

Successfully represented mother to obtain permanent removal to London.

WARDSHIP AND HAGUE CONVENTION

D v G [2001] HKCA 348

First successful appeal reported in Hong Kong against removal order pursuant to Hague Convention of Hartmann J.

FINANCE

B v B [2000] HKFAMC 5

Successfully represented wife against husband in respect of ancillary relief in which there were 8 family trusts.

Walton Wai Tat Li v Evelyn Man York Li [1997] No. 192

Represented wife in respect of ancillary relief on successful appeal against husband to obtain subpoena against trust companies.

B v A [1999] High Court of Hong Kong

Successfully represented husband before Deputy Judge Gill in respect of ancillary relief trial of over 40 days including finding of gross and obvious conduct against wife who was a medical doctor who was found to have mistreated the husband during the marriage.

B v A [2000]High Court of Hong Kong

Successfully represented husband against wife in obtaining order for substantial costs arising from a trial 40 days before Deputy Judge Gill.

IDC v SSA [2011] (unreported)

Successfully represented mother against father on Guardianship of Minors appeal against an order that Court had no jurisdiction to make financial order for a lump sum to purchase a property for the Minor.

TRUSTS AND TAX

Ho Yuen Ki and others v Hotung [2005] HKCFI 126

Successfully represented 3 beneficiaries in claim against their father Edward Hotung to preserve their rights in relation to trusts before Tang J.

Hotung v Ho Yuen Ki and others [2006] HKCFI 1306

Successfully represented beneficiaries on appeal to Hong Kong Court of Appeal for discovery of accounts of the trusts against their trustee Madam Winnie Ho, the sister of Stanley Ho.

Steicke v Gatt AND others [2015] HKCFI 1233

Successfully represented Plaintiff in obtaining interim preservation orders on action for breach of trust and breach of partnership against Defendants.

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Awards

Ivan Y.C. Lee

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Profile

Ivan joined Oldham, Li & Nie as a Trainee Solicitor at the firm’s Matrimonial and Family Law Department in September 2017, as an Associate since April 2020 and a Senior Associate since December 2022.  He has advised local and expatriate clients, both private and legally aided, in matters including divorce, nullity, children, ancillary relief and pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

Admissions and Memberships

Since 2020  Solicitor, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Since 2017  Member of the Hong Kong Family Law Association

Education

University of Hong Kong

Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)

London School of Economics and Political Science

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons)

Languages

English, Cantonese and Mandarin

Awards

Richard M. Healy

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Profile

Richard is head of the Dispute Resolution Group and is responsible for matters involving civil and commercial litigation, dispute resolution, and corporate and commercial matters generally. Richard has acted in connection with shareholders/directors disputes, intellectual property infringement and general commercial litigation. In recent years such matters have included a number of insolvency and regulatory matters, matters involving the mis-selling of financial products and other professional negligence claims, contested probate matters, arbitration and expert determination relating to rent reviews.

Admissions and Memberships

Since 1992   Solicitor, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

What Others Say

Richard Healy heads the sizeable four-partner restructuring and insolvency team at Oldham, Li & Nie, which adeptly serves both creditors and debtors in liquidations and pre-winding-up proceedings.

– The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024

“I am very pleased to have known Richard for a long time and he has always acted professionally and responsibly. He also would listen to me and give me time to talk, versus wanting to end the conversation quickly. I like that!”

– Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms) client
Greater China Region – Chambers Greater China Region 2023

Richard Healy of Oldham, Li & Nie is frequently mandated to handle the enforcement of contractual rights, mis-selling claims and tracing and recovery actions.

– Chambers Greater China Region 2023

Richard Healy of Oldham, Li & Nie is frequently mandated to handle the enforcement of contractual rights, mis-selling claims and tracing and recovery actions. A client declares him “a strong and persuasive advocate who commands the courtroom and gets results,” describing him further as “peerless in complex commercial disputes.”

– Chambers Greater China Region 2022

Oldham, Li & Nie’s Richard Healy is described by sources as a “solution-oriented” and “down-to-earth lawyer” who “gets to the point and finds a solution that is easy to understand and makes commercial sense.” He is a well-known commercial litigator and typically handles breach of contract claims, shareholder liability, insolvency proceedings and IP-related disputes.”

– Chambers Global 2021

Richard Healy is praised by a client for being an “exceptional advocate who dominates opponents in court,” with the same client asserting that he “cuts through legal complexity and frames the issues with clarity and precision, simplifying client choices and delivering results.” He is frequently mandated to handle the enforcement of contractual rights, mis-selling claims and tracing and recovery actions.

– Chambers Asia Pacific 2021

Clients describe disputes head Richard Healy of Oldham, Li & Nie as a “robust litigator.” His practice covers a wide range of contentious matters, including IP infringement, commercial and shareholder disputes.

– Chambers Asia Pacific 2018

Oldham, Li & Nie is making a positive impression on the market thanks in part to the efforts of “seasoned campaigner” Richard Healy, who has an “impeccable insight into litigation strategy”. His team is “responsive” and “pragmatic.

– The Legal 500 2014

Notable Cases
Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Inc. v. Legend International Resort Ltd. (FAMV 11/2007)

Court of Final Appeal, decision on leave application to appeal to the Court of Appeal in relation to winding-up proceedings.

Hotung v. Ho Yuen Ki (CACV 178 of 2006 on appeal from HCMP 2701 of 2005)

Trustees’ obligations to furnish accounts and information; members’ rights to information under s. 152 FA of the Companies Ordinance.

RACP Pharmaceutical Holdings v. Li Xiaobo (HCA 490 of 2007)

Grant of Mareva Injunction against vendor of a pharmaceutical business in People’s Republic of China.

Re Diyon Development Ltd. (HCCW 178 of 2006)

Supporting Creditors claim under Wining-up Petition and application for provisional liquidator.

Lim Por Yen v. Highfit Development Co. Ltd. (HCA 1942 of 2002 and CACV 19 of 2004, HCA 1700 of 2002)

Adrienne Lefkowitz v. Bank of New York and others (HCA 4573 of 2003)

Acting on behalf of administrators of an estate, defending claim made by Deceased’s daughter that monies held by Mr. Li Ka Shing on behalf of the Estate were in fact held for the daughter.

Re: Sky Finder Ltd. (CWU402 of 1991)

Grant of compulsory Winding-up Order.

Harbour City Management Ltd. v. Finstar Ltd. (LDBM 249 of 1998)

Defending claim made by management company with respect to alleged encroachment by an owner of common areas, alleged breach of Deed of Mutual Covenant and encroachment by an owner of common areas.

Longquan Ltd. and other v. Morgan Guarantee Trust Co. of New York (HCA 862 of 1995)

Adrienne Lefkowitz v. Bank of New York and others (CACV 13 of 1996 on appeal from HCMP 1638 of 1993)

Defending application made by a beneficiary for a removal of administrators of a Deceased’s Estate.

Re: RSH (HCMP 592 of 2006)

Application made under the provisions of the Mental Health Ordinance for the appointment of a committee to manage an alleged mentally incapacitated person’s assets.

Re: Court of Special Judge Delhi India (HCMP 390 of 1994)

Setting aside a Hong Kong order made pursuant to a request for judicial assistance from a foreign court.

Awards

Paul E. Firmin

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Profile

Paul qualified as a solicitor in the United Kingdom in 1979 and worked in private practice in Manchester before moving to Hong Kong in 1987. Paul then worked for a large local solicitors’ firm in Hong Kong for 12 years, eventually becoming the partner in charge of the firm’s litigation department.

In 1999 Paul moved to Queensland, Australia where he practised for two years with a leading Brisbane firm before returning to Hong Kong in January 2002 to join OLN.

Paul works primarily in OLN’s Matrimonial and Family Law Department, but also continues to handle other private law cases, along with compliance and regulatory matters from time to time.

Paul is a Civil Celebrant of Marriages and a member of the Hong Kong Family Law Association.

For many years Paul sat as Chairman of a number of Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunals, and since 2011, Paul has been appointed to the panel of Chairmen for the Building Ordinance (Cap 123) Appeal Tribunal.

Paul has been a part-time tutor at Hong Kong University, tutoring on the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws for the past 15 years.

He is a “family” man, both professionally and personally.

What Others Say

Paul Firmin at OLN has been my solicitor for the last 16 years. I recommend him highly for his straightforward, realistic and no nonsense approach, his efficiency and in particular his integrity. He is a kind and compassionate person with whom I have been able to entrust delicate family matters with complete confidence over the years.

– Sarah Gonnet

I have been a client of OLN (Paul Firmin) for many years, and I have always been very appreciative of his professional and responsive approach to my needs, and in providing excellent and practical advice. I would not hesitate to recommend Paul to anyone seeking sound legal advice and assistance.

– Dominic Li

I have used Paul at OLN as my lawyer for many years now and have been very satisfied with his professional and timely service. He is always aware of my needs, and delivers high quality work, in line with OLN’s motto – practical legal solutions, on time, no excuses. Recommended.

– Stephanie de Kantzow

I have been using Paul Firmin at OLN for over a year now, and have found him to be attentive to my case and hard-working. I have valued his timely advice and insight throughout, and would have no hesitation in recommending him to others.

– Vui Ling Leong

Awards

Barbara P.Y. Kwong

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Profile

Barbara joined OLN as a trainee solicitor in 2017, and received training in both non-contentious commercial matters including company restructuring, due diligence, shareholders’ agreement drafting and general commercial matters (including but not limited to other commercial agreements drafting and matters on employment and data privacy), as well as contentious matters involving shareholders’ disputes, commercial disputes, employment disputes, probate matters, family matters and debt recovery.

Admissions and Memberships

Since 2019 Solicitor, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Education

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)

Juris Doctor (JD) with the graduation dean’s list award

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Bachelor of Business Administration degree (double majoring in Economics and Finance) with First Class Honours

Notable Cases
M&A Experience

  • Conduct legal due diligence in various mergers and acquisitions and provide legal advice and assistance on the relevant transactions, including targets conducting businesses in operation of chain restaurants, money lending, etc.
  • Provide legal advice and assistance in court-free amalgamation for various clients
  • Act for leading multinational banks (as the lead arranger), and provide legal advice and assistance (including drafting / reviewing the guarantee and security documents, advising on the procedures for perfecting and registering the securities, advising on the procedures and drafting the documents required for syndication of the loans etc.) in respect of secured syndicated loans in various leveraged buy-out
  • Provide legal assistance to mezzanine lenders in various leveraged buy-out
  • Act for a multinational education technology company group conducting businesses in various jurisdictions and provide legal advice and assistance on its restructuring and equity and debt financing
  • Act for a Hong Kong company engaged in carnival business, and provide legal advice and assistance on a regular basis for its carnivals and other related businesses in Hong Kong
  • Assisted a client with the acquisition of a minority equity stake in a blockchain company by conducting a full scope legal due diligence against the target company

Experience on Other Commercial Matters

  • Provide legal advice and assistance to multinational companies, including preparing terms and conditions, privacy policy, etc. for setting up of business or holding events in Hong Kong
  • Provide legal advice and assistance on drafting commercial documents to various clients including shareholders agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements, repo agreements, call option agreements, terms and conditions, non-disclosure agreements, privacy policies etc.

Employment-related Experience

  • Assist in the drafting of employment agreements, employment handbooks and consultancy agreements for various corporate clients
  • Provide legal advice and assistance to employers on employment-related enquiries including enforceability of restrictive covenants, termination entitlements of employees, termination arrangement, reporting requirements to government authorities, personal data privacy etc.
  • Provide advice to employees on employment-related enquiries including enforceability of restrictive covenants, termination entitlements, remedies in unreasonable and unlawful dismissal cases etc.
  • Provide advice to corporate clients on the setting up of their employee stock ownership plans
  • Provide legal advice and assistance on drafting / reviewing employment-related documents of corporate employers, including full-time and part-time employment agreements, employee handbooks, consultancy agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data privacy policies etc.
  • Advise various companies on issues of transfer of employees in merger and acquisition matters
  • Assist employers and employees in application for employment visa
  • Acted for a company engaged in SFC-licensed activities in preparing the service contract of one of its accredited licensed representative
  • Provided legal advice and assistance to an employee who has been dismissed by his employer to avoid bonus payment and successfully obtained judgment in favour of the employee for the relevant bonus
  • Acted for a corporate employer in a matter where one of its ex-employee has misappropriated the funds of the employer and successfully recovered the misappropriated funds from the already departed employee

Litigation Experience

  • Advise on a high profile white-collar crime case which attracts media attention
  • Represented a party to a big money divorce case and successfully obtained an injunction order against the other party restraining dissipation of assets

Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Experience

  • Represent the administrator of a high-profile estate with assets across the world which attracts media attention
  • Advise and assist high net worth individuals with assets across the world to set up trusts for their tax and estate planning
  • Successfully assisted clients in obtaining Grant Ad Colligenda Bona (i.e. temporary grant of letters of administration) for cases where administration of the estate is urgent
Languages

English, Cantonese and Mandarin

Awards

Vera C.Y. Sung

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Profile

Vera is a partner of OLN and heads OLN’s Intellectual Property team in Hong Kong and China. Before joining OLN, Vera worked at several major law firms in Hong Kong practicing intellectual property law.

Her practice focuses on trade marks, patents, copyright, domain name disputes, passing-off actions, IP licensing and IP enforcement. Vera has extensive experience in intellectual property registration, prosecution, enforcement, portfolio management and development for multinational companies. Her experience spans a wide variety of sectors, from US government legal departments to corporate clients and charities.

Vera is an active member of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA). Vera was appointed as Chair of East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the Law and Regulation Committee for the International Trademark Conference (“INTA”) 2012-2013. She served on the Legislation & Regulation Committee of INTA from 2002 to 2006, and also from 2010 – 2015 term. She also served on INTA’s Geographical Indications Committee from 2007 to 2009.

Vera is a regular speaker at legal conferences for corporate counsel and international clients. She was a speaker at Sony Corporation (HK) Limited, Hong Kong; University of Southern California, US; Inniskillin Winery, Ontario, Canada, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. She has moderated a table topic entitled “Effective IP Enforcement in China” at INTA. Vera also speaks at Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) courses in Hong Kong, and since 2012 she has been a regular writer of Sing Tao Newspaper on intellectual property legal issues.

Vera was also a contributor to Butterworths Hong Kong English-Chinese Legal Dictionary and Martindale -Hubbell International Law Digest, Hong Kong Intellectual Property Law.

Vera is committed to clarity, practical recommendations, sensible language and clear pricing.

Vera is also a recommended lawyer in Chambers Asia-Pacific. Chambers states that Vera “has handled a range of noteworthy trade mark mandates over the past year. One client observed that “she gives me straight judgements, and thinks ahead. She also proposes smart, well thought-out solutions for challenging issues.”

Admissions and Memberships

Since 1998   Solicitor, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Since 2010  Notary Public, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Education

University of Wales, Cardiff

LL.B. (Hons)

University of Hong Kong

LL.M. in Information Technology Law

What Others Say

Vera Sung and her team at OLN are highly skilled advisors, who consistently adapt to clients’ needs and provide expert guidance on IP strategies. They tailor their approach to fit each client’s specific requirements, ensuring recommended strategies align with their business goals. The team excels at managing client expectations, delivering practical and commercially viable solutions. They stay up-to-date with the latest developments in IP law and swiftly adjust their approaches accordingly. This resourcefulness demonstrates their dedication to client service. It’s a great experience having Vera as my IP lawyer.  Vera understands her client, very insightful and is an expert in his field. Truly a professional and provides comprehensive strategic, and always one step ahead.

– Desmond Luk (Commercial Director), World-Link Roadway System Company Limited

OLN has truly been able to tailor and advise IP strategy that fits the client’s needs, as well as level-setting expectations in a commercially realistic manner. Vera Sung and her team have been also resourceful in handling new legal challenges and developments, as well as adapting certain approaches to resolve which are within the means of the client.

– Janet Lau (Legal Director), Hypebeast Hong kong Limited

Languages

English, Cantonese and Mandarin

Awards