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Gordon D. Oldham

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Profile

Gordon arrived in Hong Kong from the United Kingdom over 40 years ago as a newly qualified lawyer, having been recruited by one of the larger Hong Kong firms to join their litigation department. He was made partner and head of the litigation department two years later.

Gordon’s litigation practice continued until 1987 at which time he found himself involved more and more in commercial work and to cater to such and expand his professional experience he formed his own firm and in subsequent years, took on partners who brought with them their own degree of specialty.

During his 40 years in Hong Kong, Gordon has been involved in business both locally and internationally and both as a legal adviser but more often than not, as a businessman. Gordon’s direct involvement in business activities has given him a unique insight into the requirements of those who own or run businesses.

Gordon is involved in commercial work drawing on his experience of having been engaged as a principal in a number of businesses in Hong Kong and Asia. His philosophy in legal work is to give practical legal solutions to clients, to work hand-in-hand with them in their business development and offer a more rounded approach to business situations.

Gordon’s work also involves corporate finance, joint ventures, real estate structuring as well as commercial litigation. He also deals extensively with high net worth clients and finance aspects of Matrimonial Disputes.

In his involvement as a principal, he has extensive experience in hospitality, real estate development, publishing and brand creation and development. A large amount of his time is involved in the running of several charitable organizations both in Hong Kong and Asia.

What Others Say

Gordon Oldham is highly respected for his seasoned advice on a broad range of corporate and M&A matters. He leverages over three decades of transactional experience in Hong Kong.

– Chambers Greater China Region 2023

Gordon Oldham is the senior partner and a dynamic and enthusiastic lawyer.

– Client testimonial (Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023)

Languages

English, French

Awards

Gareth K.W. Leung

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Profile

Gareth obtained his Bachelor of Laws from King’s College London and completed his Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the City University of Hong Kong. Gareth joined OLN as a trainee solicitor and was admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court in Hong Kong in 2022.

He is currently assisting in the Tax & Private Client Department, working on non-contentious advisory work in relation to trusts, succession planning and estate administration.

He also has experience handling contentious work in relation to mental health disputes and disputing the validity of a Will, and can conduct civil and criminal litigation including insolvency, shareholders disputes and disciplinary proceedings.

Admissions and Memberships

Since 2022  Solicitor, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Education

King’s College London

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

City University of Hong Kong

Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)

Languages

English, Cantonese and Mandarin

Awards

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

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

Alex K.H. Dai

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Profile

Alex obtained his Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) from the University of Warwick. He then received his Juris Doctor degree and the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws from the City University of Hong Kong.  Alex completed his training at OLN as a trainee solicitor and became a qualified solicitor of the High Court in Hong Kong in 2023. 

Alex has substantial experience in handling a diverse range of civil and commercial litigation matters including shareholder and director disputes, contractual disputes, fraud cases, insolvency matters (winding-up of companies and bankruptcy), debt recovery and employment matters. Alex also has experience in handling personal injury matters and non-contentious probate matters.

Alex has acted for domestic and international individual and corporate clients including multinational companies and high net-worth individuals and cooperating with lawyers in different jurisdictions.

Admissions and Memberships

Since 2023  Solicitor, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Education

University of Warwick

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering)

City University of Hong Kong

Juris Doctor (JD)
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)


Languages

English, Cantonese and Mandarin