Oldham, Li & Nie

I head a team of energetic and passionate lawyers to:-

- Listen to business model then identify your real concerns and issues

- Advise on how to build sustainable shareholding structure

- Draft documents that don’t just protect your interest, but predict and prevent dispute then allow business to grow 

- Take into account humanity in our work

Services that we offer:-

- Shareholding structuring - advisory, drafting shareholders’ / cofounders’ agreement

- Fund-raising support (SAFE, CB & Equity) - negotiation, term sheet, transaction document review / drafting, closing 

- Advice on ESOP

- Contract negotiation, review & drafting (Service Agreement, License Agreement, Cooperation Agreement, T&C, SAAS Agreement,  User Agreement etc)

- For Hong Kong based business looking for overseas expansion - we work together with boutique firms outside HK to help your business expand swiftly but legally 

- For overseas business to Hong Kong - company set up & other local support 

Check out our brochure here - shorturl.at/ijJQ4

Legal Consultant

The University of Hong Kong

Lecturer

Tsang, Chan & Wong

This is the firm which I have started from 0 to build my own emerging companies / commercial legal practice and followings.

Consultant

Choy, Cheung & Co

I was invited to start (then closed) this no longer existing law firm. I have gained much experience from this journey.

Han Kun Law Offices

Of Counsel

Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP

Associate

King & Wood

As an entrepreneur myself running my own legal practice and other ventures, and also wife of an entrepreneur, that’s how my team and I work with our clients:- 

- We understand and consider business when advising.
- We take care of human elements in our advice.  Relationship matters.
- We discuss with you how your team can also prevent problems on operational level.
- We avoid incurring unnecessary hours and guide with you on things that you can do so to save our hours
- We ask about your budget and provide fee estimate 
- We share our connections with you
- We work in plain language

What can I do for you?

- any agreement drafting and reviewing
- fund raising 
- ESOP and employee motivation plan 
- handling dispute 
- advising on how to deal with negotiations 
- overseas expansion 

Who are my clients?

- Startup / emerging companies looking for scaling up their business and fund raising
- Corporate / individual investors who are new to start up / early stage investment
- Fast growing companies which are yet to afford a full time experienced legal counsel
- Corporates which are keen about corporate innovation but not sure how
- Overseas companies which plans to tap into the Hong Kong and PRC markets
- Overseas law firms who look for reliable Hong Kong legal support
- Individuals who look for more thoughtful and humane legal advice in family / trust / probate matters (which I will work closely with my team)

Industry: E-Commerce, SI, SaaS, Cloud, Food Tech, Prop Tech, Digital Assets, F&B, Retail, Entertainment, Real Estate, Logistics, Franchised Business, Trading, IoT etc.

By having a general retainer (I call it Legal First Aid Kit) with us, you can focus on growing your business.

DM or email me to check out how our Legal First Aid Kit works, or how I may be able to help you - cermain.cheung@oln-law.com

***
Other than work, I am also a (mostly) stay at home working mommy of three adorable kids and a handsome kitten.

Cermain  Cheung

No ball games at a park? Are you serious?  

Yes — I saw a poster at a park near Ma On Shan that said exactly that.  

I approached the security guard to ask why.  

She just stared, said nothing.  

Imagine that — a rule with no explanation.  

When rules are enforced without reason, chaos follows.  

It’s like telling a kid “no,” without telling him why.  

It breeds rebellion.  

In school — kids push back, ignore rules, become unruly.  

In work — teams get frustrated, morale drops, conflicts rise.  

Rules should make sense.  

If you’re leading, ask yourself: are your rules clear, fair, and justified?  

Or are you just creating friction?  

Sometimes, the rules we enforce do more harm than good.  

Think about it.  

What rules are you holding onto — just because “that’s how it’s always been”?  

Time to rethink.  

Because no rule should be worth chaos.  

Sensible rules drive disputes away!

Want better teamwork? Start with rules that actually make sense.

Human-centric legal solutions for everyone | 1/2 entrepreneur (森流GreenFlow & YeeGoo 易雇) | Wife of entrepreneur & mommy of 3 | Work-life integrator

No alternative text description for this image

Ever wondered what a single plastic bag can do? 
Here’s a simple idea: turn it into a tool for change. 

Last weekend, we hiked to Ham Tim Wan (鹹田灣) in Sai Kung — one of the most beautiful beaches around. 

White sand, surrounded by lush hills, it’s a perfect spot for some healthy outdoor fun. 

It’s part of the Maclehose Trail, Section 2, and if you’re into hiking, you know how refreshing it is to breathe in that mountain air. 

But here’s the harsh reality — the scenery gets tarnished by trash. Bottles, beer cans, food wrappers... you name it. It’s heartbreaking when nature’s beauty is spoiled by our own carelessness. 

My friend Franco always carries a plastic bag to collect wood or rocks for his terrarium. This time, we decided to use that same bag to collect rubbish along the trail. 

One bag wasn’t enough. We kept filling and filling, until we had three full bags of trash. 

It’s a small action, but it makes a difference. Dumping trash isn’t just wrong — it’s a stain on all of us. 

So, here’s a challenge: next time you hike, bring an extra trash bag. Do your part, no matter how small. 

Baby steps matter. If enough of us start there, we can turn these trails back into the pristine places they’re meant to be. 

We can do it together. Who’s in? 

End of the day, it’s about respect for nature and our community. Let’s leave behind something better than we found. 

Time to start small and think big. Who else will join me? #TrashBagHike #Hongkongtrails #Saikung #hiking #impact

***

I'm Cermain, an experienced corporate lawyer, a newbie entrepreneur, a mommy of 3 and a work-life integrator. I occasionally post insights on business, law, parenting and life. Stay updated, click the bell icon on my profile. DMs are welcome.

Heartbroken.

I never thought we’d see a man-made disaster of this scale unfold in Hong Kong in 2025.

In trying to figure out how I could contribute or help, I checked the Wang Fuk Court Owners’ Corporation website and noticed in one of the meeting records a discussion on engaging lawyers to prepare documents outlining owners’ shared repair costs, along with fees for late payments. 
Media reports have also highlighted that many owners were well aware of penalties for delayed contributions.

While I haven’t reviewed the major repair contract myself, I wonder if the rights and obligations are truly balanced between individual owners and the contractor—for instance, owners face structured collection processes with interest for late payments, but are there comparable clauses to hold the contractor accountable for delays, deviations from the agreed plan, negligence, or similar issues?

For a HK$330 million project like this, any moderately sized company entering such an agreement—even for a fraction of that value—would typically enlist legal experts to protect both parties’ interests. Yet, when it involves thousands of small owners, many feel overwhelmed or underinformed in navigating legal matters, overly reliant on standard templates for protection, or convinced that justice through the courts (at great expense) will prevail. These unchecked misconceptions slowly entrench outdated systems.

Honestly, even if authorities arrest a dozen individuals and impose lifelong sentences, or if insurance payouts come through, does it truly make a difference for the residents who’ve already lost loved ones and their homes?

That said, the outpouring of donations and supplies from companies is truly heartening and appreciated. However, what’s critically needed now is sustained, long-term support to help the affected residents rebuild their lives and address their emotional well-being.

Looking further ahead, real change starts with greater awareness of our rights and responsibilities, followed by collective efforts to reform the system.

On a related note, I’ve long believed blockchain technology holds immense potential for transparent multi-party decision-making—anyone with expertise care to share insights?

All of the above reflects my personal views and reflections only; it is not intended as professional legal advice, analysis, or a call to action. If anything is inaccurate, I’m open to corrections, but please don’t rely on this as factual evidence. I have no intent to defame any individual or organization, nor to promote any unlawful activities.

YUZU

Helping companies bridge the resource and skills gap in legal, compliance, C-suite, finance, corporate governance, and support services with highly skilled professionals on secondment. 

Yuzu by Star Anise offers a flexible solution: think part time GC, interim CFO/COO, contract legal or company secretary, amongst other functions, as a cost effective means to complete a project, to provide support during peak season, or to bolster a team with experience and technically proficient professionals.  3, 6 or however many months you wish, all payroll and administration services covered so we take the headache off you. 

Expanding the gig economy for legal, compliance and business support professionals.

Co-Founder / CEO

Star Anise Leadership and Training (SALT)

Providing the education and training to lawyers that law schools won't.

Customised and individual leadership, technical and soft skills training courses, coaching and mentoring services for organisations and individuals for lawyers, compliance professionals, C-suite and other senior managers.

Co-Founder

Star Anise Recruitment

Co-founder, co-managing director, with my business partner and sister, Annie Tang. We both come from the legal services industry, having qualified and worked in England and Hong Kong, respectively.  I head up and lead the private practice team, covering mainly partners and of counsels, whilst occasionally moonlighting as in-house counsel, IT helpdesk, trainer, marketing guy, HR manager, TA manager, facilities and purchasing specialist, handy man, and tea lady for the business. It's amazing what a pair of specs can do. No one in my team knows my dual identities.

On a serious note, we cover: 
• Legal, compliance, C-suite and professional support recruitment, placing lawyers, legal related professionals and Executives in law firms, financial services organisations and companies in Hong Kong.
• We cover both qualified roles and professional support roles: HR/talent acquisition, Business Development, legal secretarial, knowledge management, company secretaries, compliance, senior finance, investigations and forensic accounting, amongst others
•  Private Wealth senior professionals 

https://www.staranise.com.hk

Managing Director

Cobbetts LLP

Corporate M&A/PE lawyer with a top 50 UK law firm, whose work included private equity and capital market transactions (domestic and cross border), deal sizes between £20m-£300m. Acted for Plc clients, SMEs, large private companies, private equity houses, banks, hedge funds and Nominated Advisers (Nomads).

Legal Director (Solicitor of England & Wales)

Natasia

Start-up online fashion accessories business

Director & In-house Counsel

Geldards LLP

Assistant Solicitor

Irwin Mitchell

Trained at one of the UK's Top 20 largest law firms, qualifying in the Corporate and Commercial department.

Trainee Solicitor, followed by Assistant Solicitor

Hogan Lovells

Paralegal

Our business comprises three main service lines that focuses on (1) legal talent management, (2) the personal growth and development, and (3) the recruitment of lawyers and professionals in law firm and corporate teams. 

Star Anise (legal and compliance recruitment agency) - www.staranise.com.hk
Yuzu ALSP (flexible outsourcing, legal managed teams) - www.yuzu.com.hk
Star Anise Leadership & Training (SALT) - www.salt.com.hk 

One office, galaxy-wide.

We've always wanted to challenge the status quo. We want to be more customer-centric, have more empathy, take greater ownership, listen, and create solutions that are impactful and long-standing. And if we create lifelong friends as a result, bonus!

Chris Tang

Tragedy has fallen on Hong Kong in the past 24 hours with several residential blocks in the city of Tai Po engulfed in flames, many deaths, injuries and missing persons reported, well in excess of 500. 

Hospitals across the region are under considerable strain and no doubt needing blood donation. 

Links of donor centres in comments below, if you’re in Hong Kong, please give generously, feel free to share this link. 

Huge blaze in Hong Kong leaves at least 44 dead, 279 missing – as it happened

A person who peoples. Ex-M&A lawyer. Helping businesses and law firms scale whilst managing business risk, provide managed legal services, and optimise their legal teams | Not a LinkedIn Top Voice

Open article: Huge blaze in Hong Kong leaves at least 44 dead, 279 missing – as it happened by scmp.com

Huge blaze in Hong Kong leaves at least 44 dead, 279 missing – as it happened

APAC legal hiring is shifting—are you ready?

2025 is redefining talent priorities for law firms and in-house teams across Hong Kong, Singapore, and London. Senior counsel roles are filling faster, but specialist talent remains scarce. Cross-border moves are up, yet 92% of placements are still local—underscoring the value of regional expertise.

What’s driving these changes? Our latest market review reveals how evolving compliance demands, digital transformation, and new legal sectors are shaping recruitment strategies. 

Curious how your team compares—or how to stay ahead? Tap into our in-depth analysis or connect for tailored insights. 

Let’s navigate the next chapter of legal talent together. For a confidential and free discussion, reach out via email: enquiry@staranise.com.hk.

[Trigger alert] This is the second in a series of discussions from the legal profession in Hong Kong on the extremely sensitive topic of suicide. 

The first talk the other week was such an eye opener and one of the great points raised is that we need to normalise the actual discussion of suicide. Too many people shy away from discussing this.  

I urge as many people in and out of the legal profession to put this half hour down to your non-billables timesheet entry and put a pause on everything else whilst you listen in on what will be a very insightful discussion. 

Time below listed is Hong Kong time (GMT + 8 hours, NYC + 13 hours, LA + 16 hours). 

𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻.

Brian Henderson (he/him), Paul Haswell

Inner Growth Mentor. Empowering clients to find their path to holistic wellbeing and a more fulfilling future using a range of mind-body practices.

View Brian Henderson (he/him)’s profile

Excited to have Caroline Langston join Paul Haswell for our next Lawyers & Suicide call to share her experience as a responder on the Samaritans helpline.

Caroline will share how calls typically go and how the Samaritans can help  people with suicidal thoughts and also those who are concerned about someone else who may be thinking of suicide.

Please register via the QR code in the image or via this link to receive the Zoom invitation. Your email will not be visible to other participants. Camera off is absolutely fine.

Please share with your lawyer friends and colleagues.

Let's destigmatise suicide in the legal profession.

Let's encourage help seeking by calling a helpline.

Let's save lives!

Register here - https://lnkd.in/eCZQsDff

If you need urgent help, please call one of the Hong Kong suicide helplines below.

Caritas 18288
Mental Health Support Hotline 18111
The Samaritans 2896 0000
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong 2389 2222
Suicide Prevention Services 2382 0000

taplio

The Battle

Cermain Cheung

Chris Tang

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreCermain Cheung's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreChris Tang's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Cermain Cheung

Chris Tang

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Cermain Cheung's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreChris Tang's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreCermain Cheung's LinkedIn Performance