James Poon

Provided comprehensive oversight of HR and legal compliance matters for the company's client. My key responsibilities included:

• Serving as general counsel to conduct legal audits.
• Redrafting the company's employment contracts to ensure consistency across their offices in Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
• Acting as the primary legal advisor for litigation cases and collaborating with external counsel on related matters.
• Restructuring shareholder agreements and addressing legal issues concerning shares and options.
• Restructuring the HR team to enhance efficiency.
• Conducting in-depth legal research to support case preparation and deliver precise legal advice.
• Advising the business on compliance matters to mitigate risk exposure and potential financial liabilities.

• Focused on employment-related legal matters, assisting clients (through solicitor's instruction) with various issues.
• Conducted thorough reviews and drafted employment contracts to ensure compliance with local labor laws.
• Developed and updated HR policies and employee handbooks to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
• Provided strategic advice on handling employment disputes, including mediation and negotiation strategies.
• Performed comprehensive compliance audits to identify risks and non-compliance issues, offering tailored recommendations.
• Organized and conducted training sessions for HR teams and management on key employment law topics.
• Advised clients on best practices for employee terminations, addressing legal aspects of layoffs and severance packages.
• Offered guidance on cross-border employment challenges, including expatriate contracts and compliance with international labor standards.

• Up Advisory, a subsidiary of Up Recruitment Limited, specializes in legal recruitment and employment advisory services for companies.
  Up Advisory focuses on providing tailored solutions in legal recruitment, helping organizations find the right talent for their legal teams while offering expert advice on employment matters to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Provided assistance to new start-ups with HR and legal matters, facilitating their establishment in Hong Kong.
  The firm supported new businesses by advising them on essential HR policies, legal frameworks, and compliance requirements necessary for operating in Hong Kong, enabling a smoother entry into the market.
• Notable achievement includes supporting Charles Russell Speechly, a prominent UK law firm, in opening their Asia office in Hong Kong and overseeing the recruitment of executive members.
  Played a key role in the successful launch of the Asia office for this well-regarded law firm by identifying and recruiting top executive talent, ensuring that the firm had the right leadership in place to thrive in a new region.
• Assisted companies, such as Haldanes, in locating the right team and ensuring seamless transitions for team members through careful review, negotiation, and management of lateral moves.
  Collaborated closely with firms to identify and recruit suitable candidates for lateral moves, while ensuring that both the firm and the candidates experienced a smooth transition process, minimizing disruptions and fostering a positive onboarding experience.
• Managed a departmental lateral move, facilitating smooth transitions for team members within the organization.
  Oversaw the internal movement of employees between departments, ensuring that the transition was efficient and that employees were supported throughout the process, which included communication, resource allocation, and integration into new teams.
• Responsible for negotiation and contract review for all team members to ensure compliance and protect organizational interests.
  Engaged in thorough negotiations and contract reviews to safeguard the rights and obligations of both the organization and its employees, ensuring all agreements were compliant with local laws and aligned with the company’s strategic goals.
• Collaborated with over 40 clients, addressing both recruitment needs and legal compliance issues.
  Developed strong partnerships with a diverse client base, providing comprehensive support in recruitment and legal matters, which helped clients navigate complex regulatory environments and build effective teams.

• Assisted the company in business development and was responsible for the legal recruitment arm of the organization.
  Played a pivotal role in driving business growth by enhancing the legal recruitment division, identifying market opportunities, and developing strategies to attract new clients while maintaining relationships with existing ones.
  
• Established strong relationships and successfully placed candidates in over 30 firms during my tenure.
  Built and nurtured long-term relationships with clients, understanding their specific needs and organizational culture, which facilitated successful placements of high-quality candidates across various legal firms.
  Responsible for the end-to-end recruitment process, overseeing every stage from candidate sourcing to finalization.
  
• Managed the complete recruitment cycle, which included:
  
  - Sourcing Candidates: Utilized various channels such as job boards, networking events, and social media to identify a diverse pool of qualified candidates tailored to client requirements.
  
  - Screening and Interviewing: Conducted thorough screening of resumes and facilitated initial interviews to assess candidates’ skills, experience, and cultural fit with client firms.
  
  - Client Collaboration: Worked closely with hiring managers to understand specific job requirements and refine candidate profiles, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic objectives.
  
  - Candidate Presentation: Presented shortlisted candidates to clients, highlighting their qualifications and potential contributions to the firm.
  
  - Negotiation and Offer Management: Managed salary negotiations and offer discussions between clients and candidates, ensuring a satisfactory agreement for both parties.
  
  - Onboarding Support: Provided support during the onboarding process, ensuring that new hires received the necessary resources and guidance to acclimate to their new roles effectively.

• Private M&A Transactions
  Successfully advised clients on various private M&A transactions, conducting thorough due diligence and providing strategic counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Negotiation and Drafting
  Played a key role in negotiating and drafting transaction documents, including share purchase agreements and disclosure schedules, ensuring that client interests were effectively protected throughout the process.
• Client Representation
  Acted on behalf of clients in negotiations with counterparties, facilitating clear communication and fostering positive relationships to achieve favorable outcomes in M&A deals.
• IPO Advisory for Underwriters
  Provided legal support for initial public offerings (IPOs), acting on behalf of underwriters to navigate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with securities laws throughout the offering process.
• Preparation of Offering Documents
  Assisted in the preparation and review of offering documents, including prospectuses and underwriting agreements, ensuring that all disclosures were accurate and compliant with legal standards.
• Corporate Governance Compliance
  Advised clients on corporate governance best practices related to M&A and IPO transactions, ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks and enhancing overall corporate compliance.
• General Commercial Matters
  Handled various corporate general commercial matters, including the drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts, ensuring alignment with client objectives and legal requirements.

• Pupillage
  Completed a one-year pupillage, gaining comprehensive exposure to various areas of law before being called to the Bar in 2004.
• Collaboration with Renowned Barristers
  Worked closely with esteemed barristers specializing in personal injury, commercial, and criminal law, benefiting from their expertise and mentorship in complex legal matters.
• Involvement in Landmark Cases
  Actively participated in several landmark cases, contributing to legal strategies and case preparations that set precedents in the field, enhancing my understanding of the intricacies of high-profile litigation.
• Case Research and Preparation
  Conducted in-depth legal research and drafted legal documents, including pleadings and briefs, which honed my analytical skills and attention to detail essential for effective advocacy.
• Client Interaction
  Engaged with clients to gather information and understand their perspectives, ensuring that their needs were considered in the legal strategies developed for their cases.
• Court Appearances
  Gained valuable experience through court appearances, presenting arguments and assisting in trials, which built my confidence and practical skills in courtroom advocacy.
• Networking and Professional Development
  Established a network of professional contacts within the legal community through participation in seminars and events, fostering relationships that have been beneficial throughout my career.