{"id":"court_ctb_1060_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1060,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":"2022-11-02","title":"|                                         | DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT<br>BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CO","summary_zh":"债务人聘请法律顾问申请 —— Ho Wan Kwok 破产案（郭文贵 / Guo Wengui / Miles Guo），CTB 22-50073 ECF #1060（2022-11-02立案）。自行管理的债务人 Genever Holdings Corporation 申请法院批准自 2022 年 10 月 11 日起正式聘请 Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. 律师事务所担任其破产案件法律顾问。","summary_en":"Debtor's Application to Employ Counsel —— In re Ho Wan Kwok (Miles Guo / Guo Wengui), CTB Case No. 22-50073, ECF No. 1060 (filed November 2, 2022). Debtor-in-possession Genever Holdings Corporation applied for court authorization to retain and employ Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. as its legal counsel effective as of October 11, 2022.","body_en":"Case 22-50073 Doc 1060 Filed 11/02/22 Entered 11/02/22 16:01:54 Page 1 of 20\n\n|                                         | DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT<br>BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT |\n|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|\n| ______________________________________x |                                                |                                |\n|                                         | :                                              |                                |\n| In re:                                  | :                                              | CHAPTER 11                     |\n|                                         | :                                              |                                |\n| HO WAN KWOK,<br>et al.,                 | :                                              | CASE NO. 22-50073 (JAM)        |\n|                                         | :                                              |                                |\n| Debtors.1                               | :                                              | Jointly Administered           |\n| ______________________________________x |                                                |                                |\n\n# **DEBTOR'S APPLICATION FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AND LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014-1 AND 2016-1, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF NEUBERT, PEPE, & MONTEITH, P.C., AS COUNSEL**\n\nGenever Holdings Corporation, debtor and debtor-in-possession (the \"Debtor\") in the above-captioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\"), pursuant to sections 327, 328, and 330 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\"), Rules 2014 and 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), and Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1 of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Local Bankruptcy Rules\") for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Court\"), respectfully requests (the \"Application\") that the Court authorize its employment of the law firm of Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. (\"NPM\") as its counsel with respect to this Chapter 11 Case. In support of this Application, the Debtor states the following:\n\n### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n1. By this Application, the Debtor seeks entry of an order, substantially in the form of the proposed order filed herewith (the \"Proposed Order\"), authorizing and approving the retention and employment of NPM as Debtor's counsel effective as of October 11, 2022.\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595) (the \"Individual Debtor\") and Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Genever BVI Debtor\"). The mailing address for the Trustee and the Genever BVI Debtor is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n2. In support of this Application, the Debtor submits the *Declaration of Douglas S. Skalka in Support of Debtor's Application for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Sections 327, 328, and 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rules 2014- 1 and 2016-1, Authorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. as Debtor's Counsel* (the \"Skalka Declaration\"), attached as Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by reference.\n\n### **JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASES**\n\n3. The Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 and the *Standing Order of Reference* from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut (as amended). This is a core proceeding within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b).\n\n4. Venue in this District is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n5. The statutory bases for the relief requested herein are sections 327(a), 328(a), and 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, and, to the extent applicable, Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1.\n\n## **BACKGROUND**\n\n6. On October 11, 2022 (the \"Petition Date\"), the Debtor filed with the Court a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n7. As of the filing of this Application, no creditors committee or trustee has been appointed in the Debtor's Chapter 11 Case.\n\n### **THE FIRM'S QUALIFICATIONS**\n\n8. NPM maintains offices in New Haven, Hartford, and Fairfield, Connecticut, and White Plains, New York. NPM was founded in 1993 and has a widely diversified general and corporate practice. The firm currently employs 36 lawyers, who are assisted by six paralegals.\n\n9. The Debtor selected NPM as its counsel because of NPM's expertise in financial reorganizations, bankruptcy, investigations, corporate, and commercial litigation matters. NPM is well suited for the type of representation required by the Debtor. Its insolvency practice includes ten attorneys. NPM has substantial resources and expertise in the areas of the law that may arise in this case.\n\n10. NPM has specific and relevant experience in the representation of debtors, chapter 11 trustees, post-confirmation liquidating trustees, and creditor committees, including within and in connection with cases in this Court. NPM also has experience in serving as local counsel for Luc Despins, the Debtor's equity holder, in connection with the pending chapter 11 proceedings of the Debtor's affiliate, Ho Wan Kwok, Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) (the \"Kwok Case\"). As a result of this role, NPM is familiar with the Debtor's corporate structure and the dispute over the ownership of the assets of its subsidiary, Genever Holdings LLC.\n\n## **THE ANTICIPATED SERVICES**\n\n11. The Debtor anticipates that NPM will render general legal services, as its counsel as needed throughout the course of the Chapter 11 Case, including bankruptcy, litigation, investigations, real estate, tax, and other matters. In particular, the Debtor has requested that NPM perform, among others, the following legal services:\n\n(a) advising the Debtor as to its rights, powers, and duties in the Chapter 11 Case;\n\n(b) advising the Debtor as to its investigation into the property of the Debtor's estate, including the pursuit of any actions to collect and recover property for the benefit of the Debtor's estate;\n\n(c) commencing, conducting, and/or continuing litigation necessary and appropriate to assert rights held by the Debtor's estate, protect assets of the Debtor's estate, or otherwise further the goal of completing the Chapter 11 Case;\n\n(d) preparing on behalf of the Debtor necessary and appropriate applications, motions, proposed orders, other pleadings, notices, schedules, and other documents, and\n\nreviewing financial and other reports filed and to be filed in the Chapter 11 Case;\n\n(e) advising the Debtor concerning, and preparing responses to, applications, motions, other pleadings, notices, and other papers that may be filed by other parties in the Chapter 11 Case;\n\n(f) advising the Debtor with respect to, and assisting in the negotiation and documentation of, financing agreements and related transactions;\n\n(g) reviewing the nature and validity of any liens asserted against the Debtor's property and advising the Debtor concerning the enforceability of such liens;\n\n(h) advising and assisting the Debtor in connection with any potential asset sales and property dispositions;\n\n(i) advising the Debtor concerning executory contract and unexpired lease assumptions, assignments, and rejections;\n\n(j) advising the Debtor in connection with the formulation, negotiation, and promulgation of a plan or plans of reorganization, and related transactional documents;\n\n(k) assisting the Debtor in reviewing, estimating, and resolving claims asserted against the Debtor's estate; and\n\n(l) negotiating with parties-in-interest.\n\n## **COMPENSATION OF PROFESSIONALS**\n\n12. NPM intends to apply to the Court for compensation for professional services rendered and for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with this Chapter 11 Case pursuant to sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1, and any other applicable rules and orders with respect to this Chapter 11 Case. NPM will charge the Debtor for its legal services on an hourly basis at its regularly applicable hourly rates in connection with the services required in this Chapter 11 Case.\n\n13. At present, the 2022 hourly rates of NPM are \\$140.00 - \\$175.00 for paralegal work; \\$175.00 - \\$360.00 for associates and counsel; and up to \\$450.00 for principals of the firm. NPM's hourly rates are subject to periodic adjustments to reflect economic and other conditions.[1](#page-3-0) It is\n\n<span id=\"page-3-0\"></span> <sup>1</sup> NPM's hourly rates are typically revised at the end of each calendar year to reflect experience, seniority, and standing.\n\nanticipated that NPM's services will primarily be provided by Douglas S. Skalka, whose hourly rate is \\$450.00, Lucas B. Rocklin, whose hourly rate is \\$400.00, and Patrick R. Linsey, whose hourly rate is \\$350.00.\n\n14. The Debtor submits that NPM's hourly rates are reasonable, comparable to NPM's hourly rates for non-bankruptcy engagements, and within the range of rates charged by comparably skilled professionals who offer the same services. This is especially true under the circumstances here where the Debtor's estate currently has no assets to pay professional fees. As a result, NPM is being retained, for all practical purposes, on a contingency basis—*i.e.*, its compensation will depend on whether assets are eventually brought into the Debtor's estate (which, in turn, will depend on the extent to which NPM and the Debtor are successful in recovering assets for the benefit of the Debtor's estate and its creditors).\n\n15. NPM will also bill for out-of-pocket expenses made on behalf of the Debtor, including photocopying, postage and package deliveries, court fees, transcripts, witness fees, service fees, travel expenses, and computer-aided research, in accordance with practices in this District.\n\n## **NPM IS DISINTERESTED**\n\n16. To the best of the Debtor's knowledge in reliance upon the Skalka Declaration, and except as disclosed therein, NPM does not have any relationships with the Debtor, its creditors, or any other party-in-interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United States Trustee, or any person employed in the Office of the United States Trustee.\n\n These step increases do not constitute \"rate increases\" (as the term is used in the *Guidelines for Reviewing Applications for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses Filed Under 11 U.S.C. § 330 by Attorneys in Larger Chapter 11 Cases Effective as of November 1, 2013*) (the \"U.S. Trustee Guidelines\"). As set forth in the Proposed Order, NPM will provide ten business days' notice to the Debtor, the Assistant United States Trustee for the District of Connecticut (the \"U.S. Trustee\"), and counsel to the Committee and any other official committee, before implementing periodic increases, and shall file any such notice with the Court.\n\n17. More specifically, upon such basis, the Debtor believes that: (a) NPM has no connection with the Debtor, its creditors, the U.S. Trustee, any person employed in the office of the U.S. Trustee, or a party with an actual or potential interest in the Chapter 11 Case other than its role as local and conflicts counsel for Mr. Despins in the Kwok Case; and (b) neither NPM nor any of its attorneys (i) is a creditor, equity security holder, or insider of the Debtor or its affiliates, (ii) has been, within two years before the Petition Date, a director, officer, or employee of the Debtor or its affiliates, or (iii) has any interest materially adverse to the interests of the Debtor's estate or any class of creditors or equity security holders by reason of any direct or indirect relationship to, connection with, or interest in the Debtor, or for any other reason. Therefore, the Debtor believes that NPM is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by section 1107(b).\n\n18. Based on the Skalka Declaration, the Debtor believes that NPM does not represent any adverse interest to unsecured creditors in connection with these cases.\n\n## **BASIS FOR THE RELIEF REQUESTED, NOTICE, AND NO PRIOR REQUEST FOR RELIEF REQUESTED HEREBY**\n\n19. The Debtor requests to retain and employ NPM as its attorneys, pursuant to section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides that a debtor-in-possession, subject to the approval of the Court, may employ professional persons \"that do not hold or represent an interest adverse to the estate, and that are disinterested persons, to represent or assist the [debtor-in-possession] in carrying out the [its] duties under this title.\"[2](#page-5-0)\n\n20. Under section 328(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, with bankruptcy court approval, a debtor-in-possession may employ professional persons under section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy\n\n<span id=\"page-5-0\"></span> <sup>2</sup> A debtor-in-possession has the rights of a trustee to employ counsel pursuant to, *e.g.*, Bankruptcy Code sections 327 and 328. *See* 11 U.S.C. § 1107.\n\nCode \"on any reasonable terms and conditions of employment, including on a retainer, on an hourly basis, on a fixed or percentage fee basis, or on a contingent fee basis.\" 11 U.S.C. § 328(a).\n\n21. Bankruptcy Rule 2014(a) provides that an application for retention include:\n\nspecific facts showing the necessity for the employment, the name of the [firm] to be employed, the reasons for the selection, the professional services to be rendered, any proposed arrangement for compensation, and, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, all of the [firm's] connections with the debtor, creditors, any other party in interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United States trustee.\n\n22. The Debtor requires the services of counsel to exercise its responsibilities. The Debtor's counsel will endeavor to avoid the duplication of efforts and provide services as efficiently as possible. Accordingly, the employment of NPM as the Debtor's counsel, upon the terms set forth herein and in the Proposed Order, is reasonable and in the best interest of the Debtor's estate.\n\n23. Local Bankruptcy Rule 2014-1 provides that if \"an application to employ a professional is filed within thirty (30) days after the commencement of services provided by that professional, the application shall be deemed contemporaneously filed unless the Court orders otherwise.\" Accordingly, the Debtor requests authority to retain and employ NPM effective October 11, 2022, which was the date that the Debtor commenced this Chapter 11 Case and on which NPM began providing services to the Debtor.\n\n24. No previous application for the relief requested herein has been made to this or any other Court.\n\n### **CONCLUSION**\n\nWHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, the Debtor requests that the Court enter an Order, substantially in the form of the Proposed Order attached hereto, granting the Application, and authorizing the Debtor's employment of Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C., as its counsel, and\n\norder such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.\n\nDated: October 20, 2022 GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION,\n\nBy:\n\nClaire Abrehart, Director\n\n# EXHIBIT A\n\n| UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT<br>DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT<br>BRIDGEPORT DIVISION |             |                            |  |\n|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|----------------------------|--|\n| ______________________________________x                                          |             |                            |  |\n| In re:                                                                           | :<br>:<br>: | CHAPTER 11                 |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,                                                             | :           | CASE NO. 22-50073<br>(JAM) |  |\n| 1<br>Debtors.                                                                    | :<br>:      | Jointly Administered       |  |\n| ______________________________________x                                          |             |                            |  |\n\n# **DECLARATION OF DOUGLAS S. SKALKA IN SUPPORT OF DEBTOR'S APPLICATION FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AND LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014-1 AND 2016-1, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF NEUBERT, PEPE, & MONTEITH, P.C., AS DEBTOR'S COUNSEL**\n\nI, Douglas S. Skalka, being duly sworn, do depose and say:\n\n1. I am a principal of the law firm of Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. (\"NPM\"), which maintains its principal office at 195 Church Street, 13th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510, and I make this declaration in support of *Debtor's Application for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Sections 327, 328, and 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1, Authorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. as Debtor's Counsel* in the above-captioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\") of Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Debtor\").\n\n2. NPM maintains offices in New Haven, Hartford, and Fairfield, Connecticut, and White Plains, New York. NPM was founded in 1993 and has a widely diversified general and corporate practice. The firm currently employs 36 lawyers, who are assisted by six paralegals.\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595) (the \"Individual Debtor\") and Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Genever BVI Debtor\"). The mailing address for the Trustee and the Genever BVI Debtor is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\n3. NPM has expertise in practice areas including financial reorganizations, bankruptcy, investigations, corporate, and commercial litigation matters. NPM is well suited for the type of representation required by the Debtor. Its insolvency practice includes ten attorneys. NPM has substantial resources and expertise in the areas of the law that may arise in this case.\n\n4. NPM has specific and relevant experience in the representation of chapter 11 trustees, post-confirmation liquidating trustees, and creditor committees, including within and in connection with cases in this Court.\n\n5. NPM intends to apply to the Court for compensation for professional services rendered and for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with this Chapter 11 Case pursuant to sections 330 and 331 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\"), Rule 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), Rule 2016-1 of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Local Bankruptcy Rules\"), and any other applicable rules and orders with respect to this Chapter 11 Case. NPM will charge the Debtor for its legal services on an hourly basis at its regularly applicable hourly rates in connection with the services required in this Chapter 11 Case.\n\n6. At present, the 2022 hourly rates of NPM are \\$140.00 - \\$175.00 for paralegal work; \\$175.00 - \\$350.00 for associates and counsel; and up to \\$450.00 for principals of the firm. NPM's hourly rates are subject to periodic adjustments to reflect economic and other conditions.<sup>2</sup> It is anticipated that NPM's services will primarily be provided by Douglas S. Skalka, whose hourly\n\n<sup>2</sup> NPM's hourly rates are typically revised at the end of each calendar year to reflect experience, seniority, and standing. These step increases do not constitute \"rate increases\" (as the term is used in the *Guidelines for Reviewing Applications for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses Filed Under 11 U.S.C. § 330 by Attorneys in Larger Chapter 11 Cases Effective as of November 1, 2013*) (the \"U.S. Trustee Guidelines\"). As set forth in the Proposed Order, NPM will provide ten business days' notice to the Debtor, the Assistant United States Trustee for the District of Connecticut (the \"U.S. Trustee\"), and counsel to the Committee and any other official committee, before implementing periodic increases, and shall file any such notice with the Court.\n\nrate is \\$450.00, Lucas B. Rocklin, whose hourly rate is \\$400.00, and Patrick R. Linsey, whose hourly rate is \\$350.00.\n\n7. NPM will also bill for out-of-pocket expenses made on behalf of the Debtor, including photocopying, postage and package deliveries, court fees, transcripts, witness fees, service fees, travel expenses, and computer-aided research, in accordance with practices in this District.\n\n8. To the best of my knowledge and belief after due inquiry, neither I, nor NPM, nor any member or associate thereof, represents professionally, or has any connection with, the Debtor, his creditors, any other party-in-interest, their respective attorneys and accountants, the United States Trustee, or any person employed in the Office of the United States Trustee, other than as disclosed herein.\n\n9. NPM maintains a computer database (the \"Database\") containing, *inter alia*, the names of all NPM's current and former clients and, with respect to any engagement, adverse and related persons. I caused to be submitted to, and checked against, the Database all of the following names: (a) the Debtor; (b) creditors as set forth on the List of Creditors in this Chapter 11 Case, (c) Luc A. Despins, the Chapter 11 Trustee (\"Mr. Despins\" or the \"Chapter 11 Trustee\") in the pending bankruptcy case of Ho Wan Kwok, Case No. 22-50073 (the \"Kwok Case\"), (d) all parties appearing in this Chapter 11 Case, (e) creditors as set forth on the List of Creditors in the Genever Holdings, LLC bankruptcy proceedings, Case No. 20-12411, pending in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York, and (f) the following potentially interested or adverse parties: (i) Golden Spring (New York) Ltd; (ii) Hing Ch Ngok; (iii) Qiang Guo; (iv) Mei Gui; (v) HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC; (vi) Bravo Luck Limited; (vii) Lamp Capital LLC; (viii) Genever Holdings LLC; (ix) The Sherry-Netherland, Inc.; (x) Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP; (xi) Honorable Melanie L. Cyganowski; and (xii) Sotheby's International\n\nRealty ((a) through (f), the \"Potentially Interested Parties\").\n\n10. NPM has no relationship or connection with the Potentially Interested Parties, or, to the best of my knowledge, with any other creditor of the Debtor, except that (i) NPM is serving as local counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee in the Kwok Case; prior to its retention by the Chapter 11 Trustee, NPM had not provided any legal services to Mr. Despins; and (ii) one of NPM's attorneys, Mark I. Fishman (\"Mr. Fishman\"), was contacted in or around March and April 2022 by counsel for Rui Ma and Weican Meng and by counsel for Rong Zhang, Xiodan Wang, and Chong Shen Rap, and I, was contacted in or around June 2022 by a candidate for the chapter 11 trustee position in the Kwok Case (whose appointment was not approved by the Court) (the foregoing, collectively, the \"Consulted Persons\") to discuss potential engagements to represent the Consulted Persons with respect to the Kwok Case, *provided however*, that the Consulted Persons never retained or engaged NPM, NPM did not represent the Consulted Persons or charge them fees, the Consulted Persons never paid NPM fees, and I am not aware of NPM having received any information that would interfere with its representation of the Debtor (including, were such to occur, in a capacity adverse to the Consulted Persons). See Conn. R.P.C. 1.18. To date and currently, Mr. Fishman is not one of NPM's attorneys providing services to the Chapter 11 Trustee. In addition, Patrick R. Linsey was previously an attorney at Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C. (\"Z&Z\"), which firm is counsel to certain parties-in-interest in the Kwok Case, including, as of July 14, 2022, the Debtor. Mr. Linsey has not worked at Z&Z since March 2020. Mr. Linsey is not aware that the Debtor or any parties-in-interest were clients of Z&Z when he was an attorney at the firm, and he never worked on any matters for or, to the best of his knowledge, relating to, Mr. Kwok or any parties-in-interest in the Kwok Case, while employed at Z&Z.\n\n11. While NPM has made a diligent effort to ascertain the identity of any connections or potential conflicts with interested parties, to the extent that any additional information comes to light, NPM will review, disclose, and resolve any conflict or adverse interests that may appear.\n\n12. Based on the foregoing, insofar as I have been able to ascertain based on the information currently available to me: (a) NPM has no connection with the Debtor, his creditors, the U.S. Trustee, any person employed in the office of the U.S. Trustee, or any other party with an actual or potential interest in the Debtor or its respective attorneys or accountants; and (b) neither NPM nor any of its attorneys (i) is a creditor, equity security holder, or insider of the Debtor or his affiliates, (ii) has been, within two years before the Petition Date, a director, officer, or employee of the Debtor or his affiliates, or (iii) has any interest materially adverse to the interests of the Debtor's estate or any class of creditors or equity security holders by reason of any direct or indirect relationship to, connection with, or interest in the Debtor, or for any other reason. Therefore, I believe that NPM is a \"disinterested person\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by section 1107(b).\n\n13. NPM will apply to the Court for compensation under Bankruptcy Code §§ 330 and 331, Rules 2014 and 2016 of the Bankruptcy Rules, and Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1 of the Local Bankruptcy Rules.\n\n14. NPM does not believe that Appendix B of the U.S. Trustee Guidelines (the \"Larger Case Guidelines\") applies in this Chapter 11 Case, because the Debtor's petition does not list \\$50 million or more in assets and \\$50 million or more in liabilities. In particular, the Debtor estimated the value of his assets between \\$10,000,001 and \\$50 million. Nevertheless, NPM intends to make a reasonable effort to comply with the U.S. Trustee's requests for information and additional disclosures set forth in the Larger Case Guidelines in connection with the interim and final fee applications to be filed by NPM in the Chapter 11 Case, but reserves all rights as to their relevance and substantive legal effect in connection with the Application or any application for compensation in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n15. In the interest of providing maximum disclosure, and notwithstanding NPM's\n\nposition concerning the inapplicability of the Larger Case Guidelines, NPM provides the following\n\nresponse to the request for information set forth in Paragraph D.1. of the Larger Case Guidelines:\n\nQuestion: Did you agree to any variations from, or alternatives to, your standard or customary billing arrangements for this engagement?\n\nAnswer: No. That said, as discussed in the Application, as a practical matter, NPM will only be compensated if and to the extent that there are assets in the Debtor's estate.\n\nQuestion: Do any of the professionals included in this engagement vary their rate based on the geographic location of the bankruptcy case? Answer: No.\n\nQuestion: If you represented the client in the 12 months prepetition, disclose your billing rates and material financial terms for the prepetition engagement, including any adjustments during the 12 months prepetition. If your billing rates and material financial terms have changed postpetition, explain the difference and the reasons for the difference.\n\nAnswer: N/A. NPM has not previously represented the Debtor.\n\nQuestion: Has your client approved your prospective budget and staffing plan, and, if so, for what budget period?\n\nAnswer: The Debtor and NPM are discussing staffing and a budget for this Chapter 11 Case for the period from October 11, 2022 through December 31, 2022.\n\n16. NPM has neither shared nor agreed to share with any other person compensation\n\nreceived in these cases, except as is permitted by §504(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\nPursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746, I declare under penalty of perjury that the above statements\n\nare true and correct.\n\nDated: October 21, 2022, at New Haven, Connecticut\n\n/s/Douglas S. Skalka Douglas S. Skalka\n\n| UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT          |  |\n|-----------------------------------------|--|\n| DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT                 |  |\n| BRIDGEPORT DIVISION                     |  |\n| ______________________________________x |  |\n\n|                                         | : |                         |\n|-----------------------------------------|---|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                  | : | CHAPTER 11              |\n|                                         | : |                         |\n| HO WAN KWOK,<br>et al.,                 | : | CASE NO. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n|                                         | : |                         |\n| Debtors.1                               | : | Jointly Administered    |\n| ______________________________________x |   |                         |\n\n# **ORDER GRANTING DEBTOR'S APPLICATION FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330, BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AND LOCAL BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014-1 AND 2016-1, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF NEUBERT, PEPE, & MONTEITH, P.C., AS DEBTOR'S COUNSEL**\n\nUpon the Application of Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Debtor\") in the abovecaptioned chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\"), for authority to retain and employ Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. (\"NPM\") as counsel to the Debtor, effective as of October 11, 2022 (the \"Application\"), and upon the Declaration of Douglas S. Skalka (the \"Skalka Declaration\"), pursuant to sections 327, 328, and 330 of title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\"), Rules 2014 and 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy Rules\"), and Rules 2014-1 and 2016-1 of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Local Bankruptcy Rules\"), all as more fully set forth in the Application; and upon consideration of the Application and the Skalka Declaration; and this Court having jurisdiction to consider the Application and the relief requested therein in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 and the Standing Order of Reference from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut (as amended); and consideration of\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595) (the \"Individual Debtor\") and Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Genever BVI Debtor\"). The mailing address for the Trustee and the Genever BVI Debtor is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).\n\nthe Application and the relief requested therein being a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b); and venue being proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409; and the Court having found that (i) the relief requested in the Application is in the best interest of the Debtor's estate, its creditors, and all parties-in-interest, (ii) the legal and factual bases set forth in the Application and the Skalka Declaration, and upon the record of any hearing on the Application before this Court establish just cause for the relief granted herein, (iii) NPM is a \"disinterested person,\" as defined in section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code and as required by section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, and (iv) NPM does not hold or represent an interest adverse to the Debtor's estate; and due and sufficient notice of the Application having been given under the particular circumstances; and it appearing that no other or further notice need be given; and upon all of the proceedings had before this Court; and any objections to the relief requested herein having been withdrawn or overruled on the merits; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby ORDERED THAT:\n\n1. The Application is granted as set forth herein.\n\n2. The Debtor is authorized to retain and employ NPM as its attorneys effective as of October 11, 2022 on the terms set forth in the Application and the Skalka Declaration.\n\n3. NPM is authorized to act as Debtor's counsel and to perform those services described in the Application. Specifically, but without limitation, NPM is authorized to render the following legal services, as Debtor's counsel:\n\na. advising the Debtor as to its rights, powers, and duties in the Chapter 11 Case;\n\nb. advising the Debtor as to its investigation into the property of the Debtor's estate, including the pursuit of any actions to collect and recover property for the benefit of the Debtor's estate;\n\nc. commencing, conducting, and/or continuing litigation necessary and appropriate to assert rights held by the Debtor's estate, protect assets of the Debtor's estate, or otherwise further the goal of completing the Chapter 11 Case;\n\nd. preparing on behalf of the Debtor necessary and appropriate applications, motions, proposed orders, other pleadings, notices, schedules, and other documents, and reviewing financial and other reports filed and to be filed in the Chapter 11 Case;\n\ne. advising the Debtor concerning, and preparing responses to, applications, motions, other pleadings, notices, and other papers that may be filed by other parties in the Chapter 11 Case;\n\nf. advising and assisting the Debtor in connection with any potential asset sales and property dispositions;\n\ng. advising the Debtor concerning executory contract and unexpired lease assumptions, assignments, and rejections;\n\nh. advising the Debtor in connection with the formulation, negotiation, and promulgation of a plan or plans of reorganization, and related transactional documents;\n\ni. assisting the Debtor in reviewing, estimating, and resolving claims asserted against the Debtor's estate; and\n\nj. negotiating with parties in interest.\n\n4. The Debtor's estate shall be responsible for NPM's compensation and reimbursement of expenses in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n5. The allowance of any compensation to be paid to NPM shall be determined in accordance with the procedures set forth in sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, and Local Bankruptcy Rule 2016-1.\n\n6. NPM shall provide no less than ten business days' notice to the Debtor, the United States Trustee, and counsel to any official committee before any increases in the rates it charges are implemented and shall file such notice with the Court.\n\n7. The Debtor and NPM are authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted in this Order.\n\n8. The requirements of the Local Bankruptcy Rules are satisfied by the contents of the Application.\n\n9. To the extent the Application and the Skalka Declaration are inconsistent with this Order, the terms of this Order shall govern.\n\n10. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry.\n\n11. This Court shall retain jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or related to the implementation, interpretation, and enforcement of this Order.\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ______________________________________x |   |                            |\n|-----------------------------------------|---|----------------------------|\n|                                         | : |                            |\n| In re:                                  | : | CHAPTER 11                 |\n|                                         | : |                            |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,                    | : | CASE NO. 22-50073<br>(JAM) |\n|                                         | : |                            |\n| 1<br>Debtors.                           | : | Jointly Administered       |\n| ______________________________________x |   |                            |\n\n# **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that on November 2, 2022 the foregoing Application was\n\nfiled electronically. Notice of this filing will be sent by e-mail to all parties by operation of the\n\nCourt's electronic filing system or by mail to anyone unable to accept electronic filing pursuant to\n\nthe Notice of Electronic Filing. Parties may access this filing through the Court's system.\n\nDated: November 2, 2022 THE DEBTOR,\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION\n\nBy: /s/Douglas S. Skalka Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n<sup>1</sup> The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595) (the \"Individual Debtor\") and Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Genever BVI Debtor\"). The mailing address for the Trustee and the Genever BVI Debtor is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).","body_zh":"案号 22-50073　文件 1060　提交日期 11/02/22　录入日期 11/02/22 16:01:54　第 1 页，共 20 页\n\nDISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT（康涅狄格联邦地区）\nBRIDGEPORT DIVISION（布里奇波特分部）　UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT（美国破产法院）\n\n关于：　：　第 11 章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵），\n等，　：　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。1　：　合并管理\n\n债务人根据《破产法典》第 327、328 和 330 条、《破产程序规则》第 2014 和 2016 条以及《地方法院破产程序规则》第 2014-1 和 2016-1 条，申请作出裁定，授权并批准聘用 NEUBERT, PEPE, & MONTEITH, P.C.（纽伯特、佩佩和蒙泰思专业公司）担任律师\n\nGenever Holdings Corporation（杰内弗控股公司）作为上述第 11 章案件（“第 11 章案件”）中的债务人及占有中的债务人（“债务人”），依据《美国法典》第 11 编（“《破产法典》”）第 327、328 和 330 条、《联邦破产程序规则》（“《破产程序规则》”）第 2014 和 2016 条，以及 United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格联邦地区美国破产法院）（“法院”）的《地方法院破产程序规则》（“《地方法院破产程序规则》”）第 2014-1 和 2016-1 条，谨此请求（“本申请”）法院授权其聘用 Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.（纽伯特、佩佩和蒙泰思专业公司）（“NPM”）作为其就本第 11 章案件的律师。为支持本申请，债务人陈述如下：\n\n请求的救济\n\n1. 债务人通过本申请请求作出一项裁定，其形式实质上与随附提交的拟议裁定（“拟议裁定”）相同，授权并批准自 October 11, 2022 起聘用 NPM 担任债务人的律师。\n\n1 本第 11 章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（又名 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）（“个人债务人”）及 Genever Holdings Corporation（杰内弗控股公司）（“Genever BVI 债务人”）。受托人和 Genever BVI 债务人的邮寄地址为 Paul Hastings LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，收件人为 Luc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯），作为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）财产的受托人（仅为通知和通信之目的）。\n\n2. 为支持本申请，债务人提交随附为附件 A 的《Douglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）关于支持债务人根据《破产法典》第 327、328 和 330 条、《破产程序规则》第 2014 和 2016 条以及《地方法院破产程序规则》第 2014-1 和 2016-1 条申请作出裁定、授权并批准聘用 Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.（纽伯特、佩佩和蒙泰思专业公司）担任债务人律师的声明》（“Skalka 声明”），该声明通过援引并入本文。\n\n管辖权、审判地和法定依据\n\n3. 法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格联邦地区美国地区法院）作出的移送常设命令（经修订），对本事项享有管辖权。本事项属于 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 所称的核心程序。\n\n4. 根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409，本地区为适当审判地。\n\n5. 本文所请求救济的法定依据为《破产法典》第 327(a)、328(a) 和 330 条，以及在适用范围内的《破产程序规则》第 2014 和 2016 条及《地方法院破产程序规则》第 2014-1 和 2016-1 条。\n\n背景\n\n6. 于 October 11, 2022（“申请日”），债务人向法院提交了依据《破产法典》第 11 章请求救济的自愿申请书。\n\n7. 截至提交本申请之日，尚未在债务人的第 11 章案件中指定债权人委员会或受托人。\n\n本所的资格\n\n8. NPM 在 Connecticut（康涅狄格州）的 New Haven（纽黑文）、Hartford（哈特福德）和 Fairfield（费尔菲尔德），以及 New York（纽约州）的 White Plains（怀特普莱恩斯）设有办事处。NPM 成立于 1993 年，拥有广泛多元化的综合及公司业务。该所目前雇有 36 名律师，并由六名律师助理协助。\n\n9. 债务人选择 NPM 担任其律师，系因 NPM 在财务重组、破产、调查、公司和商事诉讼事项方面具有专业知识。NPM 适于提供债务人所需类型的代理服务。其破产业务团队包括十名律师。NPM 在本案可能涉及的法律领域拥有大量资源和专业知识。\n\n10. NPM 在代理债务人、第 11 章受托人、确认后清算受托人和债权人委员会方面具有具体且相关的经验，包括在本法院审理的案件中及与该等案件相关的代理经验。NPM 亦具有就债务人的关联方 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）尚待审理的第 11 章程序，即 Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)（“Kwok 案件”），担任债务人股权持有人 Luc Despins（卢克·德斯平斯）当地律师的经验。由于该等角色，NPM 熟悉债务人的公司结构，以及有关其子公司 Genever Holdings LLC（杰内弗控股有限责任公司）资产所有权的争议。\n\n预期服务\n\n11. 债务人预计，NPM 将在整个第 11 章案件过程中，按需要以其律师身份提供一般法律服务，包括破产、诉讼、调查、房地产、税务及其他事项。特别是，债务人已请求 NPM 履行包括下列在内的法律服务：\n\n(a) 就债务人在第 11 章案件中的权利、权限和职责向债务人提供意见；\n\n(b) 就债务人对债务人财产中财产的调查向债务人提供意见，包括为债务人财产的利益而追索任何收集和追回财产的诉讼；\n\n(c) 发起、进行和/或继续为主张债务人财产享有的权利、保护债务人财产资产或以其他方式推进完成第 11 章案件目标所必需且适当的诉讼；\n\n(d) 代表债务人编制必要且适当的申请、动议、拟议裁定、其他诉状、通知、清单及其他文件，并审阅已在和将要在第 11 章案件中提交的财务及其他报告；\n\n(e) 就其他当事方可能在第 11 章案件中提交的申请、动议、其他诉状、通知及其他文件向债务人提供意见，并准备答复；\n\n(f) 就融资协议及相关交易向债务人提供意见，并协助进行谈判和文件编制；\n\n(g) 审阅针对债务人财产主张的任何留置权的性质和有效性，并就该等留置权的可执行性向债务人提供意见；\n\n(h) 就任何潜在资产出售和财产处置向债务人提供意见并协助债务人；\n\n(i) 就待履行合同及未到期租赁的承接、转让和拒绝向债务人提供意见；\n\n(j) 就重组计划或多项重组计划的制定、谈判和公布，以及相关交易文件向债务人提供意见；\n\n(k) 协助债务人审阅、估算和解决针对债务人财产提出的债权；以及\n\n(l) 与利害关系方进行谈判。\n\n专业人员报酬\n\n12. NPM 拟根据《破产法典》第 330 和 331 条、《破产程序规则》第 2016 条、《地方法院破产程序规则》第 2016-1 条，以及与本第 11 章案件有关的任何其他适用规则和裁定，向法院申请支付就本第 11 章案件提供的专业服务的报酬及偿还所发生的费用。NPM 将就本第 11 章案件所需服务，按照其通常适用的小时费率，按小时向债务人收取法律服务费用。\n\n13. 目前，NPM 2022 年的小时费率为：律师助理工作 $140.00 - $175.00；初级律师和顾问 $175.00 - $360.00；以及律所负责人最高 $450.00。NPM 的小时费率可能会定期调整，以反映经济和其他状况。[1] 预计 NPM 的服务将主要由 Douglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）提供，其小时费率为 $450.00；Lucas B. Rocklin（卢卡斯·B·罗克林）提供，其小时费率为 $400.00；以及 Patrick R. Linsey（帕特里克·R·林赛）提供，其小时费率为 $350.00。\n\n1 NPM 的小时费率通常在每个日历年末修订，以反映经验、资历和声望。\n\n该等阶梯式上调不构成“费率上调”（该术语见于《自 November 1, 2013 起对大型第 11 章案件中律师依据 11 U.S.C. § 330 提交的报酬和费用偿还申请进行审查的指引》（“美国受托人指引”））。如拟议裁定所述，NPM 将在实施定期上调前十个营业日，向债务人、Assistant United States Trustee for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格联邦地区助理美国受托人）（“美国受托人”）、委员会律师及任何其他正式委员会发出通知，并将任何该等通知提交法院。\n\n14. 债务人主张，NPM 的小时费率是合理的，可与 NPM 就非破产委托事项收取的小时费率相比，并处于提供相同服务的具有相当技能的专业人员收取的费率范围内。在本案情形下尤其如此，因为债务人的财产目前没有资产可支付专业服务费用。因此，出于一切实际目的，NPM 是按或有收费基础受聘的——即，其报酬将取决于资产最终是否被纳入债务人财产（而这又将取决于 NPM 和债务人为债务人财产及其债权人的利益追回资产所取得成功的程度）。\n\n15. NPM 还将按照本地区的惯例，就代表债务人支付的实付费用开具账单，包括影印、邮资和包裹递送、法院费用、笔录、证人费用、送达费用、差旅费用及计算机辅助检索费用。\n\nNPM 不具有利害关系\n\n16. 据债务人所知，并依据 Skalka 声明，除其中披露者外，NPM 与债务人、其债权人或任何其他利害关系方、其各自的律师和会计师、美国受托人或美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人员之间不存在任何关系。\n\n17. 更具体而言，基于该等依据，债务人相信：(a) 除在 Kwok 案件中担任 Despins 先生的当地律师及利益冲突律师这一角色外，NPM 与债务人、其债权人、美国受托人、美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人员或在第 11 章案件中具有实际或潜在利益的任何一方不存在任何关联；且 (b) NPM 及其任何律师均不：(i) 是债务人或其关联方的债权人、股权证券持有人或内部人；(ii) 在申请日前两年内曾任债务人或其关联方的董事、高管或雇员；或 (iii) 因与债务人的任何直接或间接关系、关联或利益，或因任何其他原因，对债务人财产或任何类别债权人或股权证券持有人的利益具有实质性不利利益。因此，债务人相信，NPM 是经第 1107(b) 条修正的《破产法典》第 101(14) 条所称的“不具有利害关系的人”。\n\n18. 基于 Skalka 声明，债务人相信，NPM 在与本案有关的事项中并未代理任何与无担保债权人利益相对立的利益。\n\n请求救济的依据、通知，以及此前未提出本文所请求的救济\n\n19. 债务人请求依据《破产法典》第 327(a) 条聘用 NPM 作为其律师。该条规定，经法院批准，占有中的债务人可聘用“对财产不持有或不代表不利利益，且为不具有利害关系之人的专业人员，以代表或协助［占有中的债务人］履行［其］根据本编承担的职责。”[2]\n\n20. 根据《破产法典》第328(a)条，经破产法院批准，占有中的债务人可依《破产法典》第327(a)条按照“任何合理的雇用条款和条件”雇用专业人士，包括以预付聘金、按小时计费、固定费用或按百分比计费，或以风险代理费为基础。11 U.S.C. § 328(a)。\n\n2 占有中的债务人享有受托人依照例如《破产法典》第327和328条雇用律师的权利。见 11 U.S.C. § 1107。\n\n21. 《破产程序规则》第2014(a)条规定，聘任申请应包括：\n\n载明雇用必要性的具体事实、拟雇用的[事务所]名称、选择该事务所的理由、将提供的专业服务、任何拟议的报酬安排，以及在申请人所知的最大范围内，该[事务所]与债务人、债权人、任何其他利害关系方、其各自的律师和会计师以及美国受托人之间的所有关联关系。\n\n22. 债务人需要律师服务以履行其职责。债务人的律师将努力避免重复工作，并尽可能高效地提供服务。因此，按照本文件及拟议命令中规定的条款，聘用NPM作为债务人的律师是合理的，且符合债务人财产的最佳利益。\n\n23. 地方破产程序规则第2014-1条规定，如“雇用专业人士的申请在该专业人士开始提供服务后三十（30）日内提交，除非法院另有命令，该申请应视为同时提交。”因此，债务人请求授权其自October 11, 2022起留聘并雇用NPM；该日为债务人启动本第11章案件之日，亦为NPM开始向债务人提供服务之日。\n\n24. 此前未曾向本院或任何其他法院提出本文件所请求救济的申请。\n\n结论\n\n因此，基于上述理由，债务人请求法院作出一项命令，其形式实质上与随附的拟议命令相同，准许该申请，并授权债务人聘用Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.（纽伯特、佩佩及蒙蒂斯律师事务所）作为其律师，并给予法院认为公正和适当的其他及进一步救济。\n\n日期：October 20, 2022　GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION（吉尼弗控股公司），\n\n签署人：\n\nClaire Abrehart（克莱尔·阿布雷哈特），董事\n\n附件A\n\n美国破产法院\n康涅狄格州地区\n布里奇波特分部\n\n关于：　：\n：\n：　第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，　：　CASE NO. 22-50073\n(JAM)\n\n债务人。　：\n：　合并管理\n\nDOUGLAS S. SKALKA（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）就支持债务人根据《破产法典》第327、328及330条、《破产程序规则》第2014及2016条以及地方破产程序规则第2014-1及2016-1条提出的申请而作出的声明；该申请请求作出命令，授权并批准留聘及雇用NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C.作为债务人的律师\n\n本人，Douglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡），经正式宣誓，特作如下陈述：\n\n1. 本人系Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.（“NPM”）律师事务所的负责人，该事务所的主要办公地址为195 Church Street, 13th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510。本人作出本声明，以支持上述标题第11章案件中Genever Holdings Corporation（以下简称“债务人”）的《债务人根据〈破产法典〉第327、328及330条、〈破产程序规则〉第2014及2016条以及地方破产程序规则第2014-1及2016-1条提出的申请，请求作出命令，授权并批准留聘及雇用Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.作为债务人的律师》（以下简称“第11章案件”）。\n\n2. NPM在康涅狄格州纽黑文、哈特福德及费尔菲尔德，以及纽约州怀特普莱恩斯设有办事处。NPM成立于1993年，拥有广泛多元化的一般业务和公司业务执业领域。该事务所目前雇用36名律师，并由六名律师助理协助工作。\n\n1 本第11章案件的债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵，亦称Guo Wengui、Miles Guo和Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）（以下简称“个人债务人”）和Genever Holdings Corporation（以下简称“Genever BVI债务人”）。受托人及Genever BVI债务人的邮寄地址为Paul Hastings LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交Luc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯平斯），作为Ho Wan Kwok财产的受托人（仅为通知和通信之目的）。\n\n3. NPM在包括财务重组、破产、调查、公司事务及商事诉讼事项等执业领域具有专业知识。NPM非常适合提供债务人所需类型的代理服务。其破产业务团队包括十名律师。NPM在本案中可能涉及的法律领域拥有大量资源和专业知识。\n\n4. NPM在代理第11章受托人、确认后清算受托人及债权人委员会方面具有具体且相关的经验，包括在本院案件中及与本院案件相关的代理经验。\n\n5. NPM拟根据《美国法典》第11编第330及331条（以下简称“破产法典”）、《联邦破产程序规则》第2016条（以下简称“破产程序规则”）、美国康涅狄格州地区破产法院地方破产程序规则第2016-1条（以下简称“地方破产程序规则”），以及就本第11章案件适用的任何其他规则和命令，向法院申请就本第11章案件所提供的专业服务获得报酬，并偿还所发生的费用。NPM将就本第11章案件所需服务，按其通常适用的小时费率向债务人收取法律服务费用。\n\n6. 目前，NPM在2022年的小时费率为：律师助理工作$140.00 - $175.00；初级律师和顾问律师$175.00 - $350.00；事务所负责人最高$450.00。NPM的小时费率会定期调整，以反映经济及其他状况。2 预计NPM的服务将主要由Douglas S. Skalka提供，其小时费率为$450.00；Lucas B. Rocklin（卢卡斯·B·罗克林）提供，其小时费率为$400.00；以及Patrick R. Linsey（帕特里克·R·林赛）提供，其小时费率为$350.00。\n\n2 NPM的小时费率通常在每个日历年末修订，以反映经验、资历及地位。这些分级上调不构成“费率上调”（该术语的含义见《自November 1, 2013起生效的〈根据11 U.S.C. § 330对大型第11章案件中律师提交的报酬及费用偿还申请进行审查的指南〉》）（以下简称“美国受托人指南”）。如拟议命令所载，NPM将在实施定期上调前十个工作日通知债务人、康涅狄格州地区助理美国受托人（以下简称“美国受托人”）、委员会律师及任何其他正式委员会，并将任何该等通知提交法院备案。\n\n7. NPM还将根据本地区的惯例，就其代表债务人支付的实际支出费用进行计费，包括复印、邮资和包裹递送、法院费用、庭审记录、证人费用、送达费用、差旅费用及计算机辅助研究费用。\n\n8. 经适当调查后，据本人所知及所信，本人、NPM或其任何成员或关联人员，除本文件所披露者外，均未以专业身份代理债务人、其债权人、任何其他利害关系方、其各自的律师和会计师、美国受托人或美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人员，亦不与其存在任何关联关系。\n\n9. NPM维护一个计算机数据库（以下简称“数据库”），其中包括NPM所有现有及既往客户的姓名，以及就任何受聘事项而言的相对方和关联人员。本人已使下列所有名称提交至该数据库并与之进行核查：(a) 债务人；(b) 本第11章案件债权人名单所列债权人；(c) 在Ho Wan Kwok待决破产案件Case No. 22-50073（以下简称“Kwok案件”）中的第11章受托人Luc A. Despins（以下简称“Despins先生”或“第11章受托人”）；(d) 本第11章案件中出庭的所有当事人；(e) 在美国破产法院Southern District of New York（纽约南区）待决的Genever Holdings, LLC（吉尼弗控股有限责任公司）破产程序Case No. 20-12411中债权人名单所列债权人；以及(f) 下列可能的利害关系方或相对方：(i) Golden Spring (New York) Ltd（黄金泉〈纽约〉有限公司）；(ii) Hing Ch Ngok（兴·C·恩戈克）；(iii) Qiang Guo（郭强）；(iv) Mei Gui（桂梅）；(v) HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC（香港国际基金投资〈美国〉有限责任公司）；(vi) Bravo Luck Limited（辉运有限公司）；(vii) Lamp Capital LLC（灯塔资本有限责任公司）；(viii) Genever Holdings LLC（吉尼弗控股有限责任公司）；(ix) The Sherry-Netherland, Inc.（雪莉-荷兰人公司）；(x) Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP（戈德伯格·韦普林·芬克尔·戈德斯坦律师事务所）；(xi) Honorable Melanie L. Cyganowski（尊敬的梅拉妮·L·西加诺夫斯基法官）；及(xii) Sotheby's International Realty（苏富比国际房地产）。(a)至(f)以下统称“潜在利害关系方”。\n\n10. NPM与潜在利害关系方不存在任何关系或关联，且据本人所知，与债务人的任何其他债权人亦不存在任何关系或关联，但以下情形除外：(i) NPM正担任Kwok案件第11章受托人的本地律师；在受第11章受托人聘用之前，NPM未曾向Despins先生提供任何法律服务；以及(ii) NPM的一名律师Mark I. Fishman（马克·I·菲什曼，以下简称“Fishman先生”）于March和April 2022前后，曾由Rui Ma（马睿）和Weican Meng（孟维灿）的律师，以及Rong Zhang（张荣）、Xiodan Wang（王晓丹）和Chong Shen Rap（饶崇申）的律师联系；本人于June 2022前后，曾由Kwok案件第11章受托人职位的一名候选人联系，该候选人的任命未获法院批准（前述人员以下统称“咨询人”），以讨论可能受聘就Kwok案件代理咨询人。然而，咨询人从未留聘或委托NPM，NPM未代理咨询人或向其收取费用，咨询人从未向NPM支付费用，且本人并不知悉NPM收到过任何会妨碍其代理债务人的信息，包括如发生该等情形时，以对咨询人不利的身份代理债务人。见 Conn. R.P.C. 1.18。截至目前及当前，Fishman先生并非NPM中向第11章受托人提供服务的律师之一。此外，Patrick R. Linsey此前系Zeisler & Zeisler, P.C.（以下简称“Z&Z”）的律师，该事务所担任Kwok案件中某些利害关系方的律师，包括自July 14, 2022起担任债务人的律师。Linsey先生自March 2020以来未再在Z&Z工作。Linsey先生并不知悉，在其担任该事务所律师期间，债务人或任何利害关系方曾是Z&Z的客户；且在受雇于Z&Z期间，他从未处理任何为Kwok先生或Kwok案件中任何利害关系方办理的事项，或据其所知与该等人士有关的事项。\n\n11. 虽然NPM已作出勤勉努力，以查明与利害关系方之间的任何关联或潜在冲突的身份，但如发现任何额外信息，NPM将审查、披露并解决可能出现的任何冲突或不利利益关系。\n\n12. 基于前述内容，并在我根据目前可获得的信息所能查明的范围内：(a) NPM与债务人、其债权人、美国受托人、受雇于美国受托人办公室的任何人员，或对债务人或其各自律师或会计师具有实际或潜在利益的任何其他方均无关联；且(b) NPM及其任何律师均(i)不是债务人或其关联方的债权人、股权证券持有人或内部人，(ii)在申请日之前两年内未曾担任债务人或其关联方的董事、高级职员或雇员，或(iii)因与债务人存在任何直接或间接关系、关联或利益，或因任何其他原因，而持有与债务人财产或任何类别债权人或股权证券持有人利益实质性相冲突的任何利益。因此，我认为，经第1107(b)条修正后，NPM属于《破产法典》第101(14)条所定义的“无利害关系人”。\n\n13. NPM将根据《破产法典》§§ 330和331、《破产程序规则》规则2014和2016以及《当地破产规则》规则2014-1和2016-1，向法院申请报酬。\n\n14. NPM认为，美国受托人指南附录B（“大型案件指南”）不适用于本第11章案件，因为债务人的申请未列示$50 million或以上的资产及$50 million或以上的负债。具体而言，债务人估计其资产价值介于$10,000,001与$50 million之间。尽管如此，NPM拟就其将在本第11章案件中提交的中期及最终费用申请，作出合理努力，以遵守大型案件指南中规定的美国受托人关于信息及额外披露的要求，但就该等要求与本申请或本第11章案件中任何报酬申请相关的关联性及实体法律效力，保留一切权利。\n\n15. 为提供最大程度的披露，并尽管NPM就大型案件指南不适用所持立场，NPM就大型案件指南第D.1段所载的信息请求作出如下答复：\n\n问题：对于本项委托，您是否同意对您的标准或惯常计费安排作出任何变更或采用替代安排？\n\n答：否。尽管如此，如本申请所述，作为实际问题，NPM仅在债务人财产中存在资产的范围内获得报酬。\n\n问题：本项委托所涉任何专业人士是否根据破产案件的地理位置变更其费率？答：否。\n\n问题：如您在申请前12个月内曾代理该客户，请披露申请前委托的计费费率及重大财务条款，包括申请前12个月内的任何调整。如您的计费费率及重大财务条款在申请后发生变化，请说明差异及其原因。\n\n答：不适用。NPM此前未曾代理债务人。\n\n问题：您的客户是否已批准您的拟议预算及人员配置计划；如是，适用于何一预算期间？\n\n答：债务人与NPM正在讨论本第11章案件自October 11, 2022至December 31, 2022期间的人员配置及预算。\n\n16. 除《破产法典》§504(b)(1)所允许者外，NPM既未与任何其他人分享，也未同意与任何其他人分享在本等案件中获得的报酬。\n\n根据28 U.S.C. § 1746，本人特此在伪证罪处罚之下声明，上述陈述真实且正确。\n\n日期：October 21, 2022，地点：New Haven, Connecticut\n\n/s/Douglas S. Skalka Douglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）\n\n康涅狄格州联邦破产法院\n布里奇波特分院\n\n关于：　：　第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵），\n等　：　案号22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。1　：　合并管理\n\n准许债务人依据《破产法典》第327、328及330条、《破产程序规则》规则2014及2016，以及《当地破产规则》规则2014-1及2016-1提出的申请，并授权及批准聘任NEUBERT, PEPE, & MONTEITH, P.C.作为债务人律师的命令\n\n兹审理Genever Holdings Corporation（Genever控股公司）（“债务人”）在上述第11章案件（“第11章案件”）中提出的申请，请求授权自October 11, 2022起聘任Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.（纽伯特、佩佩及蒙泰思律师事务所，P.C.）（“NPM”）担任债务人的律师（“申请”）；并审理Douglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）（“Skalka声明”）所作声明；该申请依据《美国法典》第11编（“破产法典”）第327、328及330条、《联邦破产程序规则》（“破产程序规则”）规则2014及2016，以及康涅狄格州联邦破产法院《当地破产程序规则》（“当地破产规则”）规则2014-1及2016-1提出，具体内容均详载于申请中；并审议该申请及Skalka声明；且本院根据28 U.S.C. §§ 157和1334以及康涅狄格州联邦地区法院作出的移送常设命令（经修订），对审理该申请及其中请求的救济具有管辖权；并审议\n\n1 本等第11章案件中的债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（亦称Guo Wengui、Miles Guo及Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）（“个人债务人”）及Genever Holdings Corporation（“Genever BVI债务人”）。受托人及Genever BVI债务人的邮寄地址为Paul Hastings LLP（保尔·黑斯廷斯律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交Luc A. Despins（吕克·A.·德斯潘），作为Ho Wan Kwok财产的受托人（仅用于通知及通信）。\n\n该申请及其中请求的救济构成28 U.S.C. § 157(b)项下的核心程序；且根据28 U.S.C. §§ 1408和1409，审理地点在本院适当；且本院已认定：(i) 该申请中请求的救济符合债务人财产、其债权人及所有利害关系方的最佳利益，(ii) 申请及Skalka声明中陈述的法律及事实依据，以及本院就该申请举行的任何听证会记录，确立了授予本命令所载救济的正当理由，(iii) NPM是《破产法典》第101(14)条所定义且第327(a)条所要求的“无利害关系人”，以及(iv) NPM不持有或代表与债务人财产相冲突的利益；且已在具体情形下就该申请给予适当及充分通知；且看来无需给予其他或进一步通知；且经本院此前进行的所有程序；且对本命令所请求救济的任何异议已被撤回或经实体审理驳回；经适当审议并有充分理由，现命令如下：\n\n1. 准许该申请，如本命令所载。\n\n2. 授权债务人自October 11, 2022起，按照申请及Skalka声明所载条款，聘任NPM作为其律师。\n\n3. 授权NPM担任债务人律师，并提供申请中所述服务。具体而言，但不限于此，授权NPM作为债务人律师提供以下法律服务：\n\na. 就债务人在本第11章案件中的权利、权力及职责向债务人提供意见；\n\nb. 就债务人对债务人财产的调查向债务人提供意见，包括为债务人财产利益而提起任何收集及追回财产的诉讼；\n\nc. 提起、进行和/或继续为主张债务人财产享有的权利、保护债务人财产资产，或以其他方式推进完成本第11章案件目标所必需及适当的诉讼；\n\nd. 代表债务人编制必要及适当的申请、动议、拟议命令、其他诉状、通知、清单及其他文件，并审阅已在及将要在本第11章案件中提交的财务及其他报告；\n\ne. 就其他方可能在本第11章案件中提交的申请、动议、其他诉状、通知及其他文件，向债务人提供意见并编制答复；\n\nf. 就任何潜在资产出售及财产处置向债务人提供意见并提供协助；\n\ng. 就待履行合同及未到期租赁的承接、转让及拒绝履行向债务人提供意见；\n\nh. 就重组计划或多项重组计划的制定、谈判及公布，以及相关交易文件，向债务人提供意见；\n\ni. 协助债务人审查、估计及解决针对债务人财产提出的债权；以及\n\nj. 与利害关系方进行谈判。\n\n4. 债务人财产应负责NPM在本第11章案件中的报酬及费用偿还。\n\n5. 向NPM支付的任何报酬之准许，应根据《破产法典》第330和331条、《破产程序规则》规则2016及《当地破产规则》规则2016-1所载程序确定。\n\n6. 在实施其所收取费率的任何上调之前，NPM应至少提前十个营业日向债务人、美国受托人及任何正式委员会的律师发出通知，并应向法院提交该通知。\n\n7. 授权并赋予债务人及NPM采取使本命令授予的救济生效所必需的一切行动之权力。\n\n8. 申请内容已满足当地破产规则的要求。\n\n9. 如申请及Skalka声明与本命令不一致，以本命令条款为准。\n\n10. 本命令的条款及条件自其录入时起立即生效并可执行。\n\n11. 本院保留对因实施、解释及执行本命令而产生或与之相关的一切事项的管辖权。\n\n康涅狄格州联邦破产法院 布里奇波特分院\n\n关于：　：　第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，　：　案号22-50073\n(JAM)\n\n债务人。　：　合并管理\n\n送达证明\n\n下列签署人特此证明，前述申请已于November 2, 2022以电子方式提交。根据电子提交通知，法院电子提交系统将通过电子邮件向所有当事人发送本次提交通知，或将通过邮寄方式向任何无法接受电子提交的人员发送通知。当事人可通过法院系统查阅本次提交。\n\n日期：November 2, 2022 债务人，\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION\n\n签署人：/s/Douglas S. Skalka Douglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）(ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey（帕特里克·R·林赛）(ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n1 本等第11章案件中的债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（亦称Guo Wengui、Miles Guo及Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号码后四位：9595）（“个人债务人”）及Genever Holdings Corporation（“Genever BVI债务人”）。受托人及Genever BVI债务人的邮寄地址为Paul Hastings LLP（保尔·黑斯廷斯律师事务所），200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交Luc A. Despins（吕克·A.·德斯潘），作为Ho Wan Kwok财产的受托人（仅用于通知及通信）。","key_entities":["Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","Despins","CIPA","Je","Miles Guo","Paul Hastings","Luc Despins","Finkel"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":5729,"status":"published","published_at":"2022-11-02 00:00:00","created_at":"2022-11-02","updated_at":"2026-08-23 19:16:39"}