{"id":"court_ctb_1293_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":1293,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":"2022-07-07","title":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION | -------------------------------------------","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------<br>x |                                   |  |  |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|--|--|\n| In re:                                                      | :<br>:<br>Chapter 11              |  |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,                                        | :<br>:<br>Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |\n| Debtors.1                                                   | :<br>:<br>Jointly Administered    |  |  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------      | :<br>x                            |  |  |\n\n## **APPLICATION FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330 AND BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF PAUL HASTINGS LLP AS COUNSEL TO GENEVER DEBTORS**\n\nGenever Holdings Corporation (the \"Genever (BVI) Debtor\"), and Genever Holdings\n\nLLC (the \"Genever (US) Debtor\" and, together with the Genever (BVI) Debtor, the \"Genever\n\nDebtors\") jointly state as follows in support of this application (the \"Application\"):\n\n# **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n1. By this Application, the Genever Debtors seeks entry of an order, substantially in the form of the proposed order attached hereto as **Exhibit A** (the \"Proposed Order\"), (i)\n\nauthorizing and approving the retention of Paul Hastings LLP (\"Paul Hastings\") as counsel to (a)\n\nthe Genever (BVI) Debtor effective as of the Genever (BVI) Petition Date (as defined below)\n\nand (b) the Genever (US) Debtor effective as of the Venue Transfer Date (as defined below), and\n\n(ii) granting such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.\n\n<span id=\"page-0-0\"></span> 1 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), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation 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 Genever Debtors rely on the *Declaration of Nicholas A. Bassett in Support of Application for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and 330 and Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, Authorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of Paul Hastings LLP as Counsel to Genever Debtors* (the \"Bassett Declaration\"), attached hereto as **Exhibit B**, which is incorporated by reference. In addition, this Application incorporates by reference the *Declaration of Disinterestedness of Luc A. Despins*, dated July 7, 2022 [Docket No. 515-1], as supplemented on July 12, 2022 [Docket No. 538], July 28, 2022 [Docket No. 633], and August 29, 2022 [Docket No. 802] (together, the \"Despins Declaration\").\n\n#### **JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASES**\n\n3. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (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, 328, and 330 of title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\"), and, to the extent applicable, 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 Practice and Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Local Rules\").\n\n#### **BACKGROUND**\n\n#### **A. Individual Debtor's and Genever (BVI) Debtor's Cases**\n\n6. On February 15, 2022 (the \"Individual Debtor Petition Date\"), Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Individual Debtor\") filed with the Court a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\").\n\n7. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (\"Committee\") in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case.\n\n8. On June 15, 2022, the Court entered a memorandum of decision and order [Docket No. 465] (the \"Trustee Order\") directing the United States Trustee to appoint a chapter 11 trustee in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case. Pursuant to the Trustee Order, the United States Trustee selected Luc A. Despins as the Trustee. On July 8, 2022, the Court entered an order granting the appointment of the Trustee as the chapter 11 trustee in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case [Docket No. 523].\n\n9. On August 2, 2022, the Court entered an order authorizing and approving retention and employment of Paul Hastings as counsel to the Trustee effective as of the Individual Debtor Petition Date (the \"Individual Debtor Retention Order\").\n\n10. On August 10, 2022, the Court entered an order [Docket No. 717 in Case No. 22- 50073 (JAM)] (the \"Corporate Governance Rights Order\") which, among other things, (a) confirms the Trustee holds all of the Individual Debtor's economic and governance rights with respect to all corporate entities owned and/or controlled by the Individual Debtor, including the Genever (BVI) Debtor and (b) directs the Individual Debtor to \"cooperate with the Trustee to enable the Trustee to perform his duties\" and \"surrender to the Trustee all property of the estate and any recorded information, including, without limitation, books, documents, records, and\n\npapers relating to property of the estate (including, without limitation, his shares in Genever (BVI) and all related corporate governance documents).\" Corporate Governance Rights Order ¶¶ 2, 3.\n\n11. In accordance with the Corporate Governance Rights Order, control of the Individual Debtor's shares in the Genever (BVI) Debtor was transferred to the Trustee and such transfer was registered with the registered agent for the Genever (BVI) Debtor in the British Virgin Islands (\"BVI\").\n\n12. On September 14, 2022, the Trustee removed Ho Wan Kwok as the sole director of the Genever (BVI) Debtor, and entered into a Director Services Agreement with Harneys Corporate Services Limited (a BVI company that provides, among other things, director services to clients incorporated in the BVI). Pursuant to this agreement, Claire Abrehart was appointed as the sole director of Genever (BVI) and, among other things, Ms. Abrehart agreed that she would undertake her duties as director in accordance with her consideration of the best interests of Genever (BVI).\n\n13. On October 11, 2022, the Genever (BVI) Debtor filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with this Court (the \"Genever (BVI) Petition Date\").\n\n14. No trustee or official committee of unsecured creditors has been appointed in Genever (BVI)'s chapter 11 case.\n\n15. October 14, 2022, the Court entered an order granting joint administration of the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case and Genever (BVI)'s chapter 11 case [Docket No. 970].\n\n#### **B. Genever (US) Debtor's Chapter 11 Case**\n\n16. The Genever (US) Debtor is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Genever (BVI) Debtor.\n\n17. On October 12, 2020, the Genever (US) Debtor filed its chapter 11 petition in the United State Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the \"New York Bankruptcy Court\").\n\n18. On September 30, 2022, the Trustee and Genever (US) Debtor filed their joint motion to transfer venue of the Genever (US) Debtor's chapter 11 case to this Court [Docket No. 211 in Case No. 22-50592 (JAM)] (the \"Venue Transfer Motion\").\n\n19. By order dated November 3, 2022 (the \"Venue Transfer Date\"), the New York Bankruptcy Court granted the Venue Transfer Motion, transferring the chapter 11 case of the Genever (US) Debtor to this Court.\n\n20. On November 21, 2022, the Court entered an order granting joint administration of the Genever (US) Debtor's chapter 11 case with the jointly administered cases of the Individual Debtor and the Genever (BVI) Debtor's chapter 11 case [Docket No. 1141].\n\n#### **RETENTION OF PAUL HASTINGS**\n\n21. On July 12, 2022, the Individual Debtor filed the Trustee's *Application of Chapter 11 Trustee for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and 330 and Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, Authorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of Paul Hastings LLP as Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee* (the \"Paul Hastings Application\") [Docket No. 539]. On August 2, 2022, the Court entered the Individual Debtor Retention Order authorizing and approving retention and employment of Paul Hastings as counsel to the Trustee.\n\n22. As counsel, Paul Hastings provides and seeks to continue to provide legal services to the Genever Debtors on the same terms as those described in the Paul Hastings Application (as modified to reflect the rate adjustments set forth in the notice, dated December 19, 2022 [Docket No. 1251]). To the best of the Genever Debtors' knowledge and as is further disclosed in the Despins Declaration, Paul Hastings is not a prepetition creditor of the Genever Debtors, does not hold or represent any interest adverse to the Genever Debtors or their estates and is a \"disinterested person\" as that phrase is defined in Section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by Section 1107(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.[2](#page-5-0)\n\n23. Paul Hastings has and will continue to perform services on behalf of the Genever Debtors pursuant to the same compensation structure applicable to the Individual Debtor, as described in the Paul Hastings Application. Further, the Genever Debtors and the Trustee intend to carefully monitor and coordinate the efforts of Paul Hastings to maximize efficiency and to prevent duplication of services whenever possible. The Genever Debtors and the Trustee will continue relying on Neubert Pepe & Monteith, P.C. for the majority of their chapter 11 legal needs, [3](#page-5-1) and will utilize Paul Hastings for specific matters where it makes sense to do so under\n\n<span id=\"page-5-0\"></span> <sup>2</sup> The Trustee's control over the shares of Genever (BVI) does not render him (and, certainly, not Paul Hastings) an \"interested\" person under section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code, the commencement of the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case created a bankruptcy estate, which estate succeeded to all of the Individual Debtor's legal or equitable interests in property—including the shares of Genever (BVI). Upon his appointment as the Trustee of the chapter 11 estate of the Individual Debtor, Mr. Despins became the nominal owner of those shares, but the beneficial owner remains the chapter 11 estate, and the Trustee's nominal ownership does not render him \"interested.\" *See, e.g.*, *In re Realty Associates Security Corp.*, 56 F. Supp. 1007 (S.D.N.Y. 1944) (bankruptcy trustees' \"nominal ownership of the subsidiary's stock in their fiduciary capacity does not prevent such persons from being deemed disinterested\"); *In re OPM Leasing Services Inc.*, 16 B.R. 932 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 1982) (declining to remove trustee and citing *Realty Associates* for proposition that \"it is 'personal interests' that are forbidden [and the trustee] is acting as a fiduciary and has no personal interest\"); *In re Hartley*, 50 B.R. 852 (Bankr. N.D. Ohio 1985) (denying motion to remove trustee for alleged conflict of interest and \"not[ing] that the Trustee became the owner of the stock by operation of law,\" and that this \"is not the usual conflict of interest case where self dealing is involved\").\n\n<span id=\"page-5-1\"></span><sup>3</sup> Orders approving Neubert Pepe & Monteith, P.C.'s retention were entered in the Genever (BVI) case and the Genever (US) case on November 17, 2022 and November 30, 2022, respectively.\n\nthe circumstances, including because it is more efficient to do so or because of Paul Hastings' specific expertise and abilities. As one example, Paul Hastings (as counsel to the Trustee) has commenced an adversary proceeding against Bravo Luck Limited in the Individual Case, and the Genever Debtors have commenced nearly identical complaints against Bravo Luck in the their respective chapter 11 cases. These three adversary proceedings arise out of the same facts, seek substantially the same relief and, in fact, are subject to a pending motion to consolidate. In this instance (and in instances like it) the Genever Debtors and the Trustee intend to rely on Paul Hastings as primary counsel.\n\n24. Finally, to the extent required under the applicable Individual Debtor Retention Order, Paul Hastings shall file interim and final fee applications for the allowance of compensation for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred in accordance with applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules and any other applicable procedures and orders of the Court.\n\n#### **BASIS FOR RELIEF**\n\n25. The Genever Debtors, at the direction of their director, have determined that Paul Hastings is the best, most efficient, and most logical choice as debtors' counsel in the chapter 11 cases of the Genever Debtors. Accordingly, they seek to retain Paul Hastings as counsel to the Genever Debtors pursuant to section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides that a trustee,[4](#page-6-0) subject to court approval 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 [its] duties under this title.\"\n\n<span id=\"page-6-0\"></span><sup>4</sup> Or, as applicable to the Genever Debtors, the debtors in possession, who perform the function of a trustee under section 1107(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n26. Under section 328(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, with bankruptcy court approval, a trustee may employ professional persons under section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code \"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\n27. Bankruptcy Rule 2014(a) requests 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, or any person employed in the office of the United States trustee.\n\n28. As required by Bankruptcy Rule 2014(a), this Application, along with the Bassett Declaration and the Despins Declaration, sets forth: (a) the specific facts establishing the Genever Debtors need to employ Paul Hastings as counsel in the Genever Debtors' chapter 11 cases and the reasons for the Genever Debtors selection of Paul Hastings; (b) the professional services to be rendered by Paul Hastings; (c) Paul Hastings' compensation and the reasonableness thereof; and (d) to the best of Paul Hastings' knowledge, Paul Hastings' connection, if any, to certain parties in interest in the Genever Debtors' chapter 11 cases.\n\n29. Finally, the Genever Debtors request that the retention of Paul Hastings be authorized and approved effective (i) as of the Genever (BVI) Petition Date for the Genever (BVI) Debtor; and (b) as of the Venue Transfer Date for the Genever (US) Debtor. Notably, Local Rule 2014-1(b)(1) permits an application to be deemed as having been contemporaneously filed with the commencement of a professional's services when an application has been filed within thirty (30) days after the commencement of services. Thus, the Local Rules recognize the legitimacy of retroactive relief in connection with a retention application, and the Genever\n\nDebtors merely seek a small enlargement of that period, to approximately three months in connection with the Genever (BVI) Debtor, and approximately 60 days for the Genever (US) Debtor. The Genever Debtors believe that retention of Paul Hastings effective as of the foregoing dates is warranted under the circumstances and that no party in interest will be prejudiced by such request. Retroactive relief is appropriate here for the additional reason that, prior to filing this application, Paul Hastings reached out to the office of the U.S. Trustee in an effort to address, and resolve, any concerns with Paul Hastings' retention. Those efforts were successful, as Paul Hastings understands, after discussions with the U.S. Trustee, that the U.S. Trustee does not object to the instant application.\n\n30. Finally, the Genever Debtors note that, going forward, the firm of Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP, which has represented the Genever (US) Debtor in its chapter 11 case, will only play a \"historical\" role with respect to the chapter 11 case of the Genever (US) Debtor, *i.e.*, it will remain available to provide, upon written request, historical information regarding the Genever (US) Debtor and its chapter 11 case.\n\n31. The Genever Debtors submit that for all of the reasons stated in this Application, the Bassett Declaration, and the Despins Declaration, the proposed retention of Paul Hastings as bankruptcy and restructuring counsel in the Genever Debtors' chapter 11 cases falls squarely within the scope of section 327(a) and is warranted. Accordingly, the Genever Debtors respectfully request that the Court authorize the retention of Paul Hastings as counsel to the Genever Debtors.\n\n#### **NO PRIOR REQUEST**\n\n32. The Genever Debtors have not previously sought the relief requested herein from this or any other court.\n\nWHEREFORE, the Genever Debtors respectfully request entry of the Proposed Order granting the relief requested in this Application and such other relief as is just and proper.\n\nDated: January 5, 2023 Director of Genever Holdings Corporation\n\nClaire Abrehart\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 1293 Filed 01/05/23 Entered 01/05/23 14:19:32 Page 11 of 25\n\n#### **EXHIBIT A**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------<br>x |        |                         |  |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------|-------------------------|--|\n| In re:                                                      | :<br>: | Chapter 11              |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK, et al.,                                        | :<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |\n| Debtors.1                                                   | :<br>: | Jointly Administered    |  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------      | :<br>x |                         |  |\n\n### **ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330 AND BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF PAUL HASTINGS LLP AS COUNSEL TO GENEVER DEBTORS**\n\nUpon the application (the \"Application\")[2](#page-11-1) of Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Genever (BVI) Debtor\"), and Genever Holdings LLC (the \"Genever (US) Debtor\" and, together with the Genever (BVI) Debtor, the \"Genever Debtors\"), for the entry of an order (this \"Order\") authorizing and approving the Genever Debtors to retain and employ Paul Hastings LLP (\"Paul Hastings\") as counsel by: (a) the Genever (BVI) Debtor effective as of the Genever (BVI) Petition Date (as defined below) and (b) the Genever (US) Debtor effective as of the Venue Transfer Date, 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 Practice and Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Local Rules\"), all as more fully set forth in the Application; and upon consideration of the Application,\n\n<span id=\"page-11-0\"></span> 1 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), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation 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\n<span id=\"page-11-1\"></span><sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Application.\n\nthe Bassett Declaration, and the Despins 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 the 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 due and proper notice of the Application having been given; and the Court having found that (i) the relief requested in the Application is in the best interest of the Genever Debtors' estates, their creditors, and all parties in interest, (ii) the legal and factual bases set forth in the Application, the Bassett Declaration, the Despins Declaration, and upon the record of any hearing on the Application before this Court establish just cause for the relief granted herein, (iii) Paul Hastings 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) Paul Hastings does not hold or represent an interest adverse to the Genever Debtors' estates; 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 Genever (BVI) Debtor effective as of the Genever (BVI) Petition Date, *i.e.*, to October 11, 2022 and the Genever (US) Debtor effective as of the Venue Transfer Date, *i.e.*, to November 3, 2022, on the terms set forth on the terms and conditions set forth in the Paul Hastings Application, as modified and supplemented by the Application, the Bassett Declaration,\n\nthe Despins Declaration, and the *Notice of Change in Hourly Rates of Paul Hastings LLP, Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee* [Docket No. 1251].\n\n3. Paul Hastings is authorized to perform any and all services in respect of the Genever Debtors as granted in the Individual Debtor Retention Order, attached to this Order as Exhibit 1, subject to any conditions or restrictions therein.\n\n4. To the extent required under the Individual Debtor's Retention Order, Paul Hastings shall apply for compensation for professional services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the chapter 11 cases in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules and any other applicable procedures and orders of the Court.\n\n5. Paul Hastings shall provide no less than ten business days' notice to the Genever Debtors, the U.S. 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\n6. The Genever Debtors and Paul Hastings are authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted in this Order.\n\n7. The requirements of the Local Rules are satisfied by the contents of the Application.\n\n8. To the extent the Application, the Bassett Declaration, or the Despins Declaration is inconsistent with this Order, the terms of this Order shall govern.\n\n9. The terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry.\n\n10. 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### **EXHIBIT 1**\n\n**Individual Debtor Retention Order**\n\n#### **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ------------------------------------------------------<br>x |             |                         |  |  |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|--|--|\n| In re:                                                      | :<br>:      | Chapter 11              |  |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK,                                                | :<br>:<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |\n| Debtor.                                                     | :<br>:      |                         |  |  |\n| ------------------------------------------------------      | x           |                         |  |  |\n\n### **ORDER AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF PAUL HASTINGS LLP AS COUNSEL TO CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE, EFFECTIVE AS OF PETITION DATE**\n\nUpon the application (the \"Application\")1 of Mr. Luc A. Despins, in his capacity as the chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Debtor\"), for the entry of an order (this \"Order\") authorizing and approving the Trustee to retain and employ Paul Hastings LLP (\"Paul Hastings\") as his counsel effective as of July 8, 2022, 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 Practice and Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the \"Local Rules\"), all as more fully set forth in the Application; and upon consideration of the Application, the Bassett Declaration, and the Despins 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 the Application and the relief requested therein\n\n<sup>1</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Application.\n\n3. Paul Hastings is authorized to act as the Trustee's counsel and to perform those\n\nservices described in the Application. Specifically, but without limitation, Paul Hastings is\n\nauthorized to render the following legal services:\n\n- (a) advising the Trustee as to his rights, powers, and duties as chapter 11 trustee in the Chapter 11 Case;\n- (b) advising the Trustee as to his 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- (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- (d) preparing on behalf of the Trustee 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- (e) advising the Trustee 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- (f) advising and assisting the Trustee in connection with any potential asset sales and property dispositions;\n- (g) advising the Trustee concerning executory contract and unexpired lease assumptions, assignments, and rejections;\n- (h) advising the Trustee in connection with the formulation, negotiation, and promulgation of a plan or plans of reorganization, and related transactional documents;\n- (i) assisting the Trustee in reviewing, estimating, and resolving claims asserted against the Debtor's estate; and\n- (j) negotiating with parties in interest.\n- 4. The Debtor's estate shall be responsible for Paul Hastings' compensation and\n\nreimbursement of expenses in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 1293 Filed 01/05/23 Entered 01/05/23 14:19:32 Page 20 of 25\n\n#### **EXHIBIT B**\n\n**Bassett Declaration**\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 (JAM) |\n|                                                        | : |                         |\n| Debtors.1                                              | : | Jointly Administered    |\n|                                                        | : |                         |\n| ------------------------------------------------------ | x |                         |\n\n## **DECLARATION OF NICHOLAS A. BASSETT IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR ENTRY OF ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTIONS 327, 328, AND 330 AND BANKRUPTCY RULES 2014 AND 2016, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING RETENTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF PAUL HASTINGS LLP AS COUNSEL TO GENEVER DEBTORS**\n\nPursuant to Rule 2014(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the \"Bankruptcy\n\nRules\"), I, Nicholas A. Bassett, declare that the following is true to the best of my knowledge,\n\ninformation, and belief:\n\n1. I am an attorney admitted and in good standing to practice in the State of New\n\nYork. My application for admission *pro hac vice* to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the\n\nDistrict of Connecticut (the \"Court\") was filed on July 11, 2022 [ECF No. 533].\n\n2. I am a partner with the law firm of Paul Hastings LLP (\"Paul Hastings\"), located\n\nat, among other offices worldwide, 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10166, and am\n\nduly authorized to make this declaration (this \"Declaration\") on behalf of Paul Hastings. I\n\nsubmit this Declaration in support of the *Application for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Bankruptcy*\n\n<span id=\"page-20-0\"></span><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), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation 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\n*Code Sections 327, 328, and 330 and Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, Authorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of Paul Hastings LLP as Counsel to Genever Debtors* (the \"Application\")[2](#page-21-0) submitted by Genever Holdings Corporation (the \"Genever (BVI) Debtor\"), and Genever Holdings LLC (the \"Genever (US) Debtor\" and, together with the Genever (BVI) Debtor, the \"Genever Debtors\").\n\n3. The facts set forth in this Declaration are based upon my personal knowledge, discussions with other Paul Hastings attorneys, and the firm's client/matter records that were reviewed by me or other Paul Hastings attorneys. To the extent any information disclosed in this Declaration requires amendment or modification upon completion of Paul Hastings' further review or as additional information becomes available, a supplemental declaration will be submitted to the Court reflecting such amended or modified information.\n\n4. Paul Hastings' qualifications and its compensation structure are set forth in the Initial Bassett Declaration and the *Notice of Change in Hourly Rates of Paul Hastings LLP, Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee* [Docket No. 1251].\n\n#### **SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED**\n\n5. Paul Hastings will provide the same services on the same terms for the Genever Debtors as it does for the Trustee.\n\n### **PAUL HASTINGS CONFLICTS CHECK**\n\n6. The Despins Declaration, which was prepared in connection with, and attached to,\n\nthe U.S. Trustee's *Application for Order Approving Appointment of a Chapter 11 Trustee*\n\n<span id=\"page-21-0\"></span><sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Application. This Declaration incorporates by reference the *Declaration of Nicholas A. Bassett in Support of Application of Chapter 11 Trustee for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and 330 and Bankruptcy Rules 2014 and 2016, Authorizing and Approving Retention and Employment of Paul Hastings LLP as Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee* (the \"Initial Bassett Declaration\"), previously submitted as Exhibit B to the Paul Hastings Application.\n\n[Docket No. 515], and which was supplemented on July 12, 2022 [Docket No. 538], July 28, 2022 [Docket No. 633], and August 29, 2022 [Docket No. 802], sets forth Paul Hastings' conflict review procedures and the steps performed to identify not only the Trustee's but also Paul Hastings' connections to potential parties in interest in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 cases, which parties in interest are the same as for the Genever Debtors. For a description of Paul Hastings' connections to potential parties in interest in these chapter 11 cases, I refer to the Despins Declaration.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank.*]\n\nI declare under penalty of perjury that, to the best of my knowledge and after reasonable inquiry, the foregoing is true and correct.\n\nExecuted this 5th day of January 2023\n\n/s/Nicholas A. Bassett Nicholas A. Bassett\n\n#### **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\nx :\n\n:\n\n:\n\nx\n\nIn re: : CHAPTER 11 HO WAN KWOK, *et al*., 1\n\n: CASE NO. 22-50073 (JAM)\n\nDebtors. : Jointly Administered\n\n### **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that on January 5, 2023 the foregoing Application to Employ was filed electronically. Notice of this filing will be sent by e-mail to all parties by operation of the Court's electronic filing system or by mail to anyone unable to accept electronic filing pursuant to the Notice of Electronic Filing.\n\nDated: January 5, 2023 THE DEBTORS,\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION and GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC\n\n> By: /s/Douglas S. Skalka Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@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), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation 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":"美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n关于：　：\n：\n第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，　：\n：\n案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1　：\n：\n合并管理\n\nx\n\n根据《破产法典》第327、328及330条以及《破产程序规则》第2014及2016条申请发布命令，授权并批准聘任PAUL HASTINGS LLP担任GENEVER债务人的法律顾问\n\nGenever Holdings Corporation（Genever Holdings Corporation）的债务人（“Genever (BVI)债务人”）和Genever Holdings LLC（Genever Holdings LLC）的债务人（“Genever (US)债务人”，与Genever (BVI)债务人合称“Genever债务人”）为支持本申请（“本申请”），共同陈述如下：\n\n请求的救济\n\n1. Genever债务人通过本申请请求法院发布一项命令，其形式实质上与作为附件A附于本申请的拟议命令（“拟议命令”）相同，以：(i) 授权并批准聘任Paul Hastings LLP（“Paul Hastings”）担任以下主体的法律顾问：(a) Genever (BVI)债务人，自Genever (BVI)申请日（定义见下文）起生效；及(b) Genever (US)债务人，自管辖地移转日（定义见下文）起生效；以及(ii) 授予法院认为公正且适当的其他及进一步救济。\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及Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名）（税务识别号末四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号末四位：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交Luc A. Despins，其作为Ho Wan Kwok遗产的受托人（仅为通知和通信之目的）。\n\n2. 为支持本申请，Genever债务人依赖作为附件B附于本申请并以引用方式纳入本文的《Nicholas A. Bassett为支持根据《破产法典》第327、328及330条以及《破产程序规则》第2014及2016条申请发布命令、授权并批准聘任Paul Hastings LLP担任Genever债务人法律顾问之申请所作的声明》（“Bassett声明”）。此外，本申请还以引用方式纳入Luc A. Despins于July 7, 2022作出的《无利害关系声明》[Docket No. 515-1]，该声明已于July 12, 2022 [Docket No. 538]、July 28, 2022 [Docket No. 633]及August 29, 2022 [Docket No. 802]予以补充（合称“Despins声明”）。\n\n管辖权、审判地及法律依据\n\n3. United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格州联邦破产法院）（“法院”）根据28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334以及United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格州联邦地区法院）（经修订）作出的案件移送常设命令，对本事项具有管辖权。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律依据为United States Code（美国法典）第11编第327、328及330条（“破产法典”），以及在适用范围内的Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure（联邦破产程序规则）第2014及2016条（“破产程序规则”），并包括Local Rules of Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格州联邦破产法院破产实务与程序地方法则）第2014-1及2016-1条（“地方法则”）。\n\n背景\n\nA. 个人债务人及Genever (BVI)债务人的案件\n\n6. 于February 15, 2022（“个人债务人申请日”），Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“个人债务人”）向法院提交了根据United States Code（美国法典）第11编（“破产法典”）第11章请求救济的自愿申请。\n\n7. 于March 21, 2022，United States Trustee（美国受托人）在个人债务人的第11章案件中指定了Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors（无担保债权人正式委员会）（“委员会”）。\n\n8. 于June 15, 2022，法院作出一份裁判备忘录及命令[Docket No. 465]（“受托人命令”），指示美国受托人在个人债务人的第11章案件中指定一名第11章受托人。根据受托人命令，美国受托人选定Luc A. Despins担任受托人。于July 8, 2022，法院作出命令，批准指定该受托人为个人债务人第11章案件中的第11章受托人[Docket No. 523]。\n\n9. 于August 2, 2022，法院作出命令，授权并批准自个人债务人申请日起聘任Paul Hastings担任受托人的法律顾问（“个人债务人聘任命令”）。\n\n10. 于August 10, 2022，法院作出一项命令[Docket No. 717 in Case No. 22- 50073 (JAM)]（“公司治理权利命令”），其中包括：(a) 确认受托人持有个人债务人就其拥有和/或控制的所有公司实体所享有的全部经济及治理权利，包括Genever (BVI)债务人；以及(b) 指示个人债务人“与受托人合作，使受托人能够履行其职责”并“向受托人交出遗产的所有财产及任何记录信息，包括但不限于与遗产财产有关的账簿、文件、记录和文书（包括但不限于其持有的Genever (BVI)股份及所有相关公司治理文件）。”公司治理权利命令第2、3段。\n\n11. 根据公司治理权利命令，个人债务人所持Genever (BVI)债务人股份的控制权已移转给受托人，且该移转已向Genever (BVI)债务人在British Virgin Islands（英属维尔京群岛）（“BVI”）的注册代理人登记。\n\n12. 于September 14, 2022，受托人免除了Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）作为Genever (BVI)债务人唯一董事的职务，并与Harneys Corporate Services Limited（Harneys Corporate Services Limited）（一家BVI公司，除其他事项外，为在BVI注册成立的客户提供董事服务）签订了《董事服务协议》。根据该协议，Claire Abrehart（Claire Abrehart）被任命为Genever (BVI)的唯一董事；除其他事项外，Abrehart女士同意，其将根据对Genever (BVI)最佳利益的考量履行董事职责。\n\n13. 于October 11, 2022，Genever (BVI)债务人向本法院提交了根据《破产法典》第11章请求救济的自愿申请（“Genever (BVI)申请日”）。\n\n14. Genever (BVI)的第11章案件中尚未指定任何受托人或无担保债权人正式委员会。\n\n15. 于October 14, 2022，法院作出命令，批准对个人债务人的第11章案件与Genever (BVI)的第11章案件进行合并管理[Docket No. 970]。\n\nB. Genever (US)债务人的第11章案件\n\n16. Genever (US)债务人是Genever (BVI)债务人的全资子公司。\n\n17. 于October 12, 2020，Genever (US)债务人向United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York（纽约南区联邦破产法院）（“纽约破产法院”）提交了其第11章申请。\n\n18. 于September 30, 2022，受托人与Genever (US)债务人共同提交动议，请求将Genever (US)债务人的第11章案件的审判地移转至本法院[Docket No. 211 in Case No. 22-50592 (JAM)]（“审判地移转动议”）。\n\n19. 纽约破产法院通过日期为November 3, 2022的命令（“审判地移转日”）准许了审判地移转动议，将Genever (US)债务人的第11章案件移转至本法院。\n\n20. 于November 21, 2022，法院作出命令，批准将Genever (US)债务人的第11章案件与个人债务人及Genever (BVI)债务人的已合并管理第11章案件进行合并管理[Docket No. 1141]。\n\n聘任PAUL HASTINGS\n\n21. 于July 12, 2022，个人债务人提交了受托人的《第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328及330条以及《破产程序规则》第2014及2016条申请发布命令、授权并批准聘任Paul Hastings LLP担任第11章受托人法律顾问之申请》（“Paul Hastings申请”）[Docket No. 539]。于August 2, 2022，法院作出个人债务人聘任命令，授权并批准聘任Paul Hastings担任受托人的法律顾问。\n\n22. 作为法律顾问，Paul Hastings按照Paul Hastings申请中所述的相同条款（经修改以反映日期为December 19, 2022的通知[Docket No. 1251]中规定的费率调整），一直并寻求继续向Genever债务人提供法律服务。据Genever债务人所知，并如Despins声明进一步披露，Paul Hastings不是Genever债务人的申请前债权人，不持有或代表任何与Genever债务人或其遗产相冲突的利益，并且是《破产法典》第101(14)条所界定的“无利害关系人士”，经《破产法典》第1107(b)条修改。[2]\n\n23. Paul Hastings已并将继续根据适用于个人债务人的相同报酬结构，代表Genever债务人提供服务，如Paul Hastings申请所述。此外，Genever债务人及受托人拟对Paul Hastings的工作进行谨慎监督和协调，以最大限度提高效率，并尽可能防止服务重复。Genever债务人及受托人将继续依赖Neubert Pepe & Monteith, P.C.（Neubert Pepe & Monteith, P.C.）满足其大部分第11章法律需求，[3]并将在根据以下情况适宜时，就特定事项聘用Paul Hastings。\n\n2 受托人对Genever (BVI)股份的控制并不使其（当然也不使Paul Hastings）成为《破产法典》第101(14)条项下的“有利害关系”人士。根据《破产法典》第541条，个人债务人第11章案件的启动产生了一项破产遗产，该遗产承继了个人债务人对财产享有的一切法定或衡平权益——包括Genever (BVI)的股份。在其被指定为个人债务人第11章遗产的受托人后，Despins先生成为该等股份的名义所有人，但实益所有人仍为第11章遗产，且受托人的名义所有权并不使其成为“有利害关系”人士。参见，例如，In re Realty Associates Security Corp., 56 F. Supp. 1007 (S.D.N.Y. 1944)（破产受托人以受托身份对附属公司股票的“名义所有权，并不妨碍该等人士被视为无利害关系人士”）；In re OPM Leasing Services Inc., 16 B.R. 932 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 1982)（拒绝免除受托人职务，并援引Realty Associates所述命题，即被禁止的是“个人利益”[而受托人]系以受托人身份行事，且不具有个人利益）；In re Hartley, 50 B.R. 852 (Bankr. N.D. Ohio 1985)（驳回以所称利益冲突为由请求免除受托人职务的动议，并“指出，受托人依法成为股票所有人”，且这“并非通常涉及自我交易的利益冲突案件”）。\n\n3 批准聘任Neubert Pepe & Monteith, P.C.的命令已分别于November 17, 2022及November 30, 2022在Genever (BVI)案件和Genever (US)案件中作出。\n\n该等情形下，包括因如此做更为高效，或因 Paul Hastings（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）具备特定的专业知识和能力。例如，Paul Hastings（作为受托人的律师）已在个人案件中对 Bravo Luck Limited（布拉沃·拉克有限公司）提起对抗程序，而 Genever Debtors（吉纳维尔债务人）已在其各自的第11章案件中对 Bravo Luck 提起几乎完全相同的诉状。这三项对抗程序均源于相同事实，寻求实质相同的救济，并且事实上均受制于一项待决的合并动议。在此情形下（以及类似情形下），Genever Debtors 和受托人拟依赖 Paul Hastings 作为主要律师。\n\n24. 最后，如适用的个人债务人聘任命令要求，Paul Hastings 应根据《破产法典》、《破产规则》、地方法院规则以及法院的任何其他适用程序和命令的适用规定，提交中期和最终费用申请，以核准已提供服务的报酬及已发生费用的偿还。\n\n救济依据\n\n25. Genever Debtors 在其董事的指示下，已认定 Paul Hastings 是担任 Genever Debtors 第11章案件中债务人律师的最佳、最高效且最合乎逻辑的选择。因此，其根据《破产法典》第327(a)条寻求聘任 Paul Hastings 担任 Genever Debtors 的律师；该条规定，经法院批准，受托人[4]可以聘用“不持有或代表对破产财产不利的利益，且为无利害关系人士”的专业人员，以代表或协助“[占有中的债务人]履行[其]根据本编所承担的职责”。\n\n4 或者，就 Genever Debtors 而言，系履行《破产法典》第1107(a)条规定的受托人职能的占有中的债务人。\n\n26. 根据《破产法典》第328(a)条，经破产法院批准，受托人可根据《破产法典》第327(a)条，按照“任何合理的雇佣条款和条件”聘用专业人员，包括以预付聘金、按小时、固定费用或按比例费用，或风险代理费方式。11 U.S.C. § 328(a)。\n\n27. 《破产规则》第2014(a)条要求聘任申请应包括：\n\n说明聘用必要性的具体事实、拟聘用的[律师事务所]名称、选择理由、将提供的专业服务、任何拟议的报酬安排，以及据申请人所知，该[律师事务所]与债务人、债权人、任何其他利益相关方、其各自的律师和会计师、美国受托人或受雇于美国受托人办公室的任何人员之间的所有关系。\n\n28. 如《破产规则》第2014(a)条所要求，本申请连同 Bassett Declaration（巴塞特声明）和 Despins Declaration（德斯潘声明）载明：(a) 证明 Genever Debtors 有必要在其第11章案件中聘用 Paul Hastings 担任律师的具体事实，以及 Genever Debtors 选择 Paul Hastings 的理由；(b) Paul Hastings 将提供的专业服务；(c) Paul Hastings 的报酬及其合理性；以及 (d) 据 Paul Hastings 所知，Paul Hastings 与 Genever Debtors 第11章案件中若干利益相关方之间的关系（如有）。\n\n29. 最后，Genever Debtors 请求授权并批准聘任 Paul Hastings，自：(i) 就 Genever (BVI) Debtor（Genever（英属维尔京群岛）债务人）而言，Genever (BVI) Petition Date（Genever（英属维尔京群岛）申请日）起生效；以及 (b) 就 Genever (US) Debtor（Genever（美国）债务人）而言，Venue Transfer Date（审理地移送日）起生效。值得注意的是，地方法院规则第2014-1(b)(1)条允许，在专业人员开始提供服务后三十（30）日内提交申请时，该申请被视为与该专业人员服务开始同时提交。因此，地方法院规则承认与聘任申请有关的追溯性救济的正当性，而 Genever Debtors 仅请求小幅延长该期间：就 Genever (BVI) Debtor 而言延长至约三个月，就 Genever (US) Debtor 而言延长至约60日。Genever Debtors 认为，在该等情形下，令聘任 Paul Hastings 自上述日期起生效具有正当理由，且任何利益相关方均不会因该请求而受到损害。追溯性救济在此亦属适当，另一理由是，在提交本申请之前，Paul Hastings 已联系 U.S. Trustee（美国受托人）办公室，力图处理并解决有关聘任 Paul Hastings 的任何疑虑。该等努力已取得成功，因为 Paul Hastings 了解到，在与美国受托人讨论后，美国受托人不反对本申请。\n\n30. 最后，Genever Debtors 指出，今后，曾在其第11章案件中代理 Genever (US) Debtor 的 Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP（戈德伯格·韦普林·芬克尔·戈德斯坦律师事务所），将仅就 Genever (US) Debtor 的第11章案件发挥“历史性”作用，即该所将继续在收到书面请求后，就 Genever (US) Debtor 及其第11章案件提供历史信息。\n\n31. Genever Debtors 主张，基于本申请、Bassett Declaration 和 Despins Declaration 中所述的全部理由，拟聘任 Paul Hastings 在 Genever Debtors 的第11章案件中担任破产和重组律师，完全属于第327(a)条的范围，且具有正当理由。因此，Genever Debtors 恭请法院授权聘任 Paul Hastings 担任 Genever Debtors 的律师。\n\n此前未提出请求\n\n32. Genever Debtors 先前未曾向本法院或任何其他法院请求本申请所请求的救济。\n\n据此，Genever Debtors 恭请作出拟议命令，准予本申请所请求的救济，以及任何其他公正和适当的救济。\n\n日期：January 5, 2023　Genever Holdings Corporation（吉纳维尔控股公司）董事\n\nClaire Abrehart（克莱尔·阿布雷哈特）\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 1293 Filed 01/05/23 Entered 01/05/23 14:19:32 Page 11 of 25\n\n附件A\n\n拟议命令\n\n美国康涅狄格地区联邦破产法院布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n关于：　：\n：　第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等人，　：\n：　Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。1　：\n：　联合管理\n\nx\n\n根据《破产法典》第327、328和330条及《破产规则》第2014和2016条，授权并批准聘任 PAUL HASTINGS LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）担任 GENEVER DEBTORS 的律师的命令\n\n根据 Genever Holdings Corporation（“Genever (BVI) Debtor”），以及 Genever Holdings LLC（“Genever (US) Debtor”，连同 Genever (BVI) Debtor，统称“Genever Debtors”）提出的申请（“申请”）[2]，请求作出命令（“本命令”），授权并批准 Genever Debtors 聘任 Paul Hastings LLP（“Paul Hastings”）担任律师：(a) Genever (BVI) Debtor 自下文定义的 Genever (BVI) Petition Date 起生效；以及 (b) Genever (US) Debtor 自 Venue Transfer Date 起生效；该申请依据《美国法典》第11编第327、328和330条（“破产法典”）、《联邦破产程序规则》第2014和2016条（“破产规则”），以及《康涅狄格地区美国联邦破产法院破产实务与程序地方法院规则》第2014-1和2016-1条（“地方法院规则”），其详情均载于申请；并经审议申请、\n\n1 本第11章案件的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（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）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号码后四位：8202）和 Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC 和 Genever Holdings Corporation 的邮寄地址为：Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，转交 Luc A. Despins，作为 Ho Wan Kwok 破产财产的受托人（仅用于通知和通信）。\n\n2 本文中使用但未定义的首字母大写术语，具有申请中所载的含义。\n\nBassett Declaration 和 Despins Declaration；且本法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（康涅狄格地区美国联邦地区法院）作出的移送常设命令（经修订），对审议申请及其中请求的救济具有管辖权；且审议申请及其中请求的救济构成 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 规定的核心程序；且根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409，本法院为适当审理地；且已就申请作出适当和适格的通知；且法院已认定：(i) 申请中请求的救济符合 Genever Debtors 破产财产、其债权人及所有利益相关方的最佳利益，(ii) 申请、Bassett Declaration、Despins Declaration 及本法院就申请举行的任何听证会记录中所列的法律和事实依据，构成准予本命令所载救济的正当理由，(iii) Paul Hastings 系《破产法典》第101(14)条所定义且第327(a)条要求的“无利害关系人士”，以及 (iv) Paul Hastings 不持有或代表对 Genever Debtors 破产财产不利的利益；且鉴于具体情况，已就申请作出适当和充分的通知；且看来无需作出其他或进一步通知；且经本法院进行的全部程序；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；且经适当审议并显示存在充分理由，兹命令如下：\n\n1. 准予本申请，如本命令所述。\n\n2. 兹授权 Genever (BVI) Debtor 自 Genever (BVI) Petition Date，即 October 11, 2022 起，以及 Genever (US) Debtor 自 Venue Transfer Date，即 November 3, 2022 起，按照 Paul Hastings Application（Paul Hastings 申请）中列明的条款和条件（经本申请、Bassett Declaration、Despins Declaration 以及 Notice of Change in Hourly Rates of Paul Hastings LLP, Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee [Docket No. 1251]（Paul Hastings LLP 作为第11章受托人律师的小时费率变更通知 [Docket No. 1251]）修订和补充）聘任 Paul Hastings。\n\n3. 授权 Paul Hastings 在任何条件或限制的约束下，就 Genever Debtors 提供作为本命令附件1的 Individual Debtor Retention Order（个人债务人聘任命令）所准许的一切服务。\n\n4. 在 Individual Debtor's Retention Order 要求的范围内，Paul Hastings 应根据《破产法典》、《破产规则》、地方法院规则以及法院任何其他适用程序和命令的适用规定，就与第11章案件有关的已提供专业服务的报酬及已发生费用的偿还提出申请。\n\n5. 在实施其所收取费率的任何上调前，Paul Hastings 应至少提前十个营业日通知 Genever Debtors、美国受托人及任何官方委员会的律师，并应向法院提交该通知。\n\n6. 授权并赋予 Genever Debtors 和 Paul Hastings 采取一切必要行动，以实现本命令准予的救济。\n\n7. 申请的内容满足地方法院规则的要求。\n\n8. 如申请、Bassett Declaration 或 Despins Declaration 与本命令不一致，应以本命令的条款为准。\n\n9. 本命令的条款和条件自其录入之日起立即生效并可执行。\n\n10. 本法院对因本命令的实施、解释和执行而产生或与之相关的所有事项保留管辖权。\n\n附件1\n\n个人债务人聘任命令\n\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格州地区 布里奇波特分院\n\nx\n\n关于：　:\n:　第11章\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵），　:\n:\n:　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。　:\n\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n裁定授权并批准自申请日追溯生效聘任PAUL HASTINGS LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）担任第11章受托人法律顾问\n\n兹根据Luc A. Despins先生（卢克·A·德斯平斯）以其在Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“债务人”）第11章案件中获任命的第11章受托人（“受托人”）身份提出的申请（“申请”）1，请求录入一项裁定（“本命令”），授权并批准受托人根据《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》（“破产规则”）第2014及2016条，以及《康涅狄格州地区美国破产法院破产实务与程序地方法则》（“地方法则”）第2014-1及2016-1条，自2022年7月8日起追溯聘任Paul Hastings LLP（“Paul Hastings”）担任其法律顾问，所有内容均详见申请；并经审议申请、Bassett声明及Despins声明；且本法院根据28 U.S.C. §§ 157和1334以及康涅狄格州地区美国地区法院（经修订）的移送管辖常设命令，对审议申请及其中请求的救济具有管辖权；并审议申请及其中请求的救济。\n\n1 本文使用但未定义的首字母大写术语，具有申请中规定的含义。\n\n3. 授权Paul Hastings担任受托人的法律顾问，并履行申请中所述的服务。具体而言，包括但不限于，授权Paul Hastings提供以下法律服务：\n\n(a) 就受托人在第11章案件中作为第11章受托人的权利、权力和职责向其提供建议；\n\n(b) 就受托人对债务人破产财产的调查向其提供建议，包括为债务人破产财产的利益提起任何收集和追回财产的诉讼；\n\n(c) 提起、进行和／或继续为主张债务人破产财产所享有的权利、保护债务人破产财产的资产，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) 代表受托人准备必要且适当的申请、动议、拟议裁定、其他诉状、通知、清单及其他文件，并审查已在第11章案件中提交和将要提交的财务及其他报告；\n\n(e) 就其他当事人可能在第11章案件中提交的申请、动议、其他诉状、通知及其他文件向受托人提供建议，并准备答复；\n\n(f) 就任何潜在资产出售及财产处分向受托人提供建议并协助受托人；\n\n(g) 就待履行合同和未届满租赁的承接、转让及拒绝履行向受托人提供建议；\n\n(h) 就制定、谈判及颁布一项或多项重整计划以及相关交易文件向受托人提供建议；\n\n(i) 协助受托人审查、估算及解决针对债务人破产财产提出的债权；以及\n\n(j) 与利害关系方进行谈判。\n\n4. 债务人破产财产应负责支付Paul Hastings在第11章案件中的报酬及费用偿还。\n\n案号 22-50073 文件1293 于01/05/23提交 于01/05/23 14:19:32录入 第20页，共25页\n\n附件B\n\nBassett声明\n\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格州地区 布里奇波特分院\n\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n关于：　:　第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，　:　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。1　:　合并管理\n\n------------------------------------------------------　x\n\nNICHOLAS A. BASSETT（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特）为支持根据破产法典第327、328及330条和破产规则第2014及2016条录入裁定、授权并批准聘任PAUL HASTINGS LLP担任GENEVER债务人法律顾问的申请而作的声明\n\n根据《联邦破产程序规则》（“破产规则”）第2014(a)条，本人Nicholas A. Bassett（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特）声明，据本人所知、所获信息及所信，以下内容真实：\n\n1. 本人是一名获准在纽约州执业且资格良好的律师。本人向康涅狄格州地区美国破产法院（“法院”）申请特别许可出庭的申请已于2022年7月11日提交[ECF No. 533]。\n\n2. 本人是Paul Hastings LLP（“Paul Hastings”）律师事务所的合伙人，该所除全球其他办事处外，设址于200 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10166；本人已获适当授权代表Paul Hastings作出本声明（“本声明”）。本人提交本声明，以支持Genever Holdings Corporation（“Genever（BVI）债务人”）和Genever Holdings LLC（“Genever（US）债务人”，与Genever（BVI）债务人合称“Genever债务人”）提出的《根据破产法典第327、328及330条和破产规则第2014及2016条录入裁定、授权并批准聘任Paul Hastings LLP担任Genever债务人法律顾问的申请》（“申请”）[2]。\n\n3. 本声明所载事实基于本人的个人知悉、与其他Paul Hastings律师的讨论，以及由本人或其他Paul Hastings律师审阅的该所客户／事项记录。如本声明披露的任何信息在Paul Hastings完成进一步审查后或随着获得更多信息而需要修订或修改，将向法院提交补充声明，载明该等经修订或修改的信息。\n\n4. Paul Hastings的资格及其报酬结构载于《初始Bassett声明》及《Paul Hastings LLP第11章受托人法律顾问小时费率变更通知》[Docket No. 1251]。\n\n将提供的服务\n\n5. Paul Hastings将按照其为受托人提供服务的相同条件，为Genever债务人提供相同服务。\n\nPAUL HASTINGS利益冲突审查\n\n6. 为配合并附随于美国受托人申请裁定批准任命第11章受托人[Docket No. 515]而编制的Despins声明，以及于2022年7月12日[Docket No. 538]、2022年7月28日[Docket No. 633]及2022年8月29日[Docket No. 802]补充的该声明，载明了Paul Hastings的利益冲突审查程序，以及为识别受托人和Paul Hastings与个人债务人第11章案件中潜在利害关系方之间联系而采取的步骤；该等利害关系方与Genever债务人的利害关系方相同。关于Paul Hastings与这些第11章案件中潜在利害关系方之间联系的说明，本人援引Despins声明。\n\n[本页其余部分有意留白。]\n\n本人根据伪证罪处罚的规定声明，据本人所知并经合理调查，上述内容真实且正确。\n\n签署于2023年1月5日\n\n/s/Nicholas A. Bassett Nicholas A. Bassett（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特）\n\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格州地区 布里奇波特分院\n\nx　:\n\nx\n\n关于：　:　第11章 HO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）等，1\n\n:　案号 22-50073 (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，前述聘任申请已于2023年1月5日以电子方式提交。依照电子提交通知，法院电子提交系统将通过电子邮件向所有当事人发送该提交通知，或向无法接受电子提交的任何人邮寄该通知。\n\n日期：2023年1月5日　债务人，\n\nNew Haven, Connecticut　GENEVER HOLDINGS CORPORATION和GENEVER HOLDINGS LLC\n\n代表：/s/Douglas S. Skalka Douglas S. Skalka（道格拉斯·S·斯卡尔卡）(ct00616) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 821-2000 dskalka@npmlaw.com\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）、Genever Holdings LLC（税务识别号码后四位：8202）及Genever Holdings Corporation。受托人、Genever Holdings LLC及Genever Holdings Corporation的邮寄地址为Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166，收件人为Luc A. Despins，作为Ho Wan Kwok破产财产的受托人（仅用于通知和通信）。","key_entities":["Paul Hastings","Kwok","Despins","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","Je","Miles Guo","Finkel"],"ecf_references":[{"doc_number":533,"court":"CTB"}],"word_count":5493,"status":"published","published_at":"2022-07-07 00:00:00","created_at":"2022-07-07","updated_at":"2026-08-23 19:05:46"}