{"id":"court_ctb_2065_0","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":2065,"sub_number":0,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":null,"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| :                                                                | Chapter 11                                                                           |\n| :                                                                |                                                                                      |\n|                                                                  | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM)                                                              |\n| :                                                                | Jointly Administered                                                                 |\n|                                                                  |                                                                                      |\n|                                                                  | :<br>:<br>:<br>:<br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br>x |\n\n## **MOTION OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE AND GENEVER DEBTORS, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTION 331, FOR ORDER PERMITTING PAUL HASTINGS LLP AND NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. TO FILE SECOND INTERIM FEE APPLICATIONS LESS THAN 120 DAYS AFTER FILING FIRST INTERIM FEE APPLICATIONS**\n\nLuc A. Despins, in his capacity as the chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Individual Debtor\"), Genever Holdings Corporation (\"Genever (BVI)\"), and Genever Holdings LLC (\"Genever (US)\" and, together with Genever (BVI), the \"Genever Debtors\" and, together with the Trustee, the \"Movants\") hereby file this motion (the \"Motion\"), pursuant to section 331 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the \"Bankruptcy Code\") seeking entry of an order, substantially in the form attached hereto as **Exhibit A**, permitting the filing of the second interim fee applications of Paul Hastings LLP (\"Paul Hastings\") and Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. (\"NPM\") less than 120 days after the filing of their first interim fee applications. In support of this Motion, Movants respectfully state as follows:\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 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#### **JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASES**\n\n1. 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. This matter is a core proceeding within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b).\n\n2. Venue in the District of Connecticut is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.\n\n3. The bases for the relief sought in this Motion are sections 105(a) and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n#### **BACKGROUND**\n\n#### **I. Individual Debtor's Chapter 11 Case**\n\n4. On February 15, 2022 (the \"Petition Date\"), the Individual Debtor filed with the Court a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n5. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (\"Committee\") in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case. No examiner has been appointed in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case.\n\n6. On July 8, 2022, the Court entered an order granting the appointment of Luc A. Despins as the Trustee in the chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok.\n\n7. The Court authorized Paul Hastings' retention as attorneys for the Trustee pursuant to the *Order Authorizing and Approving the Retention and Employment of Paul Hastings LLP as Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee, effective as of July 8, 2022* [Docket No. 668] (together with Paul Hastings' retention order with respect to the Genever Debtors [Docket No. 1376], the \"Paul Hastings Retention Order\"), entered on August 2, 2022.\n\n8. By separate order entered August 2, 2022, the Court authorized NPM's retention as local and conflicts counsel for the Trustee [Docket No. 669] (together with NPM's retention orders with respect to the Genever Debtors [Docket Nos. 1107 and 1177], the \"NPM Retention Order\") effective as of July 8, 2022.\n\n#### **II. Genever (BVI)'s Chapter 11 Case**\n\n9. On October 11, 2022, Genever (BVI)—an entity wholly owned by the Individual Debtor—filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with this Court.\n\n10. No trustee or official committee of unsecured creditors has been appointed in Genever (BVI)'s chapter 11 case.\n\n11. 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\n12. On November 17, 2022, the Court granted Genever (BVI)'s application to retain NPM as counsel to Genever (BVI) in its chapter 11 case, effective as of its petition date, *i.e.*, October 11, 2022 [Docket No. 1107].\n\n13. On January 24, 2023, the Court granted Genever (BVI)'s application to retain Paul Hastings as counsel to Genever (BVI) in its chapter 11 case, effective as of its petition date, *i.e.*, October 11, 2022 [Docket No. 1376].\n\n#### **III. Genever (US)'s Chapter 11 Case**\n\n14. On October 12, 2020, Genever (US) filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the \"SDNY Bankruptcy Court\"), thereby commencing case number 20- 12411 (JLG) (the \"SDNY Bankruptcy Case\").\n\n15. On November 3, 2022, the SDNY Bankruptcy Court entered an order [Docket No. 225 in Case No. 22-50592] transferring the venue of the SDNY Bankruptcy Case to this Court, which assigned it Case Number 22-50592.\n\n16. On November 21, 2022, the Court entered an order granting joint administration of the Genever (US) 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\n17. On November 30, 2022, the Court granted Genever (US)'s application to retain NPM as counsel to Genever (US) in its chapter 11 case, effective as of the order transferring venue of the SDNY Bankruptcy Case to this Court, *i.e.*, November 3, 2022 [Docket No. 1177].\n\n18. On January 24, 2023, the Court granted Genever (US)'s application to retain Paul Hastings as counsel to Genever (US) in its chapter 11 case, also effective as of November 3, 2022 [Docket No. 1376].\n\n### **IV. Interim Fee Applications<sup>2</sup>**\n\n19. On May 30, 2023, Paul Hastings, as counsel to the Movants, filed the *Interim Fee Application of Paul Hastings LLP for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Period from July 8, 2022 Through February 28, 2023* [Docket No. 1831] (\"Paul Hastings' First Interim Fee Application\"). Paul Hastings' First Interim Fee Application covered the period from July 8, 2022 through February 28, 2023.\n\n20. On June 1, 2023, Neubert Pepe, as local and conflicts counsel to the Movants, filed the *Application of Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C., for Interim Allowance of Compensation*\n\n<sup>2</sup> In addition to the interim fee applications discussed below, (a) Paul Hastings previously filed (and was granted) an interim application for reimbursement of expenses, dated March 1, 2023 [Docket No. 1495] and a special fee application for services rendered in secured compliance with Court-approved subpoenas, dated April 10, 2023 [Docket No. 1648] and (b) NPM previously filed (and was granted) an interim application for reimbursement of expenses, dated April 18, 2023 [Docket No. 1674].\n\n*as Local and Conflicts Counsel to the Chapter 11 Trustee and as Counsel to Debtors Genever Holdings Corporation and Genever Holdings LLC* [Docket No. 1831] (\"NPM's First Interim Fee Application\"). NPM's First Interim Fee Application covered the period from July 8, 2022 through February 28, 2023.\n\n21. On June 29, 2023, the Court entered orders [Docket Nos. 1964 and 1966] approving Paul Hastings' First Interim Fee Application and NPM's First Interim Fee Application, respectively (in each case, with certain agreed-upon modifications).\n\n22. On July 13, 2023, Movants filed their motion seeking to establish procedures for interim compensation and reimbursement of expenses for professionals retained in these chapter 11 cases [Docket No. 2002] (the \"Interim Compensation Procedures Motion\"). The Interim Compensation Procedures Motion has been scheduled for a hearing on August 15, 2023. 3 The proposed interim compensation procedures specifically provide that \"nothing herein shall preclude (a) any Professional from seeking allowance and payment of fees pursuant to interim or final fee applications without having submitted Monthly Fee Statements or (b) the Court from considering any such fee applications (including any pending applications filed prior to entry of this Order).\" Interim Compensation Procedures Motion ¶ 18.p. In addition, the Interim Compensation Procedures Motion noted that Paul Hastings and NPM intended to file their second interim fee applications (covering the period from March 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023) in the near future. *Id.* ¶ 19.\n\n23. On August 4, 2023, Paul Hastings filed the *Second Interim Fee Application of Paul Hastings LLP for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Period from March 1,*\n\n<sup>3</sup> No objections have been filed to the Interim Compensation Procedures Motion, and the time to object expired on August 3, 2023. On August 4, 2023, Movants filed a revised proposed order granting the Interim Compensation Procedures Motion [Docket No. 2047], reflecting certain informal comments received from the U.S. Trustee.\n\n*2023 Through June 30, 2023* [Docket No. 2051] (\"Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application\"). Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application covers the period from March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.\n\n24. On August 4, 2023, Neubert Pepe filed the *Second Interim Fee Application of Application of Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C., for Interim Allowance of Compensation as Local and Conflicts Counsel to the Chapter 11 Trustee and as Counsel to Debtors Genever Holdings Corporation and Genever Holdings LLC* [Docket No. 2051] (\"NPM's Second Interim Fee Application\"). NPM's Second Interim Fee Application covers the period from March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.\n\n#### **RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n25. By this Motion, Movants seek entry of an order, substantially in the form attached hereto as **Exhibit A**, permitting Paul Hastings and NPM to file their respective second interim fee applications less than 120 days after filing their first interim fee applications, and, specifically, permitting the filing of such applications on August 4, 2023 (*i.e.*, the date that such applications were filed with the Court). To be clear, the relief sought in this Motion is limited to the filing of Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application and NPM's Second Interim Fee Application, and does not cover any other, future interim fee applications.\n\n### **BASIS FOR RELIEF REQUESTED**\n\n26. Section 331 of the Bankruptcy Code provides, in pertinent part, that\n\nA trustee, an examiner, a debtor's attorney, or any professional person employed under [section 327](http) or [1103](http) of this title may apply to the court not more than once every 120 days after an order for relief in a case under this title, or more often if the court permits, for such compensation for services rendered before the date of such an application or reimbursement for expenses incurred before such date as is provided under [section 330](http) of this title.\n\n27. Movants recognize that Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application was filed less than 120 days after Paul Hastings' First Interim Fee Application (namely, 66 days), and that NPM's Second Interim Fee Application was filed less than 120 days after NPM's First Interim Fee Application (namely, 64 days). While the default rule is that fee applications may not be filed more than once every 120 days, *section 331 specifically permits the Court to allow professionals to file fee applications more frequently*. Movants respectfully submit that, under the circumstances of these chapter 11 cases, Paul Hastings and NPM be permitted to file their second interim fee applications at this time.\n\n28. As the Court is well aware, when the Trustee was appointed on July 8, 2023, there were no cash assets available to pay professional fees. Accordingly, Paul Hastings and NPM took on this engagement on what was essentially a contingency basis, with their fees and expenses only to get paid if and to the extent that the Trustee recovers and monetizes assets for the benefit of these chapter 11 estates.<sup>4</sup> This also meant that Paul Hastings and NPM necessarily had to wait to file their first interim fee applications until after the Trustee had recovered resources sufficient to pay the fees and expenses requested in their first interim fee applications. For that reason, Paul Hastings and NPM did not file their first interim fee applications until late May 2023 / early June 2023, *i.e.*, almost 11 months after the Trustee had been appointed.<sup>5</sup>\n\n29. While Paul Hastings' First Interim Application and NPM's First Interim Application covered a fee period of almost eight months (*i.e.*, July 8, 2022 through February 28,\n\n<sup>4</sup> In other words, Paul Hastings and NPM took on not only the risk that assets may not be recovered, but also that the proceeds from the sale of such assets may not be sufficient to pay professional fees.\n\n<sup>5</sup> By that time, it had become likely that sufficient proceeds would be recovered by the estate to satisfy these fee applications. In particular, as the Court will recall, the Trustee filed its motion to sell the Lady May [Docket No. 1858] on June 2, 2023, which motion was granted by order dated June 27, 2023 [Docket No. 1953]. The sale of the Lady May (which closed on June 30, 2023) generated approximately \\$22 million in proceeds (net of the broker's fee) for the estate.\n\n2023), these applications did not—given the long period of time since the appointment of the Trustee—cover the entire period of outstanding fees. The second interim fee applications (covering the period from March 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023) are intended to allow Paul Hastings and NPM to fully \"catch up\", so that they become current on their fees and expenses (subject to a 20% holdback, as detailed in the second interim fee applications). Indeed, the second interim fee applications are only the second such applications in the thirteen (13) months since the Trustee's appointment of July 8, 2023—*i.e.*, on average, Paul Hastings and NPM have filed only one fee application every 6 ½ months.<sup>6</sup>\n\n30. Furthermore, Movants submit that allowing Paul Hastings and NPM to file their second interim fee applications at this time does not prejudice any party in interest. For one, Movants are *not* seeking to shorten notice to object to Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application and NPM's Second Interim Fee Application. Movants even previewed the filing of Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application and NPM's Second Interim Fee Application in the Interim Compensation Procedures Motion on July 13, 2023. And, to be clear, the proposed interim compensation procedures specifically provide that the Court may consider any pending interim fee applications filed prior to entry of the proposed interim compensation procedures order.\n\n31. On the other hand, Paul Hastings and NPM would be prejudiced if they could not file their second interim fee applications at this time but instead had to wait to go through the yet-to-be-approved interim compensation procedures (which are scheduled to be heard on August 15, 2023). While Paul Hastings and NPM could file monthly fee statements as soon as\n\n<sup>6</sup> Paul Hastings' special fee application was submitted at the direction of the Court, pursuant to the contempt order dated March 10, 2023 [Docket No. 1537] sanctioning the HK Parties (as defined in such order). And Paul Hastings' and NPM's prior expense applications [Docket Nos. 1495 and 1674] did not seek the allowance or payment of any fees.\n\nsuch procedures have been approved, objections would not be due until 21 days after filing, and any objections to such monthly fee statements would not be heard until the next scheduled hearing on interim fee applications. *See* Interim Compensation Procedures Motion ¶ 18.h. Such fee hearing will likely not be scheduled until November 2023, given that, under the proposed interim compensation procedures, the Court would not have to enter the notice of fee hearing until October 15, 2023. *Id.* ¶ 18.k (providing that Court shall enter a notice of hearing \"after the expiration of the forty-five (45)-day period set forth in paragraph (j)\", *i.e.*, the 45-day period commencing on August 31, 2023). Thus, while Paul Hastings and NPM could have 80% of their uncontested fees and expenses paid through monthly fee statements, any objected-to portion of their fees and expenses would likely not be resolved and paid for several months.\n\n32. Finally, the relief sought in this Motion is limited to Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application and NPM's Second Interim Fee Application. This Motion does not seek any relief as to the filing of any other, future interim fee applications. Nor do Paul Hastings or NPM intend to file future fee applications on time intervals of less than 120 days. In fact, as the Court is aware, on July 13, 2023, Movants filed their Interim Compensation Procedures Motion, which, if granted, would provide for the filing of interim fee applications at four-month intervals. Obviously, Paul Hastings and NPM intend to comply with these procedures (subject to any modifications required by the Court).\n\n33. In short, the sole purpose of the Motion is to allow Paul Hastings and NPM to file their second interim fee applications now, so that they can become current on their fees and expenses. For all these reasons, Movants respectfully submit that the relief sought in this Motion is appropriate under the circumstances.\n\n[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank.*]\n\nWHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, Movants request that the Court enter an order\n\ngranting the relief requested in this Motion and such other relief as is just and proper.\n\nDated: August 7, 2023 New Haven, Connecticut\n\nBy: */s/ Patrick R. Linsey*\n\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n*and*\n\nNicholas A. Bassett (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n*and*\n\nAvram E. Luft (admitted *pro hac vice*) G. Alexander Bongartz (admitted *pro hac vice*) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 aviluft@paulhastings.com alexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n\n*Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee, Genever Holdings Corporation, and Genever Holdings LLC*\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| -----------------------------------------------------------<br>x |             |                         |  |  |\n|------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|--|--|\n| In re:                                                           | :<br>:      | Chapter 11              |  |  |\n| 7<br>HO WAN KWOK,<br>et al.,                                     | :<br>:      | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |\n| Debtors.                                                         | :<br>:<br>: | (Jointly Administered)  |  |  |\n| -----------------------------------------------------------      | x           |                         |  |  |\n\n### **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE**\n\nThe undersigned hereby certifies that on August 7, 2023, the foregoing Motion was electronically filed. Notice of this filing was sent by e-mail to all parties to the above-captioned chapter 11 case by operation of the Court's electronic filing (\"CM/ECF\") system or by mail to anyone unable to accept electronic filing as indicated on the Notice of Electronic Filing. Parties may access this filing through the Court's CM/ECF system.\n\n| Dated: | August 7, 2023         |                                      |\n|--------|------------------------|--------------------------------------|\n|        | New Haven, Connecticut | By:<br>/s/ Patrick R. Linsey         |\n|        |                        | Douglas S. Skalka (ct00616)          |\n|        |                        | Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437)          |\n|        |                        | NEUBERT,<br>PEPE &<br>MONTEITH, P.C. |\n|        |                        | 195 Church Street, 13th Floor        |\n|        |                        | New Haven, Connecticut 06510         |\n|        |                        | (203) 781-2847                       |\n|        |                        | dskalka@npmlaw.com                   |\n|        |                        | plinsey@npmlaw.com                   |\n|        |                        |                                      |\n|        |                        |                                      |\n\n*Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee, Genever Holdings Corporation, and Genever Holdings LLC*\n\n<sup>7</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# **Exhibit 1**\n\n**Proposed Order**\n\n## **UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION**\n\n| ----------------------------------------------------------- | x      |                         |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------|-------------------------|\n| In re:                                                      | :<br>: | Chapter 11              |\n|                                                             | :      |                         |\n| 1<br>HO WAN KWOK,<br>et al.,                                | :<br>: | Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtors.                                                    | :      | (Jointly Administered)  |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------- | :<br>x |                         |\n|                                                             |        |                         |\n\n## **ORDER, PURSUANT TO BANKRUPTCY CODE SECTION 331, PERMITTING PAUL HASTINGS LLP AND NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. TO FILE SECOND INTERIM FEE APPLICATIONS LESS THAN 120 DAYS AFTER FILING FIRST INTERIM FEE APPLICATIONS**\n\nUpon the motion (the \"Motion\")<sup>2</sup> of Luc A. Despins, in his capacity as the chapter 11 trustee (the \"Trustee\") appointed in the chapter 11 case of Ho Wan Kwok (the \"Individual Debtor\"), Genever Holdings Corporation (\"Genever (BVI)\"), and Genever Holdings LLC (\"Genever (US)\" and, together with Genever (BVI), the \"Genever Debtors\" and, together with the Trustee, the \"Movants\") for entry of an order (this \"Order\") permitting the filing of Paul Hastings' and NPM's second interim fee applications less than 120 days after the filing of their first interim fee applications, all as more fully set forth in the Motion; and this Court having 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; and this Court having found that this is a core proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2); and this Court\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).\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Motion.\n\nhaving found that venue of this proceeding and the Motion in this district is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408(2) and 1409; and this Court having found that the relief requested in the Motion is in the best interests of the estate, its creditors, and other parties in interest; and due and sufficient notice of the Motion having been given under the particular circumstances; and after due deliberation and sufficient cause appearing therefor, it is hereby ORDERED THAT:\n\n1. The Motion is granted as set forth herein.\n\n2. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, the filing of Paul Hastings' Second Interim Fee Application and NPM's Second Interim Fee Application on August 4, 2023 is permitted.\n\n3. Paul Hastings and NPM are authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted in this Order in accordance with the Motion.\n\n4. This Court retains exclusive jurisdiction with respect to all matters arising from or related to the implementation, interpretation, and enforcement of this Order.","body_zh":"UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\nx\n\n: 第11章\n\nCase No. 22-50073 (JAM)（案件编号：22-50073 (JAM)）\n: 联合审理\n\nx\n第11章受托人及GENEVER债务人依据《破产法典》第331条提出的动议，请求法院作出裁定，准许PAUL HASTINGS LLP及NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C.在提交第一次中期费用申请后未满120天内提交第二次中期费用申请\n\nLuc A. Despins（吕克·A·德斯宾斯），以其在Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“个人债务人”）第11章破产案中获指定担任第11章受托人（“受托人”）的身份，连同Genever Holdings Corporation（“Genever (BVI)”）以及Genever Holdings LLC（“Genever (US)”，与Genever (BVI)合称“Genever债务人”，并与受托人合称“动议人”），特此依据《美国法典》第11编（《破产法典》）第331条提出本动议（“本动议”），请求法院基本依照本动议所附附件A的形式作出裁定，准许Paul Hastings LLP（“Paul Hastings”，普衡律师事务所）及Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.（“NPM”）在提交各自第一次中期费用申请后未满120天内提交第二次中期费用申请。为支持本动议，动议人谨陈述如下：\n\n1 这些第11章破产案件中的债务人为Ho Wan Kwok（亦称郭文贵、Miles Guo和Miles Kwok，以及其他多个化名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：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 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于送达通知及联络之目的）。\n管辖权、审理地及法定依据\n\n1. United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格区破产法院）（“本法院”）依据28 U.S.C. §§ 157及1334以及United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格区联邦地区法院）的《常规移转命令》，对本案享有管辖权。本案属于28 U.S.C. § 157(b)所指的核心程序。\n\n2. 依据28 U.S.C. §§ 1408及1409，康涅狄格区为正当审理地。\n\n3. 本动议所寻求救济的依据为《破产法典》第105(a)条及第331条。\n背景\nI. 个人债务人的第11章案件\n\n4. 2022年2月15日（“申请日”），个人债务人向本法院提交了依据《破产法典》第11章寻求救济的自愿破产申请。\n\n5. 2022年3月21日，United States Trustee（美国联邦破产受托人）在个人债务人的第11章案件中指定了Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors（无担保债权人官方委员会）（“委员会”）。在个人债务人的第11章案件中未指定审查人。\n\n6. 2022年7月8日，本法院作出一项裁定，批准指定Luc A. Despins担任郭文贵第11章案件的受托人。\n\n7. 本法院依据2022年8月2日录入的《关于授权并批准聘请及聘用Paul Hastings LLP担任第11章受托人法律顾问的裁定，自2022年7月8日起生效》[Docket No. 668]（连同关于Genever债务人的Paul Hastings聘用裁定[Docket No. 1376]，合称“Paul Hastings聘用裁定”），授权聘请Paul Hastings担任受托人的律师。\n\n8. 经2022年8月2日录入的另一项裁定，本法院授权聘请NPM担任受托人的本地法律顾问及利益冲突法律顾问[Docket No. 669]（连同关于Genever债务人的NPM聘用裁定[Docket Nos. 1107及1177]，合称“NPM聘用裁定”），自2022年7月8日起生效。\nII. Genever (BVI)的第11章案件\n\n9. 2022年10月11日，Genever (BVI)——一家由个人债务人全资拥有的实体——向本法院提交了依据《破产法典》第11章寻求救济的自愿破产申请。\n\n10. 在Genever (BVI)的第11章案件中未指定受托人或无担保债权人官方委员会。\n\n11. 2022年10月14日，本法院作出一项裁定，批准对个人债务人的第11章案件与Genever (BVI)的第11章案件进行联合审理[Docket No. 970]。\n\n12. 2022年11月17日，本法院批准了Genever (BVI)关于聘请NPM在其第11章案件中担任Genever (BVI)法律顾问的申请，自其破产申请日即2022年10月11日起生效[Docket No. 1107]。\n\n13. 2023年1月24日，本法院批准了Genever (BVI)关于聘请Paul Hastings在其第11章案件中担任Genever (BVI)法律顾问的申请，自其破产申请日即2022年10月11日起生效[Docket No. 1376]。\nIII. Genever (US)的第11章案件\n\n14. 2020年10月12日，Genever (US)向United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York（纽约南区美国破产法院）（“纽约南区破产法院”）提交了依据《破产法典》第11章寻求救济的自愿破产申请，从而启动了案件编号为20-12411 (JLG)的案件（“纽约南区破产案件”）。\n\n15. 2022年11月3日，纽约南区破产法院作出一项裁定[Case No. 22-50592中的Docket No. 225]，将纽约南区破产案件的审理地移转至本法院，本法院为其分配的案件编号为22-50592。\n\n16. 2022年11月21日，本法院作出一项裁定，批准将Genever (US)的第11章案件与个人债务人及Genever (BVI)债务人联合审理的第11章案件进行联合审理[Docket No. 1141]。\n\n17. 2022年11月30日，本法院批准了Genever (US)关于聘请NPM在其第11章案件中担任Genever (US)法律顾问的申请，自纽约南区破产案件移转审理地至本法院的裁定生效之日即2022年11月3日起生效[Docket No. 1177]。\n\n18. 2023年1月24日，本法院批准了Genever (US)关于聘请Paul Hastings在其第11章案件中担任Genever (US)法律顾问的申请，同样自2022年11月3日起生效[Docket No. 1376]。\nIV. 中期费用申请2\n\n19. 2023年5月30日，Paul Hastings作为动议人的法律顾问，提交了《Paul Hastings LLP关于2022年7月8日至2023年2月28日期间报酬及费用报销的中期费用申请》[Docket No. 1831]（“Paul Hastings第一次中期费用申请”）。Paul Hastings第一次中期费用申请涵盖自2022年7月8日起至2023年2月28日止的期间。\n\n20. 2023年6月1日，Neubert Pepe作为动议人的本地法律顾问及利益冲突法律顾问，提交了《Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.申请作为第11章受托人的本地及利益冲突法律顾问以及作为债务人Genever Holdings Corporation与Genever Holdings LLC的法律顾问的中期报酬核准申请》\n\n2 除下文讨论的中期费用申请外，(a) Paul Hastings此前曾提交（并获批准）日期为2023年3月1日的关于费用报销的中期申请[Docket No. 1495]以及日期为2023年4月1日的关于在安全配合执行法院批准的传票过程中所提供服务的特别费用申请[Docket No. 1648]，且(b) NPM此前曾提交（并获批准）日期为2023年4月18日的关于费用报销的中期申请[Docket No. 1674]。\n\n[Docket No. 1831]（“NPM第一次中期费用申请”）。NPM第一次中期费用申请涵盖自2022年7月8日起至2023年2月28日止的期间。\n\n21. 2023年6月29日，本法院分别作出了批准Paul Hastings第一次中期费用申请及NPM第一次中期费用申请的裁定[Docket Nos. 1964及1966]（两案均附带若干经同意的修改）。\n\n22. 2023年7月13日，动议人提交了动议，请求确立在这些第11章案件中聘用的专业人士的中期报酬及费用报销程序[Docket No. 2002]（“中期报酬程序动议”）。中期报酬程序动议已排定于2023年8月15日举行听证会。3 拟议的中期报酬程序明确规定“本规定中的任何内容均不妨碍(a)任何专业人士在未提交月度费用明细表的情况下依据中期或最终费用申请寻求费用的核准与支付，或(b)法院审议任何此类费用申请（包括在本裁定录入前提交的任何未决申请）”。中期报酬程序动议第18.p段。此外，中期报酬程序动议指出，Paul Hastings和NPM拟于近期提交其第二次中期费用申请（涵盖2023年3月1日至2023年6月30日期间）。同上，第19段。\n\n23. 2023年8月4日，Paul Hastings提交了《Paul Hastings LLP关于2023年3月1日至2023年6月30日期间报酬及费用报销的第二次中期费用申请》\n\n3 截至2023年8月3日异议期届满，无人对中期报酬程序动议提出异议。2023年8月4日，动议人提交了一份经修订的准予中期报酬程序动议的拟议裁定[Docket No. 2047]，体现了从美国联邦破产受托人处收到的若干非正式意见。\n\n[Docket No. 2051]（“Paul Hastings第二次中期费用申请”）。Paul Hastings第二次中期费用申请涵盖自2022年3月1日起至2023年6月30日止的期间。\n\n24. 2023年8月4日，Neubert Pepe提交了《Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.申请作为第11章受托人的本地及利益冲突法律顾问以及作为债务人Genever Holdings Corporation与Genever Holdings LLC的法律顾问的中期报酬核准的第二次中期费用申请》[Docket No. 2051]（“NPM第二次中期费用申请”）。NPM第二次中期费用申请涵盖自2022年3月1日起至2023年6月30日止的期间。\n请求的救济\n\n25. 动议人通过本动议请求法院基本依照本动议所附附件A的形式作出裁定，准许Paul Hastings和NPM在提交各自第一次中期费用申请后未满120天内提交各自的第二次中期费用申请，且具体而言，准许在2023年8月4日（即向本法院提交该等申请之日）提交该等申请。澄清起见，本动议所寻求的救济仅限于提交Paul Hastings第二次中期费用申请及NPM第二次中期费用申请，并不涵盖任何其他未来的中期费用申请。\n请求救济的依据\n\n26. 《破产法典》第331条相关部分规定：\n\n受托人、审查人、债务人律师或根据本编[第327条]或[第1103条]受聘的任何专业人士，在本编项下案件的救济令作出后，可向法院申请在本申请之日之前所提供服务的报酬或在本申请之日之前所发生费用的报销（按本编[第330条]之规定），频率不得多于每120天一次；若经法院许可，亦可更频繁地申请。\n\n27. 动议人知悉，Paul Hastings第二次中期费用申请是在提交Paul Hastings第一次中期费用申请后未满120天（即66天）提交的，且NPM第二次中期费用申请是在提交NPM第一次中期费用申请后未满120天（即64天）提交的。虽然默认规则是费用申请的提交频率不得多于每120天一次，但第331条明确允许法院准许专业人士以更高频率提交费用申请。动议人谨认为，在这些第11章案件的具体情况下，应准许Paul Hastings和NPM在此刻提交其第二次中期费用申请。\n\n28. 正如法庭所熟知，当受托人于 2023年7月8日 被任命时，并无可用现金资产来支付专业人士费用。因此，Paul Hastings（普衡律师事务所）和 NPM（Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.）基本上是在风险代理的基础上接受了该项委托，其费用和开支只有在受托人为这些第11章破产财产的利益追回并变现资产的情况下并在其范围内才能获得支付。4 这也意味着，普衡和 NPM 必然必须等待受托人追回足以支付其第一次中期费用申请中所要求的费用和开支的资源后，才能提交其第一次中期费用申请。出于该原因，普衡和 NPM 直到 2023年5月下旬 / 2023年6月上旬（即受托人被任命近 11 个月后）才提交其第一次中期费用申请。5\n\n29. 尽管普衡的《第一次中期申请》和 NPM 的《第一次中期申请》涵盖了近八个月的费用期间（即 2022年7月8日 至 2023年2月28日），\n\n4 换言之，普衡和 NPM 不仅承担了资产可能无法被追回的风险，还承担了出售该等资产的收益可能不足以支付专业人士费用的风险。\n\n5 到那时，破产财产已很有可能追回足够的收益来满足这些费用申请。具体而言，正如法庭所忆及，受托人于 2023年6月2日 提交了出售 Lady May 号游艇的动议 [Docket No. 1858]，该动议已通过日期为 2023年6月27日 的裁定 [Docket No. 1953] 获得批准。出售 Lady May 号游艇（于 2023年6月30日 完成交割）为破产财产产生了约 $22 million 的收益（扣除经纪人费用后）。\n\n但鉴于受托人被任命以来历时已久，这些申请并未涵盖全部未结费用期间。第二次中期费用申请（涵盖 2023年3月1日 至 2023年7月31日 期间）旨在允许普衡和 NPM 完全“赶上进度”，从而使其费用和开支能够跟上最新进度（须遵守 20% 的暂扣比例，详见第二次中期费用申请）。事实上，第二次中期费用申请仅是自 2023年7月8日 受托人被任命以来的十三（13）个月内的第二次此类申请——即平均而言，普衡和 NPM 每 6 ½ 个月仅提交一次费用申请。6\n\n30. 此外，动议人认为，允许普衡和 NPM 在此时提交其第二次中期费用申请不会对任何利害关系方造成损害。首先，动议人并未寻求缩短对普衡《第二次中期费用申请》和 NPM《第二次中期费用申请》提出异议的通知期限。动议人甚至已于 2023年7月13日 在《中期报酬程序动议》中预告了普衡《第二次中期费用申请》和 NPM《第二次中期费用申请》的提交。而且，需要明确的是，拟议的中期报酬程序明确规定，法庭可以审理在拟议的中期报酬程序裁定生效之前提交的任何待决中期费用申请。\n\n31. 另一方面，如果普衡和 NPM 此时无法提交其第二次中期费用申请，而是必须等待通过尚未获批的中期报酬程序（定于 2023年8月15日 进行听证），其将受到损害。虽然普衡和 NPM 可以在该等程序获批后立即提交月度费用报表，\n\n6 普衡的特别费用申请是根据日期为 2023年3月10日 制裁 HK 各方（定义见该裁定）的藐视法庭裁定 [Docket No. 1537]，按照法庭的指示提交的。且普衡和 NPM 先前的开支申请 [Docket Nos. 1495 and 1674] 并未寻求任何费用的核准或支付。\n\n但异议须在提交后 21 天内方可提出，且对该等月度费用报表的任何异议要到下一次预定的中期费用申请听证会才会审理。参见《中期报酬程序动议》第 18.h 段。考虑到根据拟议的中期报酬程序，法庭直到 2023年10月15日 才须做出费用听证会通知，该费用听证会很可能要到 2023年11月 才会排期。同上，第 18.k 段（规定法庭应在“第 (j) 款规定的四十五（45）天期限届满后”，即自 2023年8月31日 开始的 45 天期限后做出听证通知）。因此，虽然普衡和 NPM 可以通过月度费用报表获得其无争议费用和开支的 80% 的支付，但其费用和开支中任何被提出异议的部分很可能在数月内都无法得到解决和支付。\n\n32. 最后，本动议所寻求的救济仅限于普衡的《第二次中期费用申请》和 NPM 的《第二次中期费用申请》。本动议并不寻求就任何其他未来的中期费用申请的提交获得任何救济。普衡或 NPM 亦无意以少于 120 天的时间间隔提交未来的费用申请。事实上，正如法庭所知，动议人于 2023年7月13日 提交了其《中期报酬程序动议》，若该动议获得批准，将规定按四个月的间隔提交中期费用申请。显然，普衡和 NPM 打算遵守这些程序（但须遵守法庭要求的任何修改）。\n\n33. 简而言之，本动议的唯一目的是允许普衡和 NPM 现行提交其第二次中期费用申请，以便其能够跟上其费用和开支的最新进度。基于所有这些原因，动议人谨此认为，本动议所寻求的救济在当前情况下是适当的。\n\n[本页其余部分有意留白。]\n\n据此，基于前述理由，动议人请求法庭做出裁定\n\n批准本动议中请求的救济，以及正当且恰当的其他救济。\n\n日期：2023年8月7日 康涅狄格州纽黑文\n\n签署人：/s/ Patrick R. Linsey\n\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616) Patrick R. Linsey (ct29437) NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 195 Church Street, 13th Floor New Haven, Connecticut 06510 (203) 781-2847 dskalka@npmlaw.com plinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n以及\n\nNicholas A. Bassett (admitted pro hac vice（经特许出庭）) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, D.C., 20036 (202) 551-1902 nicholasbassett@paulhastings.com\n\n以及\n\nAvram E. Luft (admitted pro hac vice（经特许出庭）) G. Alexander Bongartz (admitted pro hac vice（经特许出庭）) PAUL HASTINGS LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 (212) 318-6079 aviluft@paulhastings.com alexbongartz@paulhastings.com\n\n第11章受托人、Genever Holdings Corporation 及 Genever Holdings LLC 之代理律师\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\nx\n\n关于：　:\n:　第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）,\n等人，　:\n:　案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。　:\n:\n:　（联合审理）\n-----------------------------------------------------------　x\n送达证明\n\n下述签署人特此证明，于 2023年8月7日，上述动议已通过电子方式提交。本提交通知已通过本法院电子提交（“CM/ECF”）系统的运作，以电子邮件形式发送给上述标有案由的第11章案件的所有各方；或根据《电子提交通知》的指示，通过邮寄方式发送给无法接受电子提交的任何人。各方可通过法院的 CM/ECF 系统查阅本次提交的文件。\n\n日期：2023年8月7日\n\n康涅狄格州纽黑文　签署人：\n/s/ Patrick R. Linsey\nDouglas S. Skalka (ct00616)\nPatrick R. Linsey (ct29437)\nNEUBERT,\nPEPE &\nMONTEITH, P.C.\n195 Church Street, 13th Floor\nNew Haven, Connecticut 06510\n(203) 781-2847\ndskalka@npmlaw.com\nplinsey@npmlaw.com\n\n第11章受托人、Genever Holdings Corporation 及 Genever Holdings LLC 之代理律师\n\n7 这些第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵，亦称郭文贵、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及诸多其他别名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：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 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和通信之目的）。\n证据 1\n\n拟议裁定\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION（美国康涅狄格区破产法院布里奇波特分院）\n\n-----------------------------------------------------------　x\n\n关于：　:\n:　第11章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵）,\n等人，　:\n:　案号：22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。　:　（联合审理）\n\nx\n\n根据《破产法典》第 331 条允许 PAUL HASTINGS LLP 和 NEUBERT, PEPE & MONTEITH, P.C. 在提交第一次中期费用申请后不足 120 天内提交第二次中期费用申请的裁定\n\n依据 Luc A. Despins 以其在 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“个人债务人”）第11章案件中被任命的第11章受托人（“受托人”）身份、Genever Holdings Corporation（“Genever (BVI)”）及 Genever Holdings LLC（“Genever (US)”，并与 Genever (BVI) 合称为“Genever 债务人”，并与受托人合称为“动议人”）提出的动议（“动议”）2，请求做出裁定（本“裁定”），允许普衡和 NPM 在提交其第一次中期费用申请后不足 120 天内提交第二次中期费用申请，所有该等内容均在动议中有更详尽的载明；且本法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 和 1334 以及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格区联邦地区法院）的《常规移送裁定》对本事项拥有管辖权；且本法院认定根据 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2)，此为核心程序；且本法院\n\n1 这些第11章案件中的债务人为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵，亦称郭文贵、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及诸多其他别名）（纳税人识别号后四位：9595）、Genever Holdings LLC（纳税人识别号后四位：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 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok（仅用于接收通知和通信之目的）。\n\n2 本裁定中使用但未另行定义的首字母大写术语具有动议中赋予该等术语的含义。\n\n认定根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408(2) 和 1409，本程序和动议在本管辖区的审判地是适当的；且本法院认定动议中请求的救济符合破产财产、其债权人及其他利害关系方的最大利益；且在特定情况下已就动议发出了应有且充分的通知；经正当审议且存在充分理由，特此裁定如下：\n\n1. 动议按本裁定所载获得批准。\n\n2. 尽管《破产法典》第 331 条有任何相反规定，允许于 2023年8月4日 提交普衡的《第二次中期费用申请》和 NPM 的《第二次中期费用申请》。\n\n3. 普衡和 NPM 获授权采取一切必要行动，以根据动议落实本裁定所准予的救济。\n\n4. 本法院对因本裁定的执行、解释和强制执行而产生或与之相关的所有事项保留专属管辖权。","key_entities":["Paul Hastings","Kwok","Ho Wan Kwok","Je","Guo","Despins","Miles Guo"],"ecf_references":[],"word_count":3860,"status":"published","published_at":null,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2026-08-23 13:57:57"}