{"id":"court_ctb_644_4","court":"CTB","case_no":"22-50073","doc_number":644,"sub_number":4,"doc_type":"ORDER","filed_date":"2022-07-29","title":"|  | Case 22-50073    Doc 644-4    Filed 07/29/22    Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15     Page 1 of 28 |  |","summary_zh":null,"summary_en":null,"body_en":"|  | Case 22-50073    Doc 644-4    Filed 07/29/22    Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15     Page 1 of 28 |  |\n|--|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|\n|  | Case 22-50073    Doc 539    Filed 07/12/22    Entered 07/12/22 16:51:32     Page 1 of 12   |  |\n\n# UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION\n\n| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |                                 |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|\n| In re:                                                                                                                                                                        | Chapter 11                      |\n| HO WAN KWOK,                                                                                                                                                                  | :       Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |\n| Debtor.                                                                                                                                                                       |                                 |\n\n# 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\n\nMr. 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\"), respectfully states as follows in support of this application (the \"Application\"):\n\n# RELIEF REQUESTED\n\n1. attached hereto as Exhibit A (the \"Proposed Order\"), authorizing and approving the retention of Paul Hastings LLP (\"Paul Hastings\") as the Trustee's counsel effective as of the date of his appointment, i.e., July 8, 2022. The Trustee also requests, pursuant to section 327(d) of the Bankruptcy Code, that he be authorized to act as one of the attorneys for the Debtor's estate.\n\n2. Bassett in Support of Application of Chapter 11 Trustee for Entry of Order, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and 330 and Bankruptcy Rule 2014 and 2016, Authorizing\n\n<sup>1</sup> Although the Debtor's legal name is Ho Wan Kwok, he is also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases. The last four digits of the Debtor's taxpayer identification number are વેરેતેર :\n\n![](_page_0_Picture_9.jpeg)\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 2 of 28 Case 22-50073 Doc 539 Filed 07/12/22 Entered 07/12/22 16:51:32 Page 2 of 12\n\nand Approving Retention and Employment of Paul Hastings LLP as Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee (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 [ECF No. 515-1], as supplemented on July 12, 2022 [ECF No. 538] (the \"Despins Declaration\").\n\n### JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND STATUTORY BASES\n\n3. Jo 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.\n\n5. 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\n6. voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.\n\n7. Unsecured Creditors (\"Committee\") in the Debtor's chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\"). No examiner has been appointed in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n8. No. 465] (the \"Trustee Order\") directing the United States Trustee to appoint a chapter 11 trustee in the Chapter 11 Case. Pursuant to the Trustee Order, the United States Trustee selected Luc A. Despins as the Trustee.\n\n9. On July 8, 2022, the Court entered an order granting the appointment of Luc A. Despins as the Trustee in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n### PAUL HASTINGS' QUALIFICATIONS\n\n10. The Trustee seeks to retain Paul Hastings as his attorneys because of Paul Hastings' extensive experience and recognized expertise in the field of financial restructuring and bankruptcy and other relevant practice areas. As one of the largest law firms in the world, with a national and an international practice, Paul Hastings has substantial experience in virtually all aspects of the law that may arise in the Chapter 11 Case, including bankruptcy, litigation, investigations, real estate, securities, and tax expertise, both in a domestic and international context.\n\nl 1. Paul Hastings' Financial Restructuring Group is capable of providing an array of services to assist the bankruptcy estate and its creditors in maximizing values and ultimate recoveries in a broad range of challenging circumstances. In roles ranging from debtor's counsel to committee counsel, Paul Hastings' lawyers have played a significant role in many of the largest and most complex cases under the Bankruptcy Code, including, among many others, the chapter 11 cases of Enron, Lehman Brothers, Refco, Eagle Hospitality, Cred, Semi-Tech (a/k/a Singer); Safety-Kleen; AbitibiBowater; Adelphia Communications; Aerosoles, ALCO Stores; Allegiance Telecom; Alta Mesa; American Airlines; Atlas Energy; Calpine Corporation; Castex Energy Partners; Chisholm Oil & Gas; Circuit City Stores; CIT Group; Comdisco; Dictaphone;\n\n# Case 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 4 of 28\n\n13. In addition, it is in the best interest of the Debtor's estate that the Trustee also be authorized to act as one of the attorneys for the Debtor's estate.2 Mr. Despins is the Co-chair of Paul Hastings Financial Restructuring Group. Mr. Despins is a bankruptcy practitioner with over 35 years of experience representing debtors and creditors, including many of the debtors, committees, and creditors identified above, including Enron, Lehman Brothers, Refco, Eagle Hospitality, Semi-Tech (a/k/a Singer), Safety-Kleen, and the chapter 11 trustee in the case of CIS Corp.\n\n14. Accordingly, the Trustee submits that Paul Hastings' retention as bankruptcy counsel, including authorizing him to act as one of the attorneys for the Debtor's estate pursuant to section 327(d) of the Bankruptcy Code, is necessary and in the best interest of the Debtor's estates. Paul Hastings is both well-qualified and uniquely able to represent the Trustee in the Chapter 11 Case in an efficient and effective manner, including because the Trustee is also a partner of Paul Hastings and thus is intimately familiar with the experiences and expertise of Paul Hastings' attorneys.\n\n### SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED\n\n15. needed throughout the course of the Chapter 11 Case, including bankruptcy, litigation, investigations, real estate, and tax-related advice. In particular, the Trustee has requested that Paul Hastings perform, among others, 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\n<sup>2</sup> The Trustee will separately track his time spent as chapter 11 trustee and his time spent as one of the attorneys for the Debtor's estate.\n\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) 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) 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- (i) negotiating with parties in interest.\n\nIt is necessary and essential that the Trustee employs attorneys to render the foregoing\n\nprofessional services. Paul Hastings has substantial expertise in all of these areas.\n\n16. By separate application, the Trustee will seek to retain Neubert, Pepe & Monteith,\n\nP.C. to serve as local Connecticut counsel. In order to avoid any duplication of effort and\n\nprovide services to the Trustee in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, Paul Hastings\n\nwill coordinate with local counsel regarding their respective responsibilities in the Chapter 11\n\nCase.\n\n### PROFESSIONAL COMPENSATION\n\n17. J Paul Hastings intends to apply for compensation for professional services rendered on an hourly basis and reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the Chapter 11 Case, subject to the Court's approval . The hourly rates and corresponding rate structure Paul Hastings will use in the Chapter 11 Case are generally the same as the hourly rates and corresponding rate structure that Paul Hastings uses in other restructuring matters (with the exception of Puerto Rico's Title III cases), as well as similar complex transactional and litigation matters whether in court or otherwise, regardless of whether a fee application is required and regardless of the location of the chapter 11 cases. Paul Hastings' rates and rate structure reflect that such restructuring and other complex matters such as the presentation typically are national and international in scope and involve great complexity, high stakes, and severe time pressures.\n\n18. Paul Hastings operates in a national marketplace for legal services in which rates are driven by multiple factors relating to the individual lawyer, his or her area of specialization, the firm's expertise, performance, and reputation, the nature of the work involved, and other factors. Currently, Paul Hastings' customary hourly rate ranges in the United States are as follows:\n\n| Timekeeper Category | U.S. Hourly Rate Range |  |  |\n|---------------------|------------------------|--|--|\n| Partners            | \\$1,310-\\$1,935        |  |  |\n| Of Counsel          | \\$1.335 - \\$1.860      |  |  |\n| Associates          | \\$755-\\$1,230          |  |  |\n| Paralegals          | \\$250 - \\$565          |  |  |\n\n19. J. Paul Hastings' hourly rates are set at a level designed to compensate it fairly for the work of its attorneys and paraprofessionals and to cover fixed and routine expenses. Hourly rates vary with the experience and seniority of the individuals assigned. Paul Hastings' hourly\n\nrates are subject to periodic adjustments to reflect economic and other conditions.3 So long as Paul Hastings charges its regular hourly rates in effect at the time, the Trustee consents to Paul Hastings' annual and other periodic rate increases. In addition, in determining the level of compensation to be paid to Paul Hastings and its reasonableness, the Trustee compared Paul Hastings' hourly rates with the range of rates charged by other top firms in other large, complex, and international matters.\n\n20. The Trustee submits that Paul Hastings' hourly rates are reasonable, comparable to Paul Hastings' 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' estate currently has no assets to pay professional fees. As a result, Paul Hastings 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 Paul Hastings and the Trustee are successful in recovering assets for the benefit of the Debtor's estate and its creditors).\n\n21. J. Based on my experience, a typical contingency fee arrangement where no estate assets are available to fund the compensation of counsel to the trustee would far exceed the hourly rates charged by Paul Hastings (which Paul Hastings would be charging here) for engagements where compensation is not contingent on assets being brought into the estate.\n\n<sup>3</sup> For example, like many of its peer law firms, Paul Hastings adjusts the hourly billing rate of attorneys and paraprofessionals in the form of: (i) step increases historically awarded in the ordinary course on the basis of advancing seniority and promotion and (ii) periodic increases within each attorney's and paraprofessional's current level of seniority. The 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, Paul Hastings will provide ten business days' notice to the Debtors, the Assistant United States Trustee for the District of Connecticut (the \"U.S. Trustee\"), and counsel to any official committee before implementing periodic increases, and shall file any such notice with the Court.\n\n22. It is Paul Hastings' policy to charge its clients in all areas of practice for all expenses incurred in connection with a client's matter. The expenses charged to clients include, among other things, photocopying, witness fees, travel expenses, filing and recording fees, long distance telephone calls, postage, express mail and messenger charges, computerized legal research charges and other computer services, expenses for \"working meals,\" and telecopier charges. Paul Hastings will charge the Trustee for these expenses in a manner and at rates consistent with charges generally made to its other clients.\n\n23. time to time the firm utilizes the services of overtime assistants. Paul Hastings charges fees for such administrative services that arise out of business necessity.\n\n### PAUL HASTINGS' DISINTERESTEDNESS\n\n24. The Despins Declaration discloses Paul Hastings' connections to the Debtor and potential parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Case and are incorporated in this Application by reference. In reliance on the Declaration, and except as set forth therein, the Trustee believes that: (a) Paul Hastings 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 Chapter 11 Case or their respective attorneys or accountants; and (b) neither Paul Hastings 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 (ii) 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 Trustee believes that Paul Hastings is a \"disinterested\n\nperson\" within the meaning of section 101(14) of the Bankruptcy Code, as modified by section 1107(b).\n\n25. J Paul Hastings will review its files periodically during the pendency of the Chapter l 1 Case to ensure that no conflicts or other disqualifying circumstances exist or arise. If any new relevant facts or relationships are discovered or arise, Paul Hastings will use reasonable efforts to identify such further developments and will promptly file a supplemental declaration, as required by Bankruptcy Rule 2014(a).\n\n### BASIS FOR RELIEF\n\n26. The Trustee seeks to retain Paul Hastings as his attorneys pursuant to section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, which provides that a trustee, 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.\" In addition, pursuant to section 327(d) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Court \"may authorize the trustee to act as attorney . . . for the estate if such authorization is in the best interest of the estate.\"\n\n27. 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\n28. Sankruptcy 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\n\n# Case 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 11 of Case 22-50073 Doc 539 Filed 07/12/2229 Entered 07/12/22 16:51:32 Page 11 of 12\n\nStates trustee, or any person employed in the office of the United States trustee.\n\n29. Declaration and the Despins Declaration, sets forth: (a) the specific facts establishing the Trustee's need to employ Paul Hastings as counsel in the Chapter 11 Case and the reasons for the Trustee's selection of Paul Hastings, including that it is in the best interest of the estate that he be authorized to act as one of the attorneys for the Debtor's estate; (b) the professional services to be rendered by Paul Hastings; (c) Paul Hastings' compensation and the reasonableness thereof; and (d) to the best of the Trustee's knowledge, Paul Hastings' connection, if any, to certain parties in interest in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n30. Finally, the Trustee requests that the retention of Paul Hastings be authorized and approved effective as of the Trustee's appointment, i.e., July 8, 2022, which was also the date on which Paul Hastings began providing services to the Trustee. In accordance with Local Rule 2014-1(b)(1), this Application is deemed contemporaneously filed with the commencement of such services because this Application was filed within thirty (30) days after the commencement of services.\n\n31. J. The Trustee submits that for all of the reasons stated in this Application, the Bassett Declaration, and the Despins Declaration the proposed retention of Paul Hastings as the Trustee's bankruptcy and restructuring counsel in the Chapter 11 Case falls squarely within the scope of sections 327(a) and is warranted. Accordingly, the Trustee respectfully requests that the Court authorize the retention of Paul Hastings as counsel to the Trustee.\n\n### NO PRIOR REQUEST\n\n32. The Trustee has not previously sought the relief requested herein from this or any other court.\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 12 of ass = 22-50073 Doc 539 Filed 07/12/222 16:51:32 Page 12 of 12/\n\nWHEREFORE, the Trustee respectfully requests entry of the Proposed Order granting\n\nthe relief requested in this Application and such other relief as is just and proper.\n\nDated: July 12, 2022 Chapter 11 Trustee in Chapter 11 Case of Ho Wan Kwok\n\nLuc A. Despins\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 13 of 28\n\n|  | Case 22-50073    Doc 644-4    Filed 07/29/22    Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15      Page 14 of |  |\n|--|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|\n|  | Case 22-50073    Doc 539-1    Filed 07/12/22    Entered 07/12/22 16:51:32     Page 2 of 5 |  |\n\n# UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION\n\n| and one out and and ans and and and and and see man see man may man use and here your and |  |                           |  |  |\n|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|---------------------------|--|--|\n|                                                                                           |  |                           |  |  |\n| In re:                                                                                    |  | Chapter 11                |  |  |\n|                                                                                           |  |                           |  |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK,                                                                              |  | : Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |  |\n|                                                                                           |  |                           |  |  |\n| Debtor.                                                                                   |  |                           |  |  |\n|                                                                                           |  |                           |  |  |\n|                                                                                           |  |                           |  |  |\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\")' 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\nCapitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Application.\n\nbeing 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 Debtor's estate, its 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 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. effective as of July 8, 2022 on the terms set forth in the Application, the Bassett Declaration, and the Despins Declaration. In addition, the Trustee is authorized to act as one of the attorneys for the Debtor's estate. Paul Hastings (including the Trustee, in his role as counsel) will charge its regular hourly rates in effect from time to time, as such rates may be increased periodically. annually or otherwise.\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) 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- advising the Trustee concerning executory contract and unexpired lease (g) 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- negotiating with parties in interest. (1)\n- 4. The Debtor's estate shall be responsible for Paul Hastings' compensation and\n\nreimbursement of expenses in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n5. services actually performed, and expenses actually incurred, as attorney for the Trustee, and shall not include compensation for the performance of any of the trustee duties that are generally performed by a chapter 11 trustee without the assistance of an attorney.\n\n6. 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\n7. The Trustee and Paul Hastings are authorized and empowered to take all actions necessary to effectuate the relief granted in this Order.\n\n8. Application.\n\n9. Jo the extent the Application, the Bassett Declaration, or the Despins Declaration is 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\n1 1. related to the implementation, interpretation, and enforcement of this Order.\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 18 of 28\n\n|  | Case 22-50073    Doc 644-4    Filed 07/29/22    Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15      Page 19 of |  |\n|--|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|\n|  | Case 22-50073   Doc 539-2   Filed 07/12/22  Entered 07/12/22 16:51:32     Page 2 of 11    |  |\n\n# UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION\n\n| a samme a sama a m = = = > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > |  |                                |  |\n|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--------------------------------|--|\n| In re:                                                                                                                                                                         |  | Chapter 11                     |  |\n| HO WAN KWOK,                                                                                                                                                                   |  | :      Case No. 22-50073 (JAM) |  |\n| Debtor.'                                                                                                                                                                       |  |                                |  |\n\n# DECLARATION OF NICHOLAS A. BASSETT IN SUPPORT OF CHAPTER 11 TRUSTEE'S APPLICATION FOR ENTRY OF AN 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\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.\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.\n\nat, among other offices worldwide, 200 Park Avenue, 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 of Chapter 11 Trustee for Entry of an\n\nOrder, Pursuant to Bankruptcy Code Sections 327, 328, and 330 and Bankruptcy Rule 2014 and\n\n<sup>1</sup> K wok, as well as numerous other aliases. The last four digits of the Debtor's taxpayer identification number are 0595.\n\n2016, Authorizing and Approving the Retention and Employment of Paul Hastings LLP as Counsel to Chapter 11 Trustee (the \"Application\")2 submitted by 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\").\n\n3. 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\n## PAUL HASTINGS' QUALIFICATIONS\n\n4. chapter 11 case (the \"Chapter 11 Case\"). Paul Hastings is one of the largest law firms in the world, with a national and an international practice, and has substantial experience in virtually all aspects of the law that may arise in the Chapter 11 Case, including bankruptcy, litigation, investigations, real estate, securities, and tax expertise.\n\n5. services to assist the bankruptcy estate and its creditors in maximizing values and ultimate recoveries in a broad range of challenging circumstances. In roles ranging from debtor's counsel to committee counsel, Paul Hastings' lawyers have played a significant role in many of the largest and most complex cases under the Bankruptcy Code, including, among many others, the chapter 11 cases of Enron, Lehman Brothers, Refco, Eagle Hospitality, Cred, Semi-Tech (a/k/a Singer); Safety-Kleen; AbitibiBowater; Adelphia Communications; Aerosoles, ALCO Stores;\n\n<sup>2</sup> Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Application.\n\n7. Restructuring Group and a partner in the Corporate practice of Paul Hastings. Mr. Despins is a bankruptcy practitioner with over 35 years of experience representing debtors and creditors, including many of the debtors, committees, and creditors identified above, including Enron, Lehman Brothers, Refco, Eagle Hospitality, Semi-Tech (a/k/a Singer), Safety-Kleen, and the chapter 11 trustee in the case of CIS Corp.\n\nPaul Hastings is both well-qualified and uniquely able to represent the Trustee in 8. the Chapter 11 Case in an efficient and effective manner, including because the Trustee is also a partner of Paul Hastings and thus is intimately familiar with the experiences and expertise of Paul Hastings' attorneys.\n\n# SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED\n\n9. Paul Hastings will render general legal services as needed throughout the course of the Chapter 11 Case, including bankruptcy, litigations, real estate, and taxrelated advice. In particular, the Trustee has requested that Paul Hastings perform, among others, the following legal services:\n\n- (a) 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) 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) 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- advising the Trustee concerning executory contract and unexpired lease (g) assumptions, assignments, and rejections;\n- (h) 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- negotiating with parties in interest. (i)\n\n# COMPENSATION OF PAUL HASTINGS\n\n10. J Paul Hastings will apply for compensation for professional services rendered on an hourly basis and reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, subject to the Court's approval. The hourly rates and corresponding rate structure Paul Hastings will use in the Chapter 11 Case are generally the same as the hourly rates and corresponding rate structure that Paul Hastings uses in similar matters (with the exception of Puerto Rico's Title III cases), as well as other complex transactional and litigation matters whether in court or otherwise, regardless of whether a fee application is required and regardless of the location of the chapter 11 cases. Paul Hastings' rates and rate structure reflect that such restructuring and other complex matters such as the presentation typically are national and international in scope and involve great complexity, high stakes, and severe time pressures.\n\nI 1. Paul Hastings operates in a national marketplace for legal services in which rates are driven by multiple factors relating to the individual lawyer, his or her area of specialization.\n\n# Case 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 24 of Case 22-50073 Doc 539-2 Filed 07/12/228 Entered 07/12/22 16:51:32 Page 7 of 11\n\nthe firm's expertise, performance, and reputation, the nature of the work involved, and other factors. Paul Hastings' current customary hourly rate ranges in the United States are as follows:\n\n| Timekeeper Category | U.S. Hourly Rate Range |  |  |\n|---------------------|------------------------|--|--|\n| Partners            | \\$1,310-\\$1,935        |  |  |\n| Of Counsel          | \\$1,335-\\$1,860        |  |  |\n| Associates          | \\$755-\\$1.230          |  |  |\n| Paralegals          | \\$250 - \\$565          |  |  |\n\n12. Paul Hastings' hourly rates are set at a level designed to compensate it fairly for the work of its attorneys and paraprofessionals and to cover fixed and routine expenses. Hourly rates vary with the experience and seniority of the individuals assigned. I believe these rates are reasonable and commensurate with the hourly rates of other firms of similar size and expertise. Paul Hastings' hourly rates are subject to periodic adjustments to reflect economic and other conditions 3\n\n13. It is Paul Hastings' policy to charge its clients in all areas of practice for all expenses incurred in connection with a client's matter. The expenses charged to clients include, among other things, photocopying, witness fees, travel expenses, filing and recording fees, long distance telephone calls, postage, express mail and messenger charges, computerized legal research charges and other computer services, expenses for \"working meals,\" and telecopier charges. Paul Hastings will charge the Trustee for these expenses in a manner and at rates consistent with charges generally made to its other clients.\n\n<sup>3</sup> For example, like many of its peer law firms, Paul Hastings adjusts the hourly billing rate of attorneys and paraprofessionals in the form of: (i) step increases historically awarded in the ordinary course on the basis of advancing seniority and promotion and (ii) periodic increases within each attorney's and paraprofessional's current level of seniority. The step increases do not constitute \"rate increases\" (as the term is used in the U.S. Trustee Guidelines). As set forth in the Proposed Order, Paul Hastings will provide ten business days' notice to the Debtors, the U.S. Trustee, and counsel to any official committee before implementing periodic increases, and shall file any such notice with the Court.\n\n14. To ensure compliance with applicable deadlines in the Chapter 11 Case, from time to time the firm utilizes the services of overtime assistants. Paul Hastings charges fees for such administrative services that arise out of business necessity.\n\n15. J Paul Hastings has agreed to accept as compensation for its services in the Chapter 11 Case such sums as may be allowed by this Court, based upon the time spent and services rendered, the difficulties encountered, and other appropriate factors.\n\n16. duplication and \\$0.50 per page for standard color copies in the United States. Paul Hastings does not charge its clients for incoming facsimile transmissions. Because Paul Hastings believes that on-line legal research (e.g., LEXIS and WESTLAW) is far more cost-efficient than manual research using hardbound volumes, Paul Hastings encourages computerized legal research even though it is not a profit center for Paul Hastings.\n\n17. J Paul Hastings will apply for compensation for professional services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the Chapter 11 Case. Further, even though Appendix B of the U.S. Trustee Guidelines does not apply in this Chapter 11 Case because it only applies if the debtor's petition lists \\$50 million or more in assets and \\$50 million or more in liabilities, Paul Hastings also intends to make a reasonable effort to comply with the U.S. Trustee's requests for information and additional disclosures set forth in the U.S. Trustee Guidelines in connection with the interim and final fee applications to be filed by Paul Hastings in the Chapter 11 Case.\n\n18. Paul Hastings has not received any promises as to payment or compensation in connection with the Chapter 11 Case other than in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and as disclosed herein. Moreover, Paul Hastings has not agreed to share any\n\nof its compensation from the Debtor and/or his estate with any other person, other than the partners, of counsel, associates, and staff employed by Paul Hastings as permitted by section 504 of the Bankruptcy Code. The proposed retention of Paul Hastings is not prohibited by Bankruptcy Rule 5002.\n\n## PAUL HASTINGS' CONFLICTS CHECK\n\n19. Jo The Despins Declaration, which was prepared in connection with, and attached to, the U.S. Trustee's Application for Order Approving Appointment of a Chapter 11 Trustee [ECF No. 515], 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 Chapter 11 Case. For a description of Paul Hastings' connections to potential parties in interest in the Chapter 11 case, I refer to the Despins Declaration.\n\n### STATEMENT REGARDING U.S. TRUSTEE GUIDELINES\n\n20. Paul Hastings does not believe that Appendix B of the U.S. Trustee 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 \\$50,001 and \\$100,000. Nevertheless, Paul Hastings intends to make a reasonable effort to comply with the U.S. Trustee's requests for information and additional disclosures set forth in the U.S. Trustee Guidelines in connection with the interim and final fee applications to be filed by Paul Hastings 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 Cases. Paul Hastings provides the following response to the request for information set forth in Paragraph D.1. of the U.S. Trustee Guidelines.\n\n> Question: standard or customary billing arrangements for this engagement?\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 27 of 28\n\n| No. Paul Hastings and the Trustee have not agreed to any<br>variations from, or alternatives to, Paul Hastings' standard billing<br>arrangements for this engagement. That said, as discussed above,<br>as a practical matter, Paul Hastings will only be compensated if<br>and to the extent that there are assets in the Debtor's estate. |\n|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|\n| Question:<br>rate based on the geographic location of the bankruptcy case?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |\n| No.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n| Question:<br>your billing rates and material financial terms for the prepetition<br>engagement, including any adjustments during the 12 months<br>prepetition. If your billing rates and material financial terms have<br>changed postpetition, explain the difference and the reasons for the<br>difference.                               |\n| Paul Hastings did not represent the Trustee in the 12 months<br>prepetition.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |\n| Question:<br>plan, and, if so, for what budget period?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |\n| The Trustee and Paul Hastings are working together on a budget<br>and staffing plan for the period from July 8, 2022 through<br>September 30, 2022.                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n\nI declare under penalty of perjury that, to the best of my knowledge and after reasonable\n\ninquiry, the foregoing is true and correct.\n\nExecuted this 12th day of July 2022\n\n/s/ Nicholas A. Bassett Nicholas A. Bassett","body_zh":"案号 22-50073    文件 644-4    提交于 07/29/22    登记于 07/29/22 13:36:15     第 1 页，共 28 页\n\n案号 22-50073    文件 539    提交于 07/12/22    登记于 07/12/22 16:51:32     第 1 页，共 12 页\n美国破产法院 康涅狄格州联邦地区 桥港分院\n\n关于：　Chapter 11\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵），　：       案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n债务人。\nChapter 11 受托人申请根据《破产法典》第 327、328 及 330 条以及《破产程序规则》第 2014 及 2016 条作出命令，授权并批准聘任 PAUL HASTINGS LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）担任 Chapter 11 受托人法律顾问\n\nLuc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）先生，以其作为在 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）（“债务人”）Chapter 11 案件中获任命的 Chapter 11 受托人（“受托人”）的身份，谨就本申请（“本申请”）陈述如下，以支持本申请：\n请求的救济\n\n1. 随附本申请作为附件 A 的拟议命令（“拟议命令”），授权并批准自其获任命之日，即 July 8, 2022 起，聘任 Paul Hastings LLP（“Paul Hastings”）担任受托人的法律顾问。受托人还请求，根据《破产法典》第 327(d) 条，授权其担任债务人财产的律师之一。\n\n2. Bassett 为支持 Chapter 11 受托人申请根据《破产法典》第 327、328 及 330 条以及《破产程序规则》第 2014 及 2016 条作出命令，授权\n\n1 尽管债务人的法定姓名为 Ho Wan Kwok，但其亦被称为 Guo Wengui、Miles Guo 和 Miles Kwok，以及众多其他别名。债务人纳税人识别号码的后四位为 વેરેતેર：\n\n案号 22-50073 文件 644-4 提交于 07/29/22 登记于 07/29/22 13:36:15 第 2 页，共 28 页 案号 22-50073 文件 539 提交于 07/12/22 登记于 07/12/22 16:51:32 第 2 页，共 12 页\n\n并批准聘任 Paul Hastings LLP 担任 Chapter 11 受托人法律顾问的申请之声明（“Bassett 声明”），随附本申请作为附件 B，并通过援引纳入本申请。此外，本申请通过援引纳入日期为 July 7, 2022 的 Luc A. Despins 无利害关系声明 [ECF No. 515-1]，该声明已于 July 12, 2022 [ECF No. 538] 补充（“Despins 声明”）。\n管辖权、审判地及法定依据\n\n3. 康涅狄格州联邦地区美国破产法院（“本院”）根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 和 1334 以及康涅狄格州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.\n\n5. 《美国法典》第 11 编（“破产法典”），以及在适用范围内，《联邦破产程序规则》（“破产程序规则”）第 2014 及 2016 条，以及《康涅狄格州联邦地区美国破产法院破产业务与程序地方法则》（“地方法则”）第 2014-1 及 2016-1 条。\n背景\n\n6. 根据《破产法典》Chapter 11 自愿提交救济申请。\n\n7. 债务人 Chapter 11 案件（“Chapter 11 案件”）中的无担保债权人委员会（“委员会”）。Chapter 11 案件中尚未任命审查员。\n\n8. No. 465]（“受托人命令”）指示美国受托人在 Chapter 11 案件中任命一名 Chapter 11 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。\n\n9. On July 8, 2022，本院作出命令，批准任命 Luc A. Despins 担任 Chapter 11 案件中的受托人。\nPAUL HASTINGS 的资格\n\n10. 受托人寻求聘任 Paul Hastings 担任其律师，原因是 Paul Hastings 在财务重组和破产领域及其他相关执业领域拥有丰富经验和公认专长。作为全球最大的律师事务所之一，Paul Hastings 的业务遍及美国国内和国际，在 Chapter 11 案件中可能出现的几乎所有法律领域均拥有丰富经验，包括破产、诉讼、调查、房地产、证券及税务专长，涵盖美国国内和国际背景。\n\n11. Paul Hastings 的财务重组团队能够提供一系列服务，以协助破产财产及其债权人在各种具有挑战性的情况下实现价值和最终回收额最大化。从债务人法律顾问到委员会法律顾问等不同角色中，Paul Hastings 的律师在众多最大型和最复杂的《破产法典》案件中发挥了重要作用，其中包括但不限于 Enron、Lehman Brothers、Refco、Eagle Hospitality、Cred、Semi-Tech（又称 Singer）、Safety-Kleen、AbitibiBowater、Adelphia Communications、Aerosoles、ALCO Stores、Allegiance Telecom、Alta Mesa、American Airlines、Atlas Energy、Calpine Corporation、Castex Energy Partners、Chisholm Oil & Gas、Circuit City Stores、CIT Group、Comdisco、Dictaphone 的 Chapter 11 案件；\n案号 22-50073    文件 644-4    提交于 07/29/22    登记于 07/29/22 13:36:15     第 4 页，共 28 页\n\n13. 此外，受托人亦获授权担任债务人财产的律师之一，符合债务人财产的最佳利益。2 Despins 先生是 Paul Hastings 财务重组团队的联席主席。Despins 先生是一名破产执业律师，拥有超过 35 年代表债务人和债权人的经验，其中包括代表上文所列的众多债务人、委员会和债权人，包括 Enron、Lehman Brothers、Refco、Eagle Hospitality、Semi-Tech（又称 Singer）、Safety-Kleen，以及 CIS Corp. 案件中的 Chapter 11 受托人。\n\n14. 因此，受托人主张，聘任 Paul Hastings 担任破产法律顾问，包括根据《破产法典》第 327(d) 条授权其担任债务人财产的律师之一，属必要且符合债务人财产的最佳利益。Paul Hastings 具备充分资格并具有独特能力，能够在 Chapter 11 案件中以高效且有效的方式代表受托人，尤其是因为受托人亦为 Paul Hastings 的合伙人，因而对 Paul Hastings 律师的经验和专长极为熟悉。\n拟提供的服务\n\n15. 在 Chapter 11 案件的整个过程中所需，包括与破产、诉讼、调查、房地产及税务相关的建议。具体而言，受托人已请求 Paul Hastings 履行包括下列在内的法律服务：\n\n(a) 就受托人在 Chapter 11 案件中作为 Chapter 11 受托人的权利、权力和职责向其提供建议；\n\n2 受托人将分别记录其作为 Chapter 11 受托人所花费的时间，以及其作为债务人财产律师之一所花费的时间。\n\n(b) 就受托人对债务人财产的调查向其提供建议，包括为债务人财产利益而追索和收回任何财产的行动；\n\n(c) 适当主张债务人财产享有的权利、保护债务人财产的资产，或以其他方式推进完成 Chapter 11 案件的目标；\n\n(d) 代表受托人拟备必要且适当的申请、动议、拟议命令、其他诉状、通知、清单及其他文件，并审阅已在及将于 Chapter 11 案件中提交的财务和其他报告；\n\n(e) 就其他当事人可能在 Chapter 11 案件中提交的申请、动议、其他诉状、通知及其他文书向受托人提供建议，并拟备答复；\n\n(f) 销售和财产处置；\n\n(g) 就待履行合同及未届满租赁的承继、转让和拒绝履行向受托人提供建议；\n\n(h) 就制定、谈判和颁布一项或多项重整计划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财产提出的债权；以及\n\n(i) 与利害关系方进行谈判。\n\n受托人聘用律师提供上述专业服务是必要且不可或缺的。Paul Hastings 在所有这些领域均拥有丰富专长。\n\n16. 受托人将通过另行申请，寻求聘任 Neubert, Pepe & Monteith,\n\nP.C. 担任康涅狄格州当地法律顾问。为避免任何重复工作，并以最有效率和最具成本效益的方式向受托人提供服务，Paul Hastings 将就其在 Chapter 11\n\n案件中的各自职责与当地法律顾问协调。\n专业报酬\n\n17. Paul Hastings 拟就 Chapter 11 案件中提供的专业服务按小时申请报酬，并申请偿还因该案件产生的费用，但须经本院批准。Paul Hastings 将在 Chapter 11 案件中使用的小时费率和相应费率结构，通常与 Paul Hastings 在其他重组事项中使用的小时费率和相应费率结构相同（Puerto Rico 的 Title III 案件除外），也与类似的复杂交易和诉讼事项相同，无论该等事项是否在法院进行或以其他方式进行，无论是否需要提交费用申请，亦无论 Chapter 11 案件所在地为何处。Paul Hastings 的费率和费率结构反映，此类重组及其他复杂事项，如本申请所涉事项，通常具有全国性和国际性范围，并涉及高度复杂性、重大利害关系及严峻的时间压力。\n\n18. Paul Hastings 在全国性法律服务市场中运营，其费率由与个别律师、其专业领域、事务所的专长、业绩和声誉、所涉工作性质以及其他因素相关的多项因素决定。目前，Paul Hastings 在美国的惯常小时费率范围如下：\n\n计费人员类别　美国小时费率范围\n\n合伙人　\\$1,310-\\$1,935\n顾问律师　\\$1.335 - \\$1.860\n助理律师　\\$755-\\$1,230\n律师助理　\\$250 - \\$565\n\n19. Paul Hastings 的小时费率设定在旨在为其律师和辅助专业人员的工作提供公平报酬，并涵盖固定和日常费用的水平。小时费率因被指派人员的经验和资历而异。Paul Hastings 的小时费率会定期调整，以反映经济及其他情况。3 只要 Paul Hastings 收取届时有效的正常小时费率，受托人同意 Paul Hastings 每年及其他定期提高费率。此外，在确定应向 Paul Hastings 支付的报酬水平及其合理性时，受托人将 Paul Hastings 的小时费率与其他顶级律师事务所在其他大型、复杂和国际事项中收取的费率范围进行了比较。\n\n20. 受托人主张，Paul Hastings 的小时费率是合理的，与 Paul Hastings 为非破产委托事项收取的小时费率相当，并处于提供相同服务且具备相当技能的专业人士所收取费率的范围内。在本案情形下尤其如此，因为债务人财产目前没有资产支付专业费用。因此，Paul Hastings 实际上是以风险代理方式受聘——即，其报酬将取决于资产是否最终被纳入债务人财产（而这又将取决于 Paul Hastings 和受托人为债务人财产及其债权人利益追回资产的成功程度）。\n\n21. J. 根据我的经验，在没有遗产资产可用于支付受托人律师报酬的情况下，典型的风险代理费安排将远高于 Paul Hastings（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）所收取的小时费率（Paul Hastings 在此将收取该等费率）；该等小时费率适用于报酬不以向遗产追回资产为条件的委聘。\n\n3 例如，与其许多同行律师事务所一样，Paul Hastings 按照以下方式调整律师和辅助法律专业人员的小时计费费率：(i) 历来在日常业务过程中基于资历提升和晋升而给予的阶梯式增加；以及 (ii) 在每位律师和辅助法律专业人员现有资历等级内进行的定期增加。该等阶梯式增加不构成“费率增加”（该术语见于《自 2013 年 11 月 1 日起生效的美国受托人审查大型第 11 章案件中律师根据 11 U.S.C. § 330 提交的报酬及费用报销申请的指引》（“美国受托人指引”））。如拟议命令所载，Paul Hastings 将在实施定期增加前十个工作日通知债务人、康涅狄格地区助理美国受托人（“美国受托人”）及任何正式委员会的律师，并应向法院提交任何该等通知。\n\n22. Paul Hastings 的政策是在所有业务领域就与客户事项相关发生的一切费用向其客户收费。向客户收取的费用包括但不限于复印费、证人费、差旅费、提交及登记费、长途电话费、邮资、特快专递和信使费、计算机化法律检索费及其他计算机服务费、“工作餐”费用以及传真费。Paul Hastings 将以符合其通常向其他客户收取该等费用的方式及费率，向受托人收取该等费用。\n\n23. 该律师事务所不时使用加班助理的服务。Paul Hastings 就因业务需要而产生的该等行政服务收取费用。\n\nPAUL HASTINGS 的无利害关系性\n\n24. Despins Declaration（德斯平斯声明）披露了 Paul Hastings 与债务人及第 11 章案件中潜在利害关系方之间的关系，并通过援引纳入本申请。依赖该声明，且除其中所载者外，受托人认为：(a) Paul Hastings 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、任何其他在第 11 章案件中具有实际或潜在利益的当事方，或其各自的律师或会计师不存在任何关系；及 (b) Paul Hastings 及其任何律师均不：(i) 为债务人或其关联方的债权人、股权证券持有人或内部人士，(ii) 在申请日之前两年内曾担任债务人或其关联方的董事、高级管理人员或雇员，或 (iii) 因与债务人之间的任何直接或间接关系、关联或利益，或因任何其他原因，而持有对债务人遗产或任何类别债权人或股权证券持有人利益具有重大不利影响的任何利益。因此，受托人认为，经破产法典第 1107(b) 条修正后，Paul Hastings 属于破产法典第 101(14) 条所称的“无利害关系人士”。\n\n25. J Paul Hastings 将在第 11 章案件审理期间定期审查其档案，以确保不存在或不会产生任何利益冲突或其他导致不具资格的情形。如发现或产生任何新的相关事实或关系，Paul Hastings 将尽合理努力识别该等进一步发展，并将按照破产规则 2014(a) 的要求，立即提交补充声明。\n\n救济依据\n\n26. 受托人根据破产法典第 327(a) 条请求聘用 Paul Hastings 作为其律师；该条规定，受托人经法院批准后，可聘用“未持有或代表对遗产不利的利益，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]根据本法典承担的职责”。此外，根据破产法典第 327(d) 条，如该等授权符合遗产的最佳利益，法院“可授权受托人担任遗产的律师……”。\n\n27. 受托人可根据破产法典第 327(a) 条，以“任何合理的雇用条款和条件”聘用专业人员，包括按预付聘金、按小时计费、按固定费用或百分比费用，或按风险代理费计费。11 U.S.C. § 328(a)。\n\n28. 破产规则 2014(a) 要求聘用申请载明：\n\n显示聘用必要性的具体事实、拟聘用的[律师事务所]名称、选择该[律师事务所]的理由、将提供的专业服务、任何拟议的报酬安排，以及据申请人所知，该[律师事务所]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、美国受托人或美国受托人办公室雇用的任何人员之间的所有关系。\n\n29. Bassett Declaration（巴塞特声明）和 Despins Declaration 载明：(a) 确立受托人在第 11 章案件中聘用 Paul Hastings 作为律师的必要性的具体事实，以及受托人选择 Paul Hastings 的理由，包括授权其担任债务人遗产律师之一符合遗产的最佳利益；(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) 据受托人所知，Paul Hastings 与第 11 章案件中某些利害关系方之间的关系（如有）。\n\n30. 最后，受托人请求批准并授权自受托人获任之日，即 July 8, 2022 起聘用 Paul Hastings；该日亦为 Paul Hastings 开始向受托人提供服务之日。根据地方法则 2014-1(b)(1)，由于本申请在开始提供服务后 thirty (30) 日内提交，故本申请视为与该等服务开始同时提交。\n\n31. J. 受托人主张，基于本申请、Bassett Declaration 和 Despins Declaration 所述的全部理由，拟议聘用 Paul Hastings 担任第 11 章案件中受托人的破产及重组律师，完全属于第 327(a) 条的范围内且具有正当性。因此，受托人谨请求法院授权聘用 Paul Hastings 作为受托人的律师。\n\n此前未提出请求\n\n32. 受托人此前未曾向本法院或任何其他法院请求本案所请求的救济。\n\n案件 22-50073 文件 644-4 提交于 07/29/22 录入于 07/29/22 13:36:15 第 12 页，共 28 页；案件 22-50073 文件 539 提交于 07/12/22 录入于 07/12/22 16:51:32 第 12 页，共 12 页\n\n据此，受托人谨请求签发拟议命令，准予本申请所请求的救济，以及法院认为公正和适当的其他救济。\n\n日期：July 12, 2022　Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）第 11 章案件的第 11 章受托人\n\nLuc A. Despins（卢克·A·德斯平斯）\n\n案件 22-50073 文件 644-4 提交于 07/29/22 录入于 07/29/22 13:36:15 第 13 页，共 28 页\n\n案件 22-50073    文件 644-4    提交于 07/29/22    录入于 07/29/22 13:36:15      第 14 页，共 28 页\n\n案件 22-50073    文件 539-1    提交于 07/12/22    录入于 07/12/22 16:51:32     第 2 页，共 5 页\n\nUNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT（美国康涅狄格联邦破产法院）\nBRIDGEPORT DIVISION（布里奇波特分庭）\n\n关于：　第 11 章\n\nHO WAN KWOK（郭文贵），　：案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。\n\n授权并批准聘用 PAUL HASTINGS LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）担任第 11 章受托人律师的命令，自申请日生效\n\n兹根据 Luc A. Despins 先生以 Ho Wan Kwok 第 11 章案件获任第 11 章受托人（“受托人”）的身份提出的申请（“申请”）¹，请求签发命令（“本命令”），根据 United States Code（美国法典）第 11 编（“破产法典”）第 327、328 及 330 条、Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure（联邦破产程序规则）（“破产规则”）第 2014 及 2016 条，以及 Local Rules of Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格联邦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，授权并批准受托人自 July 8, 2022 起聘用 Paul Hastings LLP（“Paul Hastings”）担任其律师，所有内容详见本申请；并经审议本申请、Bassett Declaration 及 Despins Declaration；且本法院根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 和 1334 及 United States District Court for the District of Connecticut（美国康涅狄格联邦地区法院）的移交命令（经修正）对审议本申请及其中请求的救济具有管辖权；并经审议本申请及其中请求的救济，\n\n本文所使用但未定义的首字母大写术语具有本申请所载的含义。\n\n该等事项构成 28 U.S.C. § 157(b) 所规定的核心程序；且根据 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 和 1409，本法院为适格审理地；且已就本申请给予适当且恰当的通知；且本法院已认定：(i) 本申请所请求的救济符合债务人遗产、其债权人及所有利害关系方的最佳利益，(ii) 本申请、Bassett Declaration、Despins Declaration 及本法院就本申请举行的任何听证会记录中所载的法律和事实依据，确立了准予本命令所载救济的正当理由，(iii) Paul Hastings 为破产法典第 101(14) 条所定义且破产法典第 327(a) 条所要求的“无利害关系人士”，以及 (iv) Paul Hastings 未持有或代表对债务人遗产不利的利益；且在具体情形下已就本申请给予适当且充分的通知；且看来无需给予其他或进一步通知；且经本法院进行的所有程序；且对本案请求的救济提出的任何异议均已撤回或经实体审理被驳回；且经适当审议并认为存在充分理由，现特此命令如下：\n\n1. 准予本申请，如本命令所述。\n\n2. 兹授权自 July 8, 2022 起，按照本申请、Bassett Declaration 和 Despins Declaration 所载条款聘用 Paul Hastings。此外，授权受托人担任债务人遗产律师之一。Paul Hastings（包括受托人以律师身份行事时）将按照其不时生效的正常小时费率收费，该等费率可按年度或其他方式定期增加。\n\n3. 授权 Paul Hastings 担任受托人的律师，并提供本申请所述的服务。具体而言，但不限于此，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意见；\n\n（b）就受托人对债务人财产的调查向其提供意见，包括为债务人财产利益提起任何收集和追回财产的诉讼；\n\n（c）提起、进行及／或继续为主张债务人财产所持权利、保护债务人财产资产，或以其他方式推动完成第11章案件目标所必需且适当的诉讼；\n\n（d）动议、拟议命令、其他诉状、通知、清单及其他文件，以及审阅已在第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、通知及其他文书，向受托人提供意见并协助准备答复；\n\n（f）就任何潜在资产出售和财产处置事宜，向受托人提供意见并予以协助；\n\n（g）就待履行合同和未到期租约的承接、转让和拒绝，向受托人提供意见；\n\n（h）就重组计划的制定、谈判和颁布，以及相关交易文件，向受托人提供意见；\n\n（i）协助受托人审阅、估算和解决针对债务人财产提出的债权；以及\n\n（j）与利害关系方进行谈判。\n\n4. 债务人财产应负责支付 Paul Hastings 的报酬以及其在第11章案件中的费用偿还。\n\n5. 作为受托人的律师，Paul Hastings 的报酬应仅限于实际提供的服务和实际发生的费用，且不应包括通常由第11章受托人在无需律师协助的情况下履行的任何受托人职责的报酬。\n\n6. Paul Hastings 应在其实施所收取费率的任何上调之前，向债务人、美国受托人以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. 受托人和 Paul Hastings 获授权并被赋予权力采取一切必要行动，以落实本命令授予的救济。\n\n8. 本申请获批准。\n\n9. 如本申请、Bassett 声明或 Despins 声明与本命令不一致，应以本命令的条款为准。\n\n10. 本命令的条款和条件应于录入时立即生效并可执行。\n\n11. 法院保留对与实施、解释和执行本命令有关的一切事项的管辖权。\n\nCase 22-50073 Doc 644-4 Filed 07/29/22 Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15 Page 18 of 28\n\nCase 22-50073    Doc 644-4    Filed 07/29/22    Entered 07/29/22 13:36:15      Page 19 of\n\nCase 22-50073   Doc 539-2   Filed 07/12/22  Entered 07/12/22 16:51:32     Page 2 of 11\n\n美国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），　　案号 22-50073 (JAM)\n\n债务人。¹\n\nNICHOLAS A. BASSETT（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特）为支持第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328和330条以及《联邦破产程序规则》第2014和2016条申请作出命令，授权并批准聘请 PAUL HASTINGS LLP（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）担任第11章受托人律师而作出的声明\n\n根据《联邦破产程序规则》第2014(a)条（以下简称“破产规则”），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，下列内容真实：\n\n1. 本人获准在纽约州执业。本人向美国康涅狄格州联邦破产法院（以下简称“法院”）申请以临时许可身份出庭的申请，已于 July 11, 2022 提交 [ECF No. 533]。\n\n2. 本人系 Paul Hastings 的合伙人，该律师事务所在全球设有多个办事处，包括位于 200 Park Avenue, New York, 10166 的办事处；本人获正式授权代表 Paul Hastings 作出本声明（以下简称“本声明”）。本人提交本声明，以支持 Luc A. Despins 先生以其获任为 Ho Wan Kwok（郭文贵）第11章案件（以下简称“债务人”）第11章受托人（以下简称“受托人”）的身份，提交的第11章受托人根据《破产法典》第327、328和330条以及《破产规则》第2014和2016条申请作出命令，授权并批准聘请 Paul Hastings LLP 担任第11章受托人律师的申请（以下简称“本申请”）²。\n\n¹ Kwok，以及众多其他别名。债务人纳税人识别号后四位为 0595。\n\n3. 本声明基于本人所知的事实、本人或其他 Paul Hastings 律师审阅的本所客户／事项记录，以及与其他 Paul Hastings 律师的讨论。如本声明中披露的任何信息在 Paul Hastings 完成进一步审阅后或在取得更多信息后需要修正或修改，将向法院提交补充声明，以反映该等修正或修改后的信息。\n\nPAUL HASTINGS 的资质\n\n4. Paul Hastings 已获聘担任受托人在第11章案件（以下简称“第11章案件”）中的律师。Paul Hastings 是世界最大的律师事务所之一，拥有全国性和国际性业务，并在第11章案件中可能涉及的几乎所有法律领域均具有丰富经验，包括破产、诉讼、调查、房地产、证券和税务专业知识。\n\n5. Paul Hastings 长期为破产财产及其债权人提供服务，协助其在各种具挑战性的情形下最大化价值和最终回收额。从债务人律师到委员会律师的各种角色中，Paul Hastings 的律师在许多规模最大、最复杂的《破产法典》案件中发挥了重要作用，其中包括 Enron、Lehman Brothers、Refco、Eagle Hospitality、Cred、Semi-Tech（亦称 Singer）、Safety-Kleen、AbitibiBowater、Adelphia Communications、Aerosoles、ALCO Stores 的第11章案件等众多案件；\n\n² 本文使用但未定义的首字母大写术语，具有本申请中规定的含义。\n\n7. Despins 先生是 Paul Hastings 重组业务组主席及公司业务合伙人。Despins 先生是一名破产法律从业者，拥有逾35年代理债务人和债权人的经验，包括代理上述所列的许多债务人、委员会及债权人，其中包括 Enron、Lehman Brothers、Refco、Eagle Hospitality、Semi-Tech（亦称 Singer）、Safety-Kleen，以及 CIS Corp. 案件中的第11章受托人。\n\n8. Paul Hastings 既具备充分资质，亦具有独特能力，能够以高效和有效的方式在第11章案件中代表受托人；其中包括受托人亦为 Paul Hastings 的合伙人，因此对 Paul Hastings 律师的经验和专业能力十分熟悉。\n\n将提供的服务\n\n9. Paul Hastings 将在第11章案件过程中按需要提供一般法律服务，包括破产、诉讼、房地产及税务相关意见。具体而言，受托人已要求 Paul Hastings 提供下列法律服务，其中包括：\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意见；\n\n（b）就受托人对债务人财产的调查向其提供意见，包括为债务人财产利益提起任何收集和追回财产的诉讼；\n\n（c）提起、进行及／或继续为主张债务人财产所持权利、保护债务人财产资产，或以其他方式推动完成第11章案件目标所必需且适当的诉讼；\n\n（d）准备动议、拟议命令、其他诉状、通知、清单及其他文件，以及审阅已在第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、通知及其他文书，向受托人提供意见并协助准备答复；\n\n（f）就任何潜在资产出售和财产处置事宜，向受托人提供意见并予以协助；\n\n（g）就待履行合同和未到期租约的承接、转让和拒绝，向受托人提供意见；\n\n（h）就重组计划的制定、谈判和颁布，以及相关交易文件，向受托人提供意见；\n\n（i）协助受托人审阅、估算和解决针对债务人财产提出的债权；以及\n\n（j）与利害关系方进行谈判。\n\nPAUL HASTINGS 的报酬\n\n10. Paul Hastings 将就其在第11章案件中提供的专业服务，按小时申请报酬，并申请偿还所发生的费用，但须经法院批准。Paul Hastings 将在第11章案件中采用的小时费率及相应费率结构，通常与其在类似事项中采用的小时费率及相应费率结构相同（Puerto Rico 的 Title III 案件除外），并与其在法庭内外处理其他复杂交易和诉讼事项时采用的费率及结构相同，无论是否需要提交费用申请，亦无论第11章案件的地点为何。Paul Hastings 的费率及费率结构反映出，该等重组及其他复杂事项，例如本陈述，通常具有全国性和国际性范围，并涉及高度复杂性、重大利害关系及严峻时间压力。\n\n11. Paul Hastings 在全国性法律服务市场中经营，其费率由与个别律师及其专业领域、本所的专业能力、业绩和声誉、所涉工作性质及其他因素有关的多项因素决定。Paul Hastings 目前在美国的惯常小时费率范围如下：\n\n计时人员类别　美国每小时费率范围\n\n合伙人　$1,310-$1,935\n\n顾问律师　$1,335-$1,860\n\n助理律师　$755-$1.230\n\n律师助理　$250 - $565\n\n12. Paul Hastings 的小时费率设定在旨在公平补偿其律师和辅助专业人员所完成工作，并涵盖固定及日常费用的水平。小时费率因被指派人员的经验和资历而异。本人相信，该等费率合理，并与其他规模和专业能力相近的律师事务所的小时费率相称。Paul Hastings 的小时费率可作定期调整，以反映经济及其他状况³。\n\n13. Paul Hastings 的政策是，就客户事项所产生的一切费用，向其所有业务领域的客户收取费用。向客户收取的费用包括但不限于复印费、证人费用、差旅费、提交和登记费用、长途电话费、邮资、特快专递和信使费用、计算机化法律研究费用及其他计算机服务费用、“工作餐”费用和传真费用。Paul Hastings 将以与其通常向其他客户收取费用一致的方式和费率，向受托人收取该等费用。\n\n³ 例如，与许多同业律师事务所一样，Paul Hastings 以如下方式调整律师和辅助专业人员的小时计费费率：(i) 历来在正常业务过程中根据资历增长和晋升给予的阶梯式上调；以及 (ii) 在每名律师和辅助专业人员当前资历级别内的定期上调。该等阶梯式上调不构成“费率上调”（该术语系按《美国受托人指引》中的含义使用）。如拟议命令所载，Paul Hastings 将在实施定期上调前十个工作日通知债务人、美国受托人以及任何正式委员会的律师，并应向法院提交任何该等通知。\n\n14. 为确保遵守第11章案件中的适用期限，本所不时聘用加班助理。Paul Hastings（保罗·黑斯廷斯律师事务所）就因业务需要而产生的该等行政服务收取费用。\n\n15. Paul Hastings 已同意，就其在第11章案件中提供的服务，接受由本院根据所花费的时间和所提供的服务、所遇到的困难及其他适当因素允许的金额作为报酬。\n\n16. 复印，以及在美国境内标准彩色复印件每页 $0.50。Paul Hastings 不就收到的传真传输向其客户收费。由于 Paul Hastings 认为在线法律研究（例如，LEXIS 和 WESTLAW）远较使用精装卷册进行人工研究更具成本效益，Paul Hastings 鼓励使用计算机化法律研究，尽管这并非 Paul Hastings 的利润中心。\n\n17. Paul Hastings 将就其在第11章案件中提供的专业服务申请报酬，并申请偿还所发生的费用。此外，尽管《美国受托人指南》附录B不适用于本第11章案件，因为其仅在债务人的申请书列明资产为 $50 million 或以上且负债为 $50 million 或以上时适用，Paul Hastings 亦拟就其将在第11章案件中提交的中期及最终费用申请，作出合理努力以遵从《美国受托人指南》中规定的美国受托人对信息及额外披露的要求。\n\n18. 除依照《破产法》的规定及如本文件所披露者外，Paul Hastings 未就第11章案件中的付款或报酬收到任何承诺。此外，除《破产法》第504条所允许的由 Paul Hastings 雇用的合伙人、顾问律师、律师助理及员工外，Paul Hastings 未同意与任何其他人分享其从债务人及/或其破产财产获得的任何报酬。拟议聘用 Paul Hastings 并不受《破产程序规则》第5002条禁止。\n\nPAUL HASTINGS 的利益冲突核查\n\n19. 为美国受托人提交的《批准任命第11章受托人的命令申请》[ECF No. 515]而编制并附随该申请的 Despins 声明，载明了 Paul Hastings 的利益冲突审查程序，以及为识别不仅受托人而且 Paul Hastings 与第11章案件中潜在利害关系方之间联系所采取的步骤。关于 Paul Hastings 与第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关于《美国受托人指南》的声明\n\n20. Paul Hastings 认为，《美国受托人指南》附录B不适用于本第11章案件，因为债务人的申请书未列明资产为 $50 million 或以上且负债为 $50 million 或以上。具体而言，债务人估计其资产价值介于 $50,001 和 $100,000 之间。尽管如此，Paul Hastings 拟就其将在第11章案件中提交的中期及最终费用申请，作出合理努力以遵从《美国受托人指南》中规定的美国受托人对信息及额外披露的要求，但保留与该申请或第11章案件中任何报酬申请相关的、就其相关性及实体法律效力而言的一切权利。Paul Hastings 就《美国受托人指南》第D.1段所载的信息请求作出如下答复。\n\n问题：本次委聘的标准或惯常计费安排？\n\n否。Paul Hastings 与受托人未就本次委聘的 Paul Hastings 标准计费安排达成任何变更或替代方案。话虽如此，如上所述，作为实际情况，Paul Hastings 仅会在债务人破产财产中存在资产的情况下，并仅在该等资产的范围内获得报酬。\n\n问题：基于破产案件地理位置的费率？\n\n否。\n\n问题：申请前12个月内就申请前委聘所适用的贵方计费费率及重大财务条款，包括任何调整。如贵方的计费费率及重大财务条款在申请后发生变更，请说明差异及其原因。\n\nPaul Hastings 在申请前12个月内未代理受托人。\n\n问题：计划；如是，预算期间为何？\n\n受托人与 Paul Hastings 正共同制定涵盖自 July 8, 2022 至 September 30, 2022 期间的预算及人员配置计划。\n\n本人在伪证处罚下声明，据本人所知并经合理查询，上述内容真实、正确。\n\n于 2022 年 7 月 12 日签署\n\n/s/ Nicholas A. Bassett（尼古拉斯·A·巴塞特） Nicholas A. Bassett","key_entities":["Paul Hastings","Despins","Kwok","Je","Ho Wan Kwok","Guo","RICO","Miles Guo"],"ecf_references":[{"doc_number":515,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":533,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":538,"court":"CTB"},{"doc_number":539,"court":"CTB"}],"word_count":6623,"status":"published","published_at":"2022-07-29 00:00:00","created_at":"2022-07-29","updated_at":"2026-08-23 20:03:13"}