Guo Wengui / Miles Guo — bankruptcy case · PETITION · ECF #2933
METADATA
- Defendant
- Guo Wengui / Miles Guo / Ho Wan Kwok
- Court
- CTB
- Case No.
- 22-50073
- ECF #
- 2933
- Type
- PETITION
- Filed
- 2024-02-19
FULL TEXT
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION
------------------------------------------------------ x
In re: :
HO WAN KWOK, et al., : :
Debtors.1 :
------------------------------------------------------ x COVERSHEET FOR SECOND INTERIM FEE APPLICATION OF HARNEY WESTWOOD & RIEGELS LP
Interim Application of: Harney Westwood & Riegels LP
Time Period: August 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Bankruptcy Petition Filed: February 15, 2022 Date of Entry of Retention Orders: October 3, 2022 [ECF No. 909] (effective as of July 31, 2022, as to Individual Debtor) and January 4, 2023 [ECF No. 1247] (effective as of November 21, 2022, as to
Fees: \$101,597.00 Voluntary Fee Reductions: none Expenses: \$1,825.00 Voluntary Expenses Reductions: none
Fees Previously Requested: Retainer Request:
Expenses Previously Requested: Expense Detail: Requested Expenses: \$41,729.06 Retainer Received: Not applicable Awarded Expenses: \$41,729.06 Copies per page cost & total: Not applicable
1 The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and 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). UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION
------------------------------------------------------ x
In re: :
HO WAN KWOK, et al., :
Debtors.1 : :
------------------------------------------------------ x **SECOND INTERIM FEE APPLICATION OF HARNEY WESTWOOD & RIEGELS LP, AS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS COUNSEL, FOR COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FOR PERIOD FROM AUGUST 1, 2023 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023**
Pursuant to sections 105(a), 328, 330, and 331 of title 11 of the United States Code (such title, hereinafter, the "Bankruptcy Code"), Rule 2016 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (the "Bankruptcy Rules"), Rule 2016-1 of the Local Rules of Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (the "Local Rules"), and the *Order Establishing Procedures for Interim Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Retained Professionals, dated August 18, 2023* [Docket No. 2094] (the "Interim Compensation Order"), Harney Westwood & Riegels LP ("Harneys"), as British Virgin Islands ("BVI") counsel to (a) 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") and (b) Genever Holdings Corporation ("Genever (BVI)"), hereby files this Second Interim Application of
1 The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).
*Harneys Westwood & Riegels LP., as British Virgin Islands Counsel, for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for the Period from August 1, 2023 through December 31 , 2023* (the "Application"). By this Application, Harneys requests interim allowance of professional fees incurred during the period from August 1, 2023 through and including December 31, 2023 (the "Application Period") in these chapter 11 cases. In support of this Application, Harneys respectfully states as follows: JURISDICTION, VENUE, BASES FOR RELIEF, AND COMPLIANCE
1. 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)(2). Venue is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409.
2. The legal predicates for the relief requested herein are sections 328, 330, and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rule 2016, and Local Rule 2016-1.
3. Harneys believes that this Application, together with the attachments hereto, substantially complies with the Bankruptcy Rules, Local Rule 2016-1, and the *United States Trustee's Guidelines for Reviewing Applications for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses Filed Under 11 U.S.C. § 330 by Attorneys in Larger Chapter 11 Cases* (the "U.S. Trustee Guidelines").2 Harneys respectfully requests a waiver of any of the foregoing requirements not met by this Application.
4. Attached and incorporated herein by reference are the following Exhibits:
Exhibit A contains the Proposed Order granting this Application.
2 Harneys reserves all rights as to the relevance and substantive legal effect of the U.S. Trustee Guidelines with respect to any application for compensation in these chapter 11 cases.
- Exhibit B is a timekeeper summary that includes the name, title, bar admission, hourly billing rate, aggregate hours, and amount of fees earned for each Harneys individual who provided services during the Application Period; - Exhibit C is a summary of expenses incurred and reimbursement sought, by expense type, during the Application Period; and - Exhibit D contains the detail of the fees and expenses incurred during the Application Period.
5. On February 15, 2022 (the "Petition Date"), the Individual Debtor filed a voluntary petition for relief under the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut (Bridgeport Division) (the "Court").
6. On March 21, 2022, the United States Trustee appointed an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the "Committee") in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case. No examiner has been appointed in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case.
7. On June 15, 2022, the Court entered a memorandum of decision and order [ECF No. 465] (the "Trustee Order") directing the United States Trustee to appoint a chapter 11 trustee in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case.
8. Pursuant to the Trustee Order, the United States Trustee selected Luc A. Despins as the Trustee. On July 8, 2022, the Court entered an order granting the appointment of Luc A. Despins as the Trustee in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case.
9. By order entered October 3, 2022, the Court authorized Harney's retention as British Virgin Islands counsel for the Trustee [Docket No. 669] (together with the retention order with respect to Genever (BVI) [Docket No. 1286], the "Retention Order") effective as of July 31, 2022 in the Individual Debtor's chapter 11 case. The Retention Order authorizes Harneys to be compensated on an hourly basis and reimbursed for actual and necessary out-of-pocket expenses
pursuant to sections 328 and 330 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, and such orders as the Court may direct.
10. On August 18, 2023, the Court entered the Interim Compensation Procedures Order, which, among other things, approves procedures for the payment of 80% of fees and 100% of expenses on a monthly basis.
11. On October 11, 2022, Genever (BVI) filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with this Court.
12. No trustee, examiner, or official committee of unsecured creditors has been appointed in Genever (BVI)'s chapter 11 case.
13. 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 [ECF No. 970].
14. On January 4, 2023, the Court granted Genever (BVI)'s application to retain Harneys as counsel to Genever (BVI) in its chapter 11 case, effective as of its petition date, i.e., November 21, 2022 [ECF No. 1286].
15. On October 16, 2023, Harneys filed its *First Interim Fee Application of Harney Westwood & Riegels LP, as British Virgin Islands Counsel, for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for Period From July 31, 2022 Through July 31, 2023* [Docket No. 2259] (the "First Interim Fee Application"), requesting interim allowance of professional fees incurred during the period from July 31, 2022 through and including July 31, 2023 in these chapter 11 cases.
16. On November 30, 2023, the Court granted the First Interim Fee Application.
17. The Applicant is applying for compensation pursuant to Sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code for legal services performed for the Trustee and Genever (BVI) during the Application Period.
18. For the Application Period, the Applicant seeks allowance of \$101,597.00 as compensation for services rendered and allowance and reimbursement of \$1,825 in expenses incurred in connection with such services. The Applicant devoted 116.8 hours to this case during the Application Period, equating to an overall blended rate of \$869.83.
19. Harneys did not submit any monthly fee statements during the Application Period, and, accordingly, by this Application, Harneys is requesting allowance and payment of the full amount of fees and expenses incurred during the Application Period.
20. Throughout the Application Period, the Applicant maintained records to indicate the name of each attorney or paraprofessional working on this matter, the time spent on a particular issue, and the nature of the work performed. These records, which describe in detail the services rendered by the Applicant, were created at the approximate time the services were performed.
21. Annexed hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit D is a detailed billing report, upon which this application is based that contains each individual professional's time for the Debtors' bankruptcy proceedings, itemizing the dates upon which services were rendered, including a summary of the services on each of such dates by each person rendering the service, the time spent in rendering such service, and the dollar value of such services.
22. Harneys has continued to provide detailed and strategic advice in relation to the interplay between the chapter 11 cases and the BVI during the Application Period, including in seeking assistance from the BVI courts in securing assets belonging to the Individual Debtor's estate and related disclosure orders against third parties (including BVI registered agents).
23. For example, Harneys assisted the Trustee in connection with discovery sought by the Trustee in connection with the adversary proceeding relating to the private residence located at 675 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 (the "Mahwah Mansion"), performing research in connection with individuals and entities in various foreign jurisdictions, and gathering information regarding service addresses for various discovery targets.
24. In addition, at the instruction of the Trustee, Harneys took steps to identify the registered agents for various BVI corporate entities believed to be owned and/or controlled by the Individual Debtor and worked on additional disclosure applications to obtain documents from registered agents in the BVI pertaining to corporate entities that the Trustee has reason to believe were owned and/or controlled by the Individual Debtor. Harneys also assisted the Trustee in preparing the complaint against Ace Decade Holdings Limited, Yvette Wang, and Rui Hao seeking to void the transfer of the Ace Decade shares by Yvette Wang to Rui Hao. Harneys provided detailed advice in relation to serving various directors of Kwok entities in Switzerland, Mauritius, and Cayman and the subsequent effect on enforceability of judgments.
25. The work undertaken by Harneys team was substantial, involved numerous applications, drafting of detailed evidence and written and oral advocacy before the BVI court, and the preparation of numerous corporate documents. The disclosures obtained by Harneys
were also instrumental for the Trustee to formulate and assert claims against associates of the Individual Debtor.
26. No prior application for the relief requested has been made. And, as noted, Harneys has not received any payment of the fees incurred during the Application Period.
27. All of the professional services for which this award is being sought hereby were rendered solely on behalf of the Trustee and Genever (BVI) in connection with the chapter 11 cases herein.
28. Applicant respectfully submits that its services have benefited the Trustee and Genever (BVI) with the expertise and skill required in the handling of bankruptcy matters. The legal services for which such compensation is requested were performed for and on behalf of the Trustee and Genever (BVI). Such services have been necessary to protect and enforce the rights and interests of the Trustee and Genever (BVI) in connection with these chapter 11 cases. The reasonable value of services rendered by Harneys in these cases is based upon Harneys usual hourly rates for matters of this nature.
29. Section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code prescribes the general standards for determining the amount of compensation to be paid to professionals. The Applicant submits that the amount sought for the Application Period represents reasonable compensation for professional services rendered based upon the time spent, the nature, the extent, and the value of such services, taking into account the cost of comparable services in a non-bankruptcy case.
30. Section 331 of the Bankruptcy Code provides for interim compensation of professionals and incorporates the substantive standards of section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code
to govern the Court's award of such compensation. Section 330(a) of the Bankruptcy Code provides that, after notice and a hearing, the Court may award a professional employed under 11 U.S.C. § 327 "reasonable compensation for actual, necessary services rendered" and "reimbursement for actual, necessary expenses." 11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(1).3
31. In determining the amount of "reasonable compensation," the Court must consider the nature, extent, and value of the services, taking into account all the relevant factors, including the time spent on such services, the rates charged for such services, whether the services were necessary and beneficial, whether the services were performed in a reasonable amount of time commensurate with the complexity, importance, and nature of the problem, issue, or task addressed, and whether the compensation is reasonable based on the customary compensation charged by comparably skilled practitioners in cases other than cases under the Bankruptcy Code. See 11 U.S.C. § 330(a)(3). The Court enjoys "considerable discretion in determining reasonable fee awards." In re Ahead Communication Systems, Inc., 395 B.R. 512 (D. Conn. 2008).
32. In assessing the "reasonableness" of the fees requested, the Second Circuit has stated that courts should consider the factors enumerated in Johnson v. Ga. Highway Express, Inc., 4 while also incorporating the "lodestar method." See Arbor Hill Concerned Citizens
3 Under section 328(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, with bankruptcy court approval, a trustee may employ professional persons under section 327(a) of the Bankruptcy Code "on any reasonable terms and conditions of employment, including on a retainer, on an hourly basis, on a fixed or percentage fee basis, or on a contingent fee basis." 11 U.S.C. § 328(a).
4 The twelve Johnson factors are (1) the time and labor required, (2) the novelty and difficulty of the questions, (3) the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly, (4) the preclusion of other employment by the attorney due to acceptance of the case, (5) the customary fee, (6) whether the fee is fixed or contingent, (7) the time limitations imposed by the client or the circumstances, (8) the amount involved and the results obtained, (9) the experience, reputation, and ability of the attorneys, (10) the "undesirability" of the case, (11) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client, and (12) awards in similar cases. Johnson, 488 F.2d at 717-19.
Neighborhood Ass'n v. County of Albany and Albany County Bd. of Elections, 522 F.3d 182, 190 (2d Cir. 2007) (citing Johnson v. Ga. Highway Express, Inc., 488 F.2d 714 (5th Cir.1974), abrogated on other grounds by Blanchard v. Bergeron, 489 U.S. 87, 92–93, 96 (1989)). The "lodestar method" of calculating the reasonable fee contemplates "the number of hours reasonably expended . . . multiplied by a reasonable hourly rate." See Hensley v. Eckerhart, 461 U.S. 424, 433 (1983); Gisbrecht v. Barnhart, 535 U.S. 789, 801 (2002); Perdue v. Kenny A., 130 S.Ct. 1662, 1672 (2010); In re Drexel Burnham Lambert Grp., Inc., 133 B.R. 13 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. 1991). The factors set forth in Johnson and In re First Colonial Corp. of Am., 544 F.2d 1291, 1298–99 (5th Cir. 1977) have been adopted by most courts.5 See In re Nine Assocs., Inc., 76 B.R. 943, 945 (S.D.N.Y. 1987) (adopting First Colonial/Johnson analysis); In re Cuisine Magazine, Inc., 61 B.R. 210, 212–13 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y 1986) (same); Green v. City of New York, 403 F. Appx. 626, 629 (2d Cir. 2010) (summary order); see generally 3 COLLIER ON BANKRUPTCY ¶ 330.03[9] (Lawrence P. King ed., 16th ed. 2016) (describing First Colonial and Johnson as the "leading cases with regard to the factors to be considered in determining a reasonable allowance of compensation").
33. In accordance with the factors enumerated in section 330 of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable case law, the amount requested herein by Harneys is fair and reasonable.
34. No agreement or understanding exists between Harneys and any other person for the sharing of compensation received or to be received for services rendered in or in connection with this matter. Harneys will not, in any form or guise, share or agree to share compensation
5 The factors articulated in First Colonial were first articulated by the Fifth Circuit in Johnson, with the First Colonial court adding the factor of the "spirit of economy," which was later rejected by Congress. See Stroock & Stroock & Lavan v. Hillsborough Holdings Corp. (In re Hillsborough Holdings Corp.), 127 F.3d 1398, 1403 (11th Cir. 1997).
for services with any person, nor will Harneys share in the compensation for any other person rendering service in these cases, except as so provided by Section 504(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and Rule 2016 of the Bankruptcy Rules.
35. To the extent that time or disbursement charges for services rendered or expenses incurred during the Application Period are not included in this Application, or Harneys has for any reason not sought compensation or reimbursement with respect to such services, Harneys reserves the right to request compensation and reimbursement for such services in a supplemental or future application in these chapter 11 cases. Also, Harneys does not waive, and expressly reserves, its right to respond to any objections regarding this Application and the amounts sought for services rendered and expenses incurred.
36. No previous request for the relief sought herein has been made to this Court or any other court.
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK.]
WHEREFORE, Harneys respectfully requests entry of an order, substantially in the form attached hereto, (i) allowing interim compensation, and authorizing and directing prompt payment, for professional services rendered during the Application Period in the amount of \$101,597.00 and reimbursement of \$1,825 in expenses, (ii) allowing such compensation and payment for professional services rendered without prejudice to Harneys' right to seek further compensation and/or payment from the estates for the full value of services performed and expenses incurred, and (iii) granting Harneys such other and further relief as is just.
Andrew Thorp HARNEY WESTWOOD & RIEGELS LP Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Road Town, Tortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands Telephone: 1 284 852 2571 Email: Andrew.thorp@harneys.com
British Virgin Islands Counsel to Luc A. Despins, Chapter 11 Trustee, and Genever Holdings Corporation IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION
In re:
The undersigned hereby certifies that on February 17, 2024, the *Second Interim Fee Application of Harney Westwood & Riegels LP, as British Virgin Islands Counsel, for Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses for the Period from August 1, 2023 Through December 31, 2023* (the "Application")8 was electronically filed. Notice of this filing was sent by e-mail to all parties to the above-captioned Chapter 11 Cases 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.9 In addition, to the extent not covered by the foregoing, copies of the Application were served on the twenty (20) largest creditors in the Debtors' Chapter 11 Cases. Parties may access this filing through the Court's CM/ECF system.
7 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).
8 Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Certification shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Application.
9 To the extent that the foregoing was filed outside regular business hours, service by mail on recipients unable or not qualified to accept electronic notice was made on the next business day.
Dated: February 19, 2024 New Haven, Connecticut By: /s/ Patrick R. Linsey
Douglas 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
Counsel for the Chapter 11 Trustee, Genever Holdings Corporation, and Genever Holdings LLC
Case 22-50073 Doc 2933 Filed 02/19/24 Entered 02/19/24 15:28:12 Page 15 of 26
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT BRIDGEPORT DIVISION
-------------------------------------------------------------- x
In re: : :
HO WAN KWOK, et al., : :
Debtors.1 : :
**[PROPOSED] ORDER GRANTING SECOND INTERIM FEE APPLICATION OF HARNEY WESTWOOD & RIEGELS LP, AS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS COUNSEL, FOR COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES FOR PERIOD FROM AUGUST 1, 2023 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023**
Upon consideration of the Application (the "Application") of Harney Westwood &
Riegels ("Harneys") as BVI2 counsel to the Trustee and Genever (BVI) for interim allowance of
compensation and reimbursement of expenses from August 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023;
and sufficient notice having been given; and a hearing having been held on \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, 2024 and
due consideration having been given to any responses thereto; and sufficient cause having been
shown therefor, it is hereby:
1. ORDERED that the Application is granted and compensation in the amount of
\$101,597.00 and reimbursement of expenses in the amount of \$1,825.00 are awarded to Harneys,
subject to final adjustment and disgorgement in the event all administrative expenses are not paid
1 The Debtors in these chapter 11 cases are Ho Wan Kwok (also known as Guo Wengui, Miles Guo, and Miles Kwok, as well as numerous other aliases) (last four digits of tax identification number: 9595), Genever Holdings LLC (last four digits of tax identification number: 8202) and Genever Holdings Corporation. The mailing address for the Trustee, Genever Holdings LLC, and the Genever Holdings Corporation is Paul Hastings LLP, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 c/o Luc A. Despins, as Trustee for the Estate of Ho Wan Kwok (solely for purposes of notices and communications).
2 Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein adopt the definitions set forth in the Application.
2. ORDERED that nothing herein modified the Retention Order; it is further
3. ORDERED that the estates are authorized and directed to pay Harneys' fees in the amount of \$103,422.00 within fourteen days of the date of this Order; it is further
4. ORDERED that this Court shall retain jurisdiction to hear and determine all matters arising from the implementation of this Order; it is further
5. ORDERED that the Debtors' estates and Harneys are authorized and empowered to take all necessary actions to implement the relief granted in this Order; it is further
6. ORDERED that notwithstanding the possible applicability of Bankruptcy Rules 6006(d), 7062, 9014, or otherwise, the terms and conditions of this Order shall be immediately effective and enforceable upon its entry; and it is further
7. ORDERED that all time periods set forth in this Order shall be calculated in accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a).
August 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023:
TIMEKEEPER DATE OF TITLE HOURS HOURLY TOTAL
Andrew Thorp 1998 Partner 48.6 \$1,215.00 \$57,834.00 Christopher Pease 2009 Partner 0.8 \$1,215.00 \$972.00 Peter Ferrer 1998 Partner 0.4 \$1,215.00 \$486.00 George Weston 2010 Partner 0.6 \$800.00 \$4,590.00 André McKenzie 2017 Senior Associate 5.4 \$850.00 \$510.00 Katie Lilley 2014 Senior Associate 0.6 \$850.00 \$480.00 Luke Fraser 2016 Associate 5.4 \$700.00 \$3,780.00 Jhneil Stewart 2018 Associate 48.2 \$550.00 \$30,360.00 Gerrard Tin 2019 Associate 0.6 \$550.00 \$330.00 Moesha Ramsay-Howell 2021 Associate 0.6 \$550.00 \$330.00 Rhonda Brown 2010 Associate 1.0 \$500.00 \$500.00 Anita Warhurst Paralegal 0.6 \$375.00 \$225.00 Sue Li Paralegal 2.0 \$350.00 \$700.00 Ceretta Harvey Paralegal 2.0 \$250.00 \$500.00
Companies' registry and high court search report fees \$1,825.00
Case 22-50073 Doc 2933 Filed 02/19/24 Entered 02/19/24 15:28:12 Page 20 of 26
George 18/08/2023 Conference with Alex regarding status of various 0.40 800.00 320.00 Weston Kwok companies and ability to bring proceedings Christopher 18/08/2023 Preparing for and attending call with Paul 0.80 1.215.00 972.00 Pease Hastings re Chap.11 remuneration application.
Stewart 21/08/2023 Considering emails and next steps 0.20 550.00 110.00
Stewart 29/08/2023 Reviewing draft application circulated by client; Considering client costs query; liaising with team re costs for outlays and expenses; email to BYO
Thorp 16/10/2023 Arranging searches on various BVI and Cay entities related to Kwok 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Stewart 17/10/2023 Considering next steps re email from client re filings and target BVI cos 0.20 550.00 110.00
Stewart 20/10/2023 Consider email from clients re company search; considering team emails re searches 0.40 550.00 220.00
Stewart 26/10/2023 Considering emails re search results; email to AMT summarising search results 0.40 550.00 220.00
Thorp 01/11/2023 Advice on service of proceedings and Hague
Whitecroft Shore Limited 0.40 1.215.00 486.00
Thorp 03/11/2023 Advice re service of US proceedings on BVI and
Thorp 03/11/2023 Conference call with trustee, discussing ace decade and ownership issues. Hague service, appropriate parties and strategy for oversight of
Thorp 06/11/2023 Detailing service out provisions and recent updated in commonwealth position. Review of CPR changes and cross-referencing to authorities, detailed legal research 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Stewart 06/11/2023 Internal discussion with AMT re strategy; considering numerous cases on service through
considering underlying evidence and providing
Andrew 07/11/2023 Detailed note and strategy regarding 4.80 1,215.00 5,832.00
. Detailed review of case law and statute re
tree. Detailed opinion to client and edit to summary form. Andrew 07/11/2023 Advice regarding service on cay entities and 0.60 1,215.00 729.00 Thorp directors. Considering numerous parties and next
Peter Ferrer 07/11/2023 Advising re service with AMT 0.40 1,215.00 486.00
Jhneil 07/11/2023 Internal discussions with AMT re strategy and 4.60 550.00 2,530.00 Stewart BVI's current position; considering numerous authorities; further draft of memo to AMT; drafting draft strategy email to go to client; considering various strategic points with AMT. Andrew 08/11/2023 Reviewing all service provisions, searches, 1.20 1,215.00 1,458.00 Thorp Cayman on service director. Brief discussion with
Andrew 13/11/2023 Advice regarding service and contact with Cay 0.60 1,215.00 729.00 Thorp director. Further searches relating to entities names in subpoena and Mauritian directors Andrew 14/11/2023 Updating client service and search findings 0.40 1,215.00 486.00
Andrew 16/11/2023 Review of service issues and considering g Hague 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Andrew 16/11/2023 Discussion with Cayman team re service on NAV 0.60 1,215.00 729.00 Thorp and Andrew Childe. Considering alternative strategies for service. Anita 16/11/2023 Review email from TUF; emails with LJF and 0.60 375.00 225.00 Warhurst JCB regarding service; update service letters; attend to company searches; emails to TUF. Luke Fraser 16/11/2023 Consider service and Company search tasks. 0.60 700.00 420.00
pursuant to Hague Convention. Luke Fraser 16/11/2023 Consider Grand Cayman Rules and Hague service 1.00 700.00 700.00 issues. email to team. Telephone to FFP. Luke Fraser 16/11/2023 Issues with service. Consider documents. Discuss 0.60 700.00 420.00 with team re previous attempts. Luke Fraser 17/11/2023 Telephone with Andrew Childe x2 regarding 0.40 700.00 280.00 service. Andrew 20/11/2023 Considering Hague convention and mails to PH 0.40 1,215.00 486.00 Thorp re service update. Luke Fraser 20/11/2023 Update team regarding service. 0.40 700.00 280.00 Andrew 21/11/2023 Advising re service and Mauritius position 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Thorp 22/11/2023 Con with PH re new target Cos and evidence 0.40 1,215.00 486.00
Andrew 23/11/2023 Review of target companies for disclosure order 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Moesha 23/11/2023 Instructions from LJF; System search for advice 0.60 550.00 330.00 Ramsay re service under the Hague; Reviewed and Howell considered advice and notice of service out of
consideration. Luke Fraser 23/11/2023 Review advice. Discuss with Andrew Thorp re 0.40 700.00 280.00 refusal to accept service. Andrew 24/11/2023 Detailed review of disclosure on G Club and 2.00 1,215.00 2,430.00 Thorp related entities, working through connections to Kwok/Jovial entities and next steps. Andrew 24/11/2023 Review of search results of all target cos 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Andrew 24/11/2023 Review of all search results and director registers 2.00 1,215.00 2,430.00
Thorp and links to evidence from PH litigation disclosure. Andrew 28/11/2023 Review of search results and mails to PH re 0.40 1,215.00 486.00 Thorp ramifications of corporate dissolution in the BVI Jhneil 28/11/2023 Internal discussion with AMT re next steps; 2.40 550.00 1,320.00 Stewart instructions to team re full search; comprehensive review of file and documents for Jovial nexus;
Andrew 29/11/2023 Review of disclosure documents and ability to 2.00 1,215.00 2,430.00
Thorp deploy in disclosure proceedings. Considering merits and role of Jovial as leader of G Club. Andrew 29/11/2023 Emails x2 to PH re disclosure issues and lack of 0.40 1,215.00 486.00
Jhneil 29/11/2023 Internal discussion with AMT re next steps; 8.20 550.00 4,510.00 Stewart considering disclosure documents from client and drafting application docs for Norwich Pharmacal Discovery Order (NPO) and seal and gag; reviewing company searches; instructions to team
Andrew 30/11/2023 Initial review of draft NO order, considering 1.00 1,215.00 1,215.00
George 30/11/2023 Chat with Andy re Hamilton 0.20 800.00 160.00
Jhneil 30/11/2023 Discussion with AMT re next steps; Further draft 5.20 550.00 2,860.00 Stewart of suite of application docs for NPO and seal and
Andrew 01/12/2023 Draft of application and certificate of urgency for 1.20 1,215.00 1,458.00
Jhneil 01/12/2023 Further draft of affidavit and application docs for 6.40 550.00 3,520.00 Stewart NPO and seal and gag; email to AMT re drafts Luke Fraser 01/12/2023 Email from AT. Email to AT and updates on 0.20 700.00 140.00 service.
Andrew 04/12/2023 Arrange sealing of order with court 0.20 1,215.00 243.00
Thorp 04/12/2023 Detailed review of disclosure and US proceeding for grounds of application. Drafting evidence and Review of ancillary documentation 4.20 1,215.00 5,103.00
Stewart 04/12/2023 Considering comments from AMT; further draft of affidavit; considering draft complaint; updates to affidavit re same; email to AMT re background
Thorp 05/12/2023 Review of Hamilton arguments and indictment 0.60 1,215.00 729.00 Luke Fraser 05/12/2023 Organise service on FFP and Andrew Childe. 0.20 700.00 140.00 Luke Fraser 05/12/2023 Email from AT. Email to AT and update in relation to service of proceedings. 0.20 700.00 140.00
Thorp 07/12/2023 Call with trustee and PH re service out, alt service and Swiss proceedings, strategy and following
Thorp 07/12/2023 Review of Kwok papers re Ace decade and advice on service. Review of case law from judge this week setting out alternative service. 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Thorp 07/12/2023 Calls x 2 re Himalaya and discovery from agent, links to king je and complaint 0.40 1,215.00 486.00 Luke Fraser 07/12/2023 Discuss affidavit with CRH and consistency with Cayman corporate position. 0.60 700.00 420.00
Harvey 08/12/2023 Read email instructions from Luke F. Read
with Luke for clarity on his request. Phone call to discuss with Harneys FID to confirm my findings and their position. Draft email referencing specific sections of 2.00 250.00 500.00 Luke Fraser 08/12/2023 Consider service matters. Review documents.
Thorp 11/12/2023 Conference regarding service, response of director and means of service 0.40 1,215.00 486.00
Thorp 11/12/2023 Mail in from PH Dr service provisions 0.20 1,215.00 243.00
Stewart 11/12/2023 Considering AMT queries re BVI position on enforcement of foreign judgment; preparing opinion on enforcement 4.00 550.00 2,200.00 Luke Fraser 11/12/2023 Discuss with MRW. Emails with AT re service. 0.60 700.00 420.00
Stewart 12/12/2023 Considering the law on recognition and enforcement; discussion with AMT; preparing memo to AMT re steps and considerations; email
Stewart 13/12/2023 Considering further authorities and BVI position
Jhneil 19/12/2023 Consider and respond to email from AMT re 0.20 550.00 110.00
Consider email from client; email to team re requested authority; emailing client requested
Thorp 22/12/2023 Mails and calls with Shlomo at PH confirming details and various entities for service 1.00 1,215.00 1,215.00
Thorp 26/12/2023 Conference call with US Trustee team regarding 1.00 1.215.00 1,215.00
Thorp 26/12/2023 Review of legal memorandum and complaint in advance of conf call. 1.40 1,215.00 1,701.00
Thorp 26/12/2023 Drafting expert declaration on trust law in the
Thorp 27/12/2023 Review of cases and research into
and review of new case law (x 15 cases). 6.00 1,215.00 7,290.00 Katie Lilley 27/12/2023 Review of emails in AT; instructions to paralegals; review authorities, settle amendments to draft declaration; circulating. 0.60 850.00 510.00
McKenzie 27/12/2023 Assisting AMT with expert opinion re BVI law
: revisions to draft memo to address client
Gerrard Tin 27/12/2023 Considering draft declaration and authorities; preparing draft authorities bundle; liaising w/ AMT; liaising w/ HK team 0.60 550.00 330.00 Sue Li 27/12/2023 assisting in searching case to draft declaration 2.00 350.00 700.00
Thorp 28/12/2023 Mails in from Trustee team regarding written instruments and bare trysts advising on creation of trusts and certainty 0.60 1,215.00 729.00
Thorp 28/12/2023 Review of issues regarding bare trust, oral agreements, further searches of case law and 2.00 1,215.00 2,430.00
Thorp 28/12/2023 Review of complaint in Ace Decade and amendments to prayer 0.80 1.215.00 972.00
Thorp 28/12/2023 Review of advice and amendments of legal
McKenzie 28/12/2023 Assisting AMT with expert opinion on ; further research; liaising with AMT for preparation of updated
Brown 28/12/2023 Preparing advice on 1.00 500.00 500.00
20/10/2023 BVI Company Search: G Club International Limited \$250.00 20/10/2023 BVI Company Search: G Fashion Hold Co. B. Limited \$250.00 20/10/2023 BVI Company Search: Jovial Century International Limited \$250.00 20/10/2023 BVI Company Search: Taurus Fund Limited \$250.00 26/10/2023 VIRG: Request for List of Directors \$100.00 30/10/2023 VIRG: Request for List of Directors \$150.00 09/11/2023 Cayman Grand Court Search Fee (including disbursements) \$325.00 09/11/2023 BVI Company Search: Hamilton Investment Management Ltd \$250.00
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