Man King Chuen and Others v. International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen Association Ltd (Formerly Known As Hong Lok Yuen International School Association Ltd) and Another

HCA 299/2011

[2023] HKCFI 2561

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO 299 OF 2011

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D E C I S I O N   O N   C O S T

( S U M M A R Y   A S S E S S M E N T )

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1.I refer to my Judgement of 29 May 2023[1] and Decision of Costs of 14 September 2023[2] for background.

2.I have considered the Statement of Costs and Statement of Objections filed respectively on behalf of D1 and P.

3.The costs now under assessment relate only to §3 of the Summons. The matter is factually and legally not complicated.

4.D1 and its legal team are also familiar with the facts of the case. It should not have been necessary for them to spend a lot of time on the application.

5.I accept P’s objections that the time claimed for most of the items are on the high side. I am of the view that the total costs of HK$163,585 are on the high side.

6.On a broad-brush approach, I summarily assess D1’s related costs in the total amount of HK$90,000 (HK$40,000 of which being counsel fee, and the balance for the costs and disbursement of Messrs Humphrey & Associates).

7.I make no further costs order in respect of the present exercise.

Statement of Costs by Humphrey & Associates, for the 1^st Defendant

Statement of Objections by Rene Hout & Co, for the 1^st to 7^th Plaintiffs