Li Qing v. Sfund International Investment Fund Management Ltd

HCLA 5/2024

[2024] HKCFI 3606

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

LABOUR TRIBUNAL APPEAL NO 5 OF 2024

(ON APPEAL FROM LABOUR TRIBUNAL CLAIM NO 1818 OF 2023)

__________________

__________________

____________________

DECISION ON COSTS

____________________

1.I refer to §§43 and 44 of my Judgment handed down on 31 October 2024[1] for the costs order which I have made against C.

2.I have considered the Statement of Costs, List of Objections and Reply which parties have separately lodged.

3.For Item C (Communication), I agree with C that total time of 21.4 hours by 2 fee earners (for $108,000 in total) are excessive.  I allow only HK$70,000 in total.

4.For Item D (Professional Work), I find the total costs claimed of HK$183,600 excessive.  I allow only HK$100,000.

5.For Item E (Counsel Fees), I find the total fees of HK$100,000 for drafting and 2 hearings reasonable.

6.Adopting a broad-brush approach, I summarily assess D’s costs at HK$278,000.

Statement of Costs and Reply by ONC Lawyers, for the Defendant (Appellant)

List of Objections by Siao, Wen & Leung, for the Claimant (Respondent)