WONG LUEN HANG AND ANOTHER v. CHAN YUK LUNG AND OTHERS

HCA 2654/2007

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO. 2654 OF 2007

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BETWEEN

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SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF COSTS

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1.  This is the summary assessment of the costs order I made on 5 January 2011 in relation to the plaintiffs’ application by summons filed on 9 November 2010. The costs order made was that the costs of the application be to the plaintiffs to be summarily assessed.

2.  It is well established that in conducting a summary assessment of costs the Court adopts a broad-brush approach.  It is not a mini taxation of costs.

3.  I have considered the plaintiffs’ statement of costs and the defendant’s objections.  The total amount claimed is $206,064 as particularized in the statement of costs. 

4.  As to item C1 it seems to me that the time spent was excessive.

5.  As to item D1 I consider that the time spent on preparation of documents was also excessive.

6.  As to item E in respect of counsel’s fees, it seems to me that the time spent on conferences with counsel was excessive.

7.  Taking a broad-brush approach I would summarily assess the costs of the application to the plaintiff in the total sum of $170,064. 

8.  I order that the said sum of $170,064 be paid by the defendants to the plaintiffs within 14 days from today.