Estate of Shirley L. Benson ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
04-15-00507-CV
FOURTH COURT OF APPEALS
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
11/20/2015 5:19:15 PM
KEITH HOTTLE
CLERK
No. 04-15-00507-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FILED IN
4th COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
AT SAN ANTONIO 11/20/2015 5:19:15 PM
KEITH E. HOTTLE
Clerk
THOMAS MILTON BENSON
AS TRUSTEE OF THE
SHIRLEY L. BENSON TESTAMENTARY TRUST,
Appellant,
v.
PHIL HARDBERGER AND DYKEMA COX SMITH,
Appellees.
Appeal from Probate Court No. 2, Dallas County, Texas,
Trial Court Cause 155,572 & 155,572-A
BRIEF OF APPELLANT
BECK REDDEN LLP
David J. Beck
State Bar No. 00000070
Russell S. Post
State Bar No. 00797258
rpost@beckredden.com
Troy Ford
State Bar No. 24032181
tford@beckredden.com
Owen J. McGovern
State Bar No. 24092804
omcgovern@beckredden.com
1221 McKinney, Suite 4500
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 951-3700
(713) 951-3720 (Fax)
COUNSEL FOR APPELLANT, THOMAS MILTON BENSON, JR.,
AS TRUSTEE OF THE SHIRLEY L. BENSON TESTAMENTARY TRUST
Oral Argument Requested
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
Appellant:
Thomas Milton Benson, Jr.,
as Trustee of the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust
Counsel for Appellant on Appeal and Trial Court:
David J. Beck
Russell S. Post
Troy Ford
Owen J. McGovern
BECK REDDEN LLP
1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4500
Houston, Texas 77010-2010
Counsel for Appellant in the Trial Court:
Phillip A. Wittmann
(Admitted pro hoc vice in probate court)
STONE PIGMAN WALTHER
WITTMANN L.L.C.
546 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3558
Appellees:
Phil Hardberger and Dykema Cox Smith
Counsel for Appellees on Appeal and in the Trial Court:
Ellen B. Mitchell
DYKEMA COX SMITH
112 E. Pecan St., Suite 1800
San Antonio, TX 78205
1884.1/570714
Interested Party: Renee Benson (Plaintiff in underlying litigation)
Counsel for Renee Benson:
Bennett L. Stahl Harriet O’Neill
CURL STAHL GEIS LAW OFFICE OF HARRIET O’NEILL, P.C.
700 N. St. Mary’s Street, Suite 1800 919 Congress Avenue, Suite 1400
San Antonio, TX 78205 Austin, Texas 78701
Emily Harrison Liljenwall Douglas Alexander
State Bar No. 12352250 ALEXANDER, DUBOSE, JEFFERSON &
SCHOENBAUM, CURPHY & TOWNSEND LLP
SCANLAN, P.C. 515 Congress Ave., Suite 2350
112 E. Pecan, Suite 3000 Austin, Texas 78701
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Interested Party: Arthur H. Bayern (Co-Receiver in underlying litigation)
Counsel for Arthur H. Bayern:
Steven R. Brook
Langley & Banack, Inc.
745 E. Mulberry, Ste. 900
San Antonio, TX 78212
Trial Court: Judge Tom Rickhoff
Bexar County Probate Court #2
100 Dolorosa, Room 117
San Antonio, TX 78205-3002
1884.1/570714 ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Identity of Parties and Counsel ...................................................................................i
Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... iii
Table of Authorities ................................................................................................... v
Statement of the Case............................................................................................. viii
Statement Regarding Oral Argument .......................................................................ix
Issues Presented ......................................................................................................... x
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1
Statement of Facts ...................................................................................................... 2
Summary of Argument .............................................................................................. 9
Standard of Review .................................................................................................. 10
Argument.................................................................................................................. 11
I. It is an abuse of discretion to award fees for activities outside the
scope of Appellees’ appointment. ................................................................. 11
A. Appellees began charging the Trust before any hearing was
held on the appointment. ...................................................................... 12
B. Appellees likewise cannot charge the Trust for services
rendered before the appointment took effect. ....................................... 14
C. Appellees’ plea in intervention was forbidden by the explicit
terms of the appointment and provided no value to the Trust. ............. 18
II. Nothing in the record can support the probate court’s conclusion
that Receiver’s hourly rate is reasonable. ....................................................... 21
A. Legal fees are not evidence of receiver’s fees. ..................................... 21
B. Appellees’ requested fees are unreasonable. ........................................ 24
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III. Appellees are not entitled to full payment until after a full
accounting and discharge of the receivership. ................................................ 26
Prayer ....................................................................................................................... 29
Certificate of Service ............................................................................................... 31
Certificate of Compliance ........................................................................................ 32
APPENDIX
Order Granting First Application for Payment of Fees of Co-
Receiver Phil Hardberger and Dykema Cox Smith (CR 471).................Tab A
Order Authorizing Payment of Appointee Fee (CR 472 – 73) ............... Tab B
Second Amended Order Granting Injunction, Suspending
Trustee & Appointing Limited Temporary Co-Receivers with
Restrictions1 ............................................................................................. Tab C
Letter from Judge Rickhoff to Co-Receivers dated March 8,
20152 ........................................................................................................Tab D
Excerpts from Application for Payment of Temporary Co-
Receiver’s Fees and Expenses filed by Arthur H. Bayern3 ..................... Tab E
Letter from Judge Rickhoff to Co-Receivers dated June 26,
20154 ........................................................................................................ Tab F
1
The copy of this order included in the record does not contain all pages of the order. Appellant
is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing a complete copy of this order.
2
Appellant is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing this letter.
3
Appellant is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing this application.
4
Appellant is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing this letter.
1884.1/570714 iv
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
Case Page(s)
Baumgarten v. Frost,
186 S.W.2d 982 (Tex. 1945) .............................................................................. 21
Bergeron v. Sessions,
561 S.W.2d 551 (Tex. App.—Dallas
1977, writ ref’d n.r.e.) ..................................................................................passim
Carlton v. Bos,
281 S.W.2d 131 (Tex. Civ. App.—Beaumont
1955, no writ) ...................................................................................................... 17
Clay Expl., Inc. v. Santa Rosa Operating, LLC,
442 S.W.3d 795 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] 2014, no pet.) ................................................................................... 12
Congleton v. Shoemaker,
09-11-00453-CV, 2012 WL 1249406
(Tex. App.—Beaumont Apr. 12, 2012, pet. denied) .......................................... 27
Cont’l Homes Co. v. Hilltown Prop. Owners Ass’n, Inc.,
529 S.W.2d 293 (Tex. Civ. App.—Fort Worth
1975, no writ) ...................................................................................................... 17
Elizondo v. Krist,
15 S.W.3d 259 (Tex. 2013)................................................................................. 24
In re Estate of Herring,
983 S.W.2d 61 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi
1998, no pet.) ...................................................................................................... 16
Ford Motor Co. v. Chacon,
370 S.W.3d 359 (Tex. 2012) ........................................................................11, 13
Harmon v. Schoelpple,
730 S.W.2d 376 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] 1987, no writ) .................................................................................. 16
1884.1/570714 v
Harrington v. Schuble,
608 S.W.2d 253 (Tex. Civ. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] 1980) ................................................................................................ 27
Ex parte Hodges,
625 S.W.2d 304 (Tex. 1981) ..................................................................12, 13, 14
Hodges v. Peden,
634 S.W.2d 8 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] 1982, no writ) ......................................................................11, 23, 28
King Land & Cattle Corp. v. Fikes,
414 S.W.2d 521, 525 (Tex. Civ. App.—Fort Worth
1967, writ ref’d n.r.e.) ......................................................................................... 16
Kotz v. Murariu,
04-12-00420-CV, 2013 WL 6205457
(Tex. App.—San Antonio Nov. 27, 2013, no pet.).......................................23, 24
Mid-Continent Supply Co. v. Conway,
240 S.W.2d 796 (Tex. Civ. App.—Texarkana
1951, writ ref’d n.r.e.) ...................................................................................12, 13
Moyer v. Moyer,
183 S.W.3d 48 (Tex. App.—Austin
2005, no pet.) ....................................................................................11, 22, 25, 27
O’Connor v. O’Connor,
320 S.W.2d 384, 391 (Tex. App.—Dallas
1959, writ dism’d)............................................................................................... 16
Patton v. Powell,
93 S.W.2d 800 (Tex. Civ. App.—Fort Worth
1936, writ dism’d)............................................................................................... 20
Reiss v. Reiss,
118 S.W.3d 439 (Tex. 2003) ........................................................................12, 19
Rogers v. Boykin,
286 S.W.2d 440 (Tex. Civ. App.—Eastland
1956, no writ) ...................................................................................................... 17
1884.1/570714 vi
STATUTES AND RULES
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 64.023 ................................................................... 16
Tex. R. App. P. 33.1(d) ............................................................................................ 22
OTHER AUTHORITIES
1A West’s Tex. Forms,
Cred. Rem. & Debt. Rights § 15:4 (4th ed.) ....................................................... 28
65 Am. Jur. 2d Receivers § 236 (2015) ................................................................... 21
75 C.J.S. Receivers
§ 136.................................................................................................................... 12
§ 158.................................................................................................................... 20
§ 166..............................................................................................................13, 18
§ 185..............................................................................................................13, 18
1884.1/570714 vii
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Nature of the case This case concerns the propriety of an award of
fees to a receiver (and his law firm) appointed to
manage a testamentary trust.
Course of proceedings Receiver and his law firm filed an application for
payment of receiver’s fees. In response, Mr.
Benson filed objections to the requested fees. No
hearing was held on the application.
Trial Court’s Disposition On July 8, 2015, the probate court signed orders
awarding the entirety of the requested receiver
fees. See Tabs A & B.
1884.1/570714 viii
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT
Mr. Benson requests oral argument. Oral argument will aid the decisional
process, as a detailed discussion of the facts will make it clear that the probate
court’s orders lacked any basis in law or fact.
1884.1/570714 ix
ISSUES PRESENTED
I. Whether a receiver may charge the receivership estate for actions (1) taken
before he took office or (2) explicitly forbidden by the terms of his
appointment.
II. Whether proof of a “reasonable attorney’s fee” constitutes evidence of a
“reasonable receiver’s fee.”
III. Whether a court may award a receiver the full amount of his fees without a
final accounting and discharge of the receivership.
1884.1/570714 x
INTRODUCTION
In early February, the probate court held a two-day hearing on petitioner’s
request for a temporary injunction. At the conclusion of that hearing, the court
announced that it would appoint receivers to take over management of the Shirley
L. Benson Testamentary Trust. Mr. Benson, the trustee of the Trust, was shocked.
He had received no notice that the probate court was even considering appointing
receivers. But as Mr. Benson would soon learn, the court had been working on its
undisclosed plan for some time.
When the receivers produced their billing records in connection with their
request for payment of their fees, many irregularities came to light. Not only had
the probate court been communicating ex parte with the receivers regarding their
contested fee applications, but the bills show that the receivers had charged the
Trust thousands of dollars for work done well before the trial court signed an order
appointing them. They also billed for work done before their appointment became
effective and for work the probate court specifically excluded from their authority.
Mr. Benson objected to the payment of these fees. But the probate court
awarded the full request for fees to both of the receivers—Phil Hardberger (and his
firm, Dykema Cox Smith) and Art Bayern. Mr. Benson appealed those fee awards.
The dispute over Mr. Bayern’s fees has been resolved. Accordingly, this appeal
concerns only the fees awarded to Mr. Hardberger (“Receiver”) and his firm
(collectively, “Appellees”).
1884.1/570714
STATEMENT OF FACTS
Appellees’ actions in this case are hard to reconcile with the law. While
receivers are certainly entitled to payment for their service, it is axiomatic that they
are only entitled to payment for service that is properly authorized by the court and
in conformity with statutory requirements. But as detailed below, Appellees have
sought hundreds of thousands of dollars for unauthorized work.
Appellees start billing the Trust before any hearing is ever held.
While Mr. Benson had no idea that the probate court was even considering
the appointment of receivers, for Appellees, the issue was never in doubt.
Receiver began charging the Trust for his actions five days before the probate court
signed the order appointing temporary co-receivers. CR 277; CR 77. His law
firm, Dykema Cox Smith (“the Firm”), also began billing time for this case before
the probate court began the hearing on the temporary injunction. CR 289; CR 28.
For example, on February 3—one day before the hearing—the Firm billed
$5,847.50 to the Trust. CR 289. These entries include, among other things:
“meeting with P. Hardberger regarding background facts of the Shirley L. Benson
testamentary trust dispute” and “preliminary review of assets in controversy.” Id.
Thus, while Mr. Benson’s attorneys worked diligently to defend against
Petitioner’s requested temporary injunction, Appellees were already at work
preparing to take control of the Trust.
1884.1/570714 2
The entries for February 4—which was the first day of the temporary
injunction hearing—seek compensation for: “Meeting with P. Hardberger
regarding his powers and duties as court-appointed receiver and issues regarding
his fees and compensation (.5),” “Analyz[ing] issues relating to appointment of
receivers (4.0),” and “Work[ing] on Order Appointing Receiver (1.5).” The bill
for this time came to $3,393.50. CR 289-290..
Appellees continue to bill the Trust for time before their appointment.
At the close of evidence on February 5, 2015, the probate court
announced—for the first time—that it intended to appoint temporary co-receivers
to manage the Trust during litigation. The Firm, however, was not surprised, as it
had already managed to charge the Trust an additional $4,163.50 that day. CR
290. The Receiver also personally charged the Trust $600 before the probate
court’s February 5 announcement, as he “[a]ttend[ed] [the] Court session at request
of Judge Tom Rickhoff (1.0).” CR 277.
Once the probate court announced its intent to appoint temporary co-
receivers, the Receiver charged the Trust an additional $1,200 that same afternoon.
Id.. Of this amount, $600 was for meeting with the attorneys, who had just become
aware that a receivership was being considered. Id. And remarkably, the Receiver
charged an additional $600 for appearing before the media or, as his bill puts it:
1884.1/570714 3
“interview with several members of the press including the San Antonio Express-
News, Bloomberg News, New Orleans Advocate, and others.” Id.
While the probate court had announced its intention to appoint the Receiver
on February 5, it informed the parties that it would not sign an order until February
9. Despite this fact, Appellees continued to work the case and bill the Trust for
their time, charging the Trust an additional $11,559 on February 6, 7, and 8. CR
277, 290-293.
Taken together, Appellees charged the Trust $26,261 for work performed
before the probate court ever signed an order authorizing them to take any action
on behalf of the Trust—$6,545 of those fees were incurred before the hotly
contested hearing began and an additional $14,702 were for actions taken before
the probate court announced its intent to appoint a temporary receiver.
Appellees continues to bill the Trust for time spent
before the appointment became effective.
On Monday, February 9, the probate court finally signed an order regarding
the temporary receivership, styled the “Order Suspending Trustee & Appointing
Temporary Co-Receivers with Restrictions.” CR 70. While this order granted
Receiver the power to act as a Co-Receiver over the Trust’s assets, it did not take
effect immediately. Rather, it was expressly conditioned upon Receiver filing the
required bond. CR 72 (“On filing their bonds, together with the oath prescribed by
law, the Receivers are authorized, subject to the control of this Court, to do any
1884.1/570714 4
and all acts necessary to the proper and lawful conduct of the Receivership . . . .”)
(emphasis added). The order was amended several times, eventually resulting in
the “Second Amended Order Granting Injunction, Suspending Trustee, and
Appointing Limited Temporary Co-Receivers with Restrictions” that currently
governs the Co-Receivers’ conduct. CR 125.
Continuing to disregard the details of his authorization to act as Co-
Receiver, Appellees immediately began aggressively exercising their powers
without bothering to file the required bond. By the time Receiver finally satisfied
the pre-conditions of his appointment on February 20, 2015, Appellees had
charged an additional $102,411 to the Trust. CR 278-282; CR 293-308. In all,
Appellees charged the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust $129,872 before they
were authorized to take a single action on the Trust’s behalf.
Appellees bill the Trust for actions they were
explicitly forbidden to undertake.
In addition to seeking payment for actions taken before Receiver was
authorized to do anything, Appellees also sought payment for actions that were
explicitly forbidden by the probate court’s order. The order provides that “the
powers and duties of the temporary co-receivers are prescribed by this Order.” CR
76. It also contains a complete list of the powers granted to the Co-Receivers. CR.
73-76. That list, however, does not include the power to file a plea in intervention
without the probate court’s consent. Indeed, as stated in both the First Amended
1884.1/570714 5
Order—signed February 18, 2015—and the Second Amended Order, it is only
“[w]ith the Court’s consent” that the receivers may “institute, prosecute,
compromise, adjust, intervene in, or become party to such actions or proceedings
in state or federal courts.” CR 92; Tab C at 7, ¶ 5(l) (emphasis added).
Despite the order’s unambiguous language, Appellees researched, drafted,
and filed a plea in intervention on March 2, 2015. CR 128. They did so without
requesting or obtaining the probate court’s consent. In fact, the probate court
specifically rejected Appellees’ request to file the plea in a letter dated March 9,
2015, stating that: “the costs of [the receivers’] new efforts no longer can equal
[their] reasonable benefits” and that it “should not be [the receivers’] Syspusian
task” to pursue issues properly resolved in other proceedings. Tab D at 1. The
probate court concluded by instructing Appellees to “[s]ubmit your current bill and
30 day report, then stop.” Tab D at 1, 2. Despite this letter, Appellees refused to
voluntarily dismiss the unauthorized plea for weeks—until March 24, 2015: the
same day Trustee filed its motion to dismiss the plea in intervention with prejudice.
Nonetheless, Appellees sought fees for filing the plea in intervention—even
though it violated the express terms of Appellees’ authority, was explicitly rejected
by the probate court, and was eventually voluntarily dismissed by Appellees
themselves. Their fee application sought $64,778.28 for performing this work.
See CR 281-82, 284, 298-320.
1884.1/570714 6
The probate court approves the fee requests after undisclosed,
ex parte meetings with the receivers.
On June 26, 2015 the Co-Receivers filed their fee applications. CR 246. That
same day, Judge Rickhoff held a conference with the Co-Receivers on their
“application for fees as expenses.” Tab E at 2. Within hours, the probate court sent
a letter to the parties, stating that it had reviewed the fee application and would be
“authorizing payment of the debts in 10 days.” Tab F at 2.
Mr. Benson filed his “Objections to Payment of Receivers’ Certain Fees and
Costs” on July 6, 2015. CR 426. The day after Mr. Benson filed his objections,
Judge Rickhoff held a telephone conference with the Co-Receivers regarding those
objections. Tab E at 3. Mr. Benson was not included in the conference with Judge
Rickhoff.
The following day, Judge Rickhoff left the Co-Receivers a telephone
message regarding their pending applications and held yet another “telephone
conference” with the Co-Receivers and “Liz McDevitt, Probate Auditor on
pending applications, including bills from . . . Phil Hardberger, Dykema Cox
Smith, Arthur Bayern, Langley & Banack.” Tab E at 4. Mr. Benson was not
included in these conferences, either.
The Co-Receivers’ fees—including $333,786.50 for Appellees—were
approved in full later that day. CR 471-474. Mr. Benson was never informed of
that decision. It was not until the Co-Receivers and their attorneys attempted to
1884.1/570714 7
withdraw the funds from the Trust’s bank accounts—nearly one month later—that
Mr. Benson became aware that the probate court had granted the receivers’
applications for nearly half a million dollars in fees.
Mr. Benson appeals the probate court’s order.
Unfortunately, the numerous ex parte communications1 and a minimal
adherence to procedural safeguards complicated this case. Indeed, it was the
probate court’s failure to observe basic procedural safeguards—such as choosing
receivers without holding a receivership hearing—that led Mr. Benson to file this
appeal.
Mr. Benson alleges that the probate court abused its discretion by awarding
Appellees the full amount of their fees. Specifically, he complains that (1) the
majority of Appellees’ fees were incurred for actions outside the scope of his
authority, (2) there is no evidence to support the conclusion that Receiver’s $600
per hour fee is reasonable, and (3) it was legal error to grant Receiver the full
amount of his fees without also dissolving the receivership.
1
This is not to suggest that a trial court may never confer privately with an appointed receiver.
But such ex parte communications cannot be justified when they concern a dispute over a
receiver’s request for payment of his own fees.
1884.1/570714 8
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT
Following an ex parte meeting on Appellees’ contested motion for payment
of receivers’ fees, the probate court approved $333,786.50 in fees to Appellees for
approximately four-and-a-half months of work. More than one-third of that
amount—$129,872.00—was for work conducted before Appellees had any
authority to act as receivers. The court approved an additional $64,778.28 in fees
for work associated with Appellees’ ill-fated plea in intervention, which they were
explicitly forbidden from filing under the terms of the appointment. In total, more
than half of the fees paid to Appellees were for actions taken outside the term of
Receiver’s appointment and the scope of his authority. This does not include the
charges for Appellees’ press conferences—which provided no value to the Trust.
The orders should be reversed as to the fees awarded for these unauthorized
services.
The probate court’s orders should also be reversed for two additional
reasons. First, there is no evidence to support Receiver’s right to charge $600 per
hour for his services as receiver. Second, the probate court awarded Receiver the
full value of his services without discharging the receivership—a clear violation of
the laws of the State of Texas.
1884.1/570714 9
STANDARD OF REVIEW
Courts “review [a] trial court’s fee award for an abuse of discretion, which
occurs when the trial court rules (1) arbitrarily, unreasonably, or without regard to
guiding legal principles, or (2) without supporting evidence.” Ford Motor Co. v.
Chacon, 370 S.W.3d 359, 362 (Tex. 2012). A receiver’s fees should be sufficient
to induce competent persons to serve. Bergeron v. Sessions, 561 S.W.2d 551, 555
(Tex. App.—Dallas 1977, writ ref’d n.r.e.). However, “receiverships should also
be administered as economically as possible, and fees for services performed by
these court officers should be moderate rather than generous.” Id.
A receiver’s fee should be measured by the value of the services rendered,
and there must be evidence to establish the reasonableness of the fee. Moyer v.
Moyer, 183 S.W.3d 48, 57–58 (Tex. App.—Austin 2005, no pet.). To determine
the value of a receiver’s services, courts consider: (1) the nature, extent and value
of the administered estate; (2) the complexity and difficulty of the work; (3) the
time spent; (4) the knowledge, experience, labor and skill required of, or devoted
by the receiver; (5) the diligence and thoroughness displayed; and (6) the results
accomplished. Bergeron, 561 S.W.2d at 554–55. When a receiver also acts as an
attorney, the receiver’s fees for his services as attorney to the receivership should
be set separately from the fees for his services as a receiver. Hodges v. Peden, 634
S.W.2d 8, 11 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1982, no writ).
1884.1/570714 10
ARGUMENT
On July 8, 2015, the probate court awarded Appellees $333,786.50 in
receiver’s fees for approximately four-and-a-half month’s worth of work. Its
conclusion that this constituted a reasonable fee for the value delivered is a clear
abuse of discretion, lacking any basis in guiding legal principles or the evidence
presented in this case.
I. It is an abuse of discretion to award fees for activities outside the scope
of Appellees’ appointment.
No principle of law can justify the probate court’s decision to award
Appellees fees for actions taken before Receiver was appointed. It is well-
established that “[a] receiver has only that authority conferred by the Court’s order
appointing him.” Ex parte Hodges, 625 S.W.2d 304, 306 (Tex. 1981); see also 75
C.J.S. Receivers § 136 (“A receiver must not exceed the authority granted by the
court.”); Clay Expl., Inc. v. Santa Rosa Operating, LLC, 442 S.W.3d 795, 800 (Tex.
App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, no pet.). An order appointing a receiver and
defining his powers is interpreted “in light of the literal language used if that
language is unambiguous.” Reiss v. Reiss, 118 S.W.3d 439, 441 (Tex. 2003)
(internal quotation marks omitted). The binding effect of a receiver’s actions “are to
be tested by his authority”—as laid out in the court’s order appointing him—“and
not by his good faith.” Mid-Continent Supply Co. v. Conway, 240 S.W.2d 796, 803
(Tex. Civ. App.—Texarkana 1951, writ ref’d n.r.e.).
1884.1/570714 11
“These rules are elemental in receiverships.” Id. Further, “[a]n estate in
receivership is not chargeable for services rendered or expenses incurred by a
receiver while acting outside the authority conferred on him or her.” 75 C.J.S.
Receivers § 166; see also id. § 185 (“A receiver will be personally charged with the
resulting loss when it goes outside the plain letter of its authority as contained in the
governing statutes and the orders of the court by which appointed even though
acting in bona fide for what it believes to be in the best interests of the estate.”).
Appellees’ fee application sought compensation for actions that were either
(1) taken before Receiver had authority to act on the Trust’s behalf or (2) in
violation of the unambiguous restrictions on his authority. The probate court clearly
exceeded the bounds of discretion by allowing Appellees to charge the Trust for
unauthorized actions.
A. Appellees began charging the Trust before any hearing was held on
the appointment.
The probate court abused its discretion by awarding Appellees $26,261 in fees
for actions taken before February 9, 2015. “A receiver has only that authority
conferred by the Court’s order appointing him.” Ex parte Hodges, 625 S.W.2d 304,
306 (Tex. 1981). As such, a trial court abuses its discretion when it awards a
receiver fees for activities performed without an appointment order. See Ford Motor
Co. v. Chacon, 370 S.W.3d 359, 363 (Tex. 2012) (“Therefore, the trial court abused
1884.1/570714 12
its discretion by awarding [guardian ad litem] fees for activities that he performed
without a written appointment order.”).
On February 4 and 5, the probate court conducted a two-day hearing on
Petitioner’s motion for temporary injunction. At the conclusion of that hearing, the
court announced that it was considering appointing temporary receivers to
administer the Trust pending litigation. However, it was not until Monday, February
9, that the probate court issued its “Order Suspending Trustee & Appointing
Temporary Co-Receivers with Restrictions.” CR 77. This is the first document
purporting to grant Appellees any power to act on behalf of the Trust. Ex parte
Hodges, 625 S.W.2d at 306 (“[a] receiver has only that authority conferred by the
Court’s order appointing him.”).
Thus, Appellees were not authorized to charge the Trust for their services
until after the probate court entered its order on February 9, 2015. Any award of
fees before that date would be an abuse of discretion.
The record demonstrates that the probate court allowed Appellees to charge
the Trust for services performed before the court appointed the temporary co-
receivers. The first entry submitted by Appellees in this case is dated February 2,
2015—two days before the probate court began its hearing on whether to grant a
temporary injunction—seeking $697.50 in compensation. The record also reveals
charges against the Trust on February 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
1884.1/570714 13
Taken together, the probate court’s abuse of discretion allowed Appellees to
collect $26,261 in receiver’s fees for services performed without any authority. Of
these fees, $6,545 were incurred before the commencement of the court’s hotly
contested hearing temporary injunction hearing, and an additional $14,702 were for
actions taken before the probate court ever announced its intent to appoint a
temporary receiver. Because a receiver derives his authority solely from the text of
a court order and cannot charge a Trust for acts outside its authority, the probate
court abused its discretion by awarding Appellees fees for activities performed
without a written order.
B. Appellees likewise cannot charge the Trust for services rendered
before the appointment took effect.
Although the probate court’s February 9 order granted Appellees authority to
act on the Trust’s behalf, that order did not take effect immediately. Rather, it was
expressly conditioned upon Receiver, his Co-Receiver Art Bayern, and Petitioner—
Renee Benson—filing their bonds and executing the required oaths. CR 72 (“On
filing their bonds, together with the oath prescribed by law, the Receivers are
authorized, subject to the control of this Court, to do any and all acts necessary to the
proper and lawful conduct of the Receivership . . . .”) (emphasis added). Thus, the
order granting Receiver his power over the Trust makes it clear that he is not
authorized to take any action until all appropriate bonds are filed.
1884.1/570714 14
Texas law plainly requires the Co-Receivers to post bond before exercising
their authority. Section 64.023 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
provides that:
Before a person assumes the duties of a receiver, he must execute a
good and sufficient bond that is:
(1) approved by the appointing court;
(2) in an amount fixed by the court; and
(3) conditioned on faithful discharge of his duties as receiver
in the named action and obedience to the orders of the
court.
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 64.023 (emphasis added).
The posting of both the applicant’s and receiver’s bonds are not a mere
formality or technicality. Texas courts have long held that the “[f]iling of the
applicant’s bond is a condition precedent to the right of the receiver to function as
such.” In re Estate of Herring, 983 S.W.2d 61, 64 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi
1998, no pet.) (citing King Land & Cattle Corp. v. Fikes, 414 S.W.2d 521, 525 (Tex.
Civ. App.—Fort Worth 1967, writ ref’d n.r.e.)); see also Harmon v. Schoelpple, 730
S.W.2d 376, 379 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1987, no writ) (“The
requirement of a bond is an essential element of receivership. The absence of a
bond is error.”) (citing O’Connor v. O’Connor, 320 S.W.2d 384, 391 (Tex. App.—
Dallas 1959, writ dism’d)).
1884.1/570714 15
A trial court commits reversible error if it appoints a receiver without setting
the amount of bond and requiring that the bond be posted. Cont’l Homes Co. v.
Hilltown Prop. Owners Ass’n, Inc., 529 S.W.2d 293, 295 (Tex. Civ. App.—Fort
Worth 1975, no writ) (“The trial court committed reversible error in appointing a
receiver to take charge of defendants’ business and property without setting the
amount of the applicant’s bond and without requiring the applicant to post an
applicant’s bond as is required by Rule 695a.”). A trial court can correct its error by
requiring the receiver and applicant to post the necessary bonds before an appeal is
taken. Carlton v. Bos, 281 S.W.2d 131, 132 (Tex. Civ. App.—Beaumont 1955, no
writ) (“The order appointing the receiver without requiring a bond by the applicant
was not void, but merely voidable. It was an error which could be corrected by the
trial court, and this has been done.”).2 In such a case, the initial defect does not
render the appointment void, but merely “prevents the appointment from becoming
effective until the oath and bond are filed.” Rogers v. Boykin, 286 S.W.2d 440, 443
2
A further exception to this rule—inapplicable here—allows a later-filed bond to cure an
otherwise deficient receivership order from the date of the original application if the court’s
order specifically finds that such relief is warranted. See Bos, 281 S.W.2d at 132 (“Said order
provided that such bond filed by appellee should be effective from the date when the application
for receivership was filed.”). However, because nothing in the probate court’s order suggests
that the bond “should be effective from the date when the application for receivership was filed,”
the general rule applies. See Rogers, (“the failure of a receiver to file the required oath and
bond . . . prevents the appointment from becoming effective until the oath and bond are filed.”).
1884.1/570714 16
(Tex. Civ. App.—Eastland 1956, no writ). Accordingly, Receiver’s appointment did
not become effective until the bonds were posted.
Despite the fact that the appointment did not take effect until February 20, the
probate court granted the application for $129,8723 in fees incurred before that date,
i.e., before Receiver posted the bonds required as a precondition of his authority.
This fact alone constitutes an abuse of discretion, as “[a]n estate in receivership is
not chargeable for services rendered or expenses incurred by a receiver while acting
outside the authority conferred on him or her.” 75 C.J.S. Receivers § 166; see also
id. § 185 (“A receiver will be personally charged with the resulting loss when it goes
outside the plain letter of its authority as contained in the governing statutes and the
orders of the court by which appointed even though acting in bona fide for what it
believes to be in the best interests of the estate.”).
These fees were incurred before Receiver had authority to take any action on
behalf of the Trust. Because “[a]n estate in receivership is not chargeable for
services rendered or expenses incurred by a receiver while acting outside the
authority conferred on him or her,” the probate court abused its discretion by
reimbursing Appellees for their ultra vires actions.
3
Appellees incurred $102,411 in fees between February 9—the date of the first order appointing
Hardberger as Co-Receiver—and February 20—the date the order was rendered effective by the
filing of Hardberger’s proper bonds. The remaining $27,461 in fees were incurred before the
February 9 order, and cannot be collected for the reasons discussed supra, Part I.B.
1884.1/570714 17
C. Appellees’ plea in intervention was forbidden by the explicit terms
of the appointment and provided no value to the Trust.
The probate court further abused its discretion by granting Appellees
$64,778.28 for drafting and filing their plea in intervention—an action that (1) was
explicitly forbidden by the terms of their appointment and (2) provided absolutely
no benefit to the Trust. Because an order appointing a receiver and defining his
powers is interpreted “in light of the literal language used if that language is
unambiguous,” Reiss v. Reiss, 118 S.W.3d 439, 441 (Tex. 2003) (internal quotation
marks omitted), the prohibition places such action squarely outside Appellees’
authority, and therefore beyond their right to seek compensation from the Trust.
The court’s Second Amended Order provides that “[t]he powers and duties of
the temporary co-receivers are set forth in this Order,” Tab C at 1, and that “the
powers and duties of the temporary co-receivers are prescribed by this Order.”
Tab C at 7. The order also contains a complete list of the powers granted to the
Co-Receivers. See Tab C at 5-7. That list, however, does not include the power to
file a plea in intervention without the Court’s consent. Indeed, as stated in the
Order, it is only “[w]ith the Court’s consent” that the Co-Receivers may “institute,
prosecute, compromise, adjust, intervene in, or become party to such actions or
proceedings in state or federal courts.” Tab C at 7, ¶ 5(l) (emphasis added); see
also CR 92 (First Amended Order, February 18, 2015).
1884.1/570714 18
Despite this unambiguous language, Appellees filed a plea in intervention
without requesting or obtaining the probate court’s consent. Lest there be any
doubt about the impropriety of Appellees’ filing, the probate court wrote Appellees
a letter explicitly denying consent to pursue the intervention, stating that: “the costs
of [the Co-Receivers’] new efforts no longer can equal [their] reasonable benefits”
and that it “should not be [the Temporary, Limited Co-Receivers’] Syspusian task”
to pursue issues properly resolved in other proceedings. Tab D at 1. The probate
court concluded by instructing the Co-Receivers to “[s]ubmit your current bill and
30 day report, then stop.” Tab D at 1, 2.
That the majority of these fees—$62,378.28—are sought by the Firm, rather
than Receiver, is of no importance. “So well settled is the rule that a receiver has no
authority to deal with or expend the trust property without the authorization or
approval of the court that all persons dealing with a receiver are bound to take notice
of the extent of and the limitations upon his authority, and so deal with him at their
peril in so far as concerns the liability of the trust estate.” Patton v. Powell, 93
S.W.2d 800, 803 (Tex. Civ. App.—Fort Worth 1936, writ dism’d) (quoting 53 C.J.S.
§ 158).
Specifically, the “[s]ervices of an attorney outside the authority of a receiver
to employ may not be charged by the receiver against the estate in receivership. The
rule has been expressed that there must be a real occasion for the employment of
1884.1/570714 19
counsel, and if there is no necessity shown for the employment, the court will not
ordinarily allow his or her fees as a necessary expense.” 65 Am. Jur. 2d Receivers
§ 236 (2015). The rationale of this rule is long-standing and sound: “One dealing
with a receiver is charged with the knowledge of the law that the authority of the
receiver is limited to that given by the court.” Baumgarten v. Frost, 186 S.W.2d
982, 987 (Tex. 1945). The rule applies with full force where, as here, the court’s
order explicitly prohibited Appellees from filing a plea in intervention without the
court’s approval.
Thus, Appellees were plainly barred from filing the plea in intervention by the
text of the probate court’s order. Appellees proceeded with the intervention in spite
of these obvious facts, and then sought compensation for this clear violation of the
Receiver’s authority. Moreover, the application for fees contains absolutely no
demonstration of how this barred motion—which was rejected by both the probate
court and the Western District of Texas4—provided any benefit to the Trust.
Because there is no evidence demonstrating that this motion was either (1) within
the scope of Appellees’ authority or (2) provided any benefit to the Trust, it was an
abuse of discretion to grant Appellees $64,778.28 for its preparation and filing.
4
In a related action attempting to remove this case to federal court, the Western District
explicitly concluded that: “The Co-receivers . . . had no justiciable interest in the action, and their
intervention was improper under Texas law.” Benson v. Benson, Doc. 25, No. 5:15-cv-202, at 9
n.3 (W.D. Tex. June 9, 2015).
1884.1/570714 20
II. Nothing in the record can support the probate court’s conclusion that
Receiver’s hourly rate is reasonable.
There is no evidence to support the probate court’s finding that $600 per hour
is a reasonable receiver’s fee.5 Because “[t]here must be evidence to establish
reasonableness of the [receiver’s] fee,” Moyer v. Moyer, 183 S.W.3d 48, 58 (Tex.
App.—Austin 2005, no pet.), the probate court abused its discretion by failing to
require any evidence that Receiver’s fee as a receiver was reasonable.
The only evidence presented to the probate court concerned the reasonability
of Receiver’s hourly rate for legal work. However, proof of a reasonable legal rate
is not proof of a reasonable receiver’s fee—which must be lower, as it does not
require legal skill. Because Receiver offered no evidence that $600 per hour is a
reasonable rate for a receiver, the probate court abused its discretion by awarding his
fees.
A. Legal fees are not evidence of receiver’s fees.
The probate court erred by confusing a reasonable fee for legal work with the
reasonable fee for receivership work. Although a receiver may also serve as an
attorney, “[t]he receiver’s compensation as receiver and attorney must be determined
separately, for a receiver is not entitled to compensation at a legal rate for work
5
Because Receiver’s fees were determined in a bench proceeding, “a complaint regarding the
legal or factual insufficiency of the evidence . . . may be made for the first time on appeal in the
complaining party’s brief.” Tex. R. App. P. 33.1(d).
1884.1/570714 21
which does not require legal skills.” Bergeron¸ 561 S.W.2d at 554 (emphasis
added); see also Hodges, 634 S.W.2d at 11 (“[T]he record should affirmatively
reflect the trial court’s determination of the capacity in which the receiver performed
services.”); Kotz v. Murariu, 04-12-00420-CV, 2013 WL 6205457, at *1-3 (Tex.
App.—San Antonio Nov. 27, 2013, no pet.) (“Bresnahan was obligated to separately
set out the value of his services as the receiver and as an attorney to the receivership
because he was not entitled to compensation at a rate for work that did not require
legal skills.”) (emphasis added).
Because receiver’s fees must be determined separately from legal fees,
Receiver had the burden of demonstrating that $600 per hour was a reasonable fee for
a receiver under the circumstances. He did not present any evidence to meet that
burden. The only evidence supporting his rate of $600 per hour is the affidavit of
David Kinder, which relies explicitly on Receiver’s reputation as “a distinguished 50-
year lawyer.” CR 335-36. Indeed, paragraph 2 asserts that Mr. Kinder is “familiar
with the reasonable costs of necessary legal services in Bexar County, Texas”—with
no mention of his familiarity with receiver’s fees. Paragraph 4 considers the “work
performed by Mr. Hardberger” and states that “[a]ll of the following factors have been
considered in determining attorney’s fees.” CR 335 (emphasis added). The affidavit
then lists the familiar factors identified in Rule 1.04 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of
Professional Conduct. Id. See TDRPC 1.04(b)(1)-(8).
1884.1/570714 22
The simple statement that “[t]hese rates and all of the rates that are shown in
the invoices are reasonable billing rates for litigation and receivership services of
this nature for attorneys in Bexar County, Texas with comparable experience,” is
insufficient to satisfy Receiver’s burden to demonstrate that $600 per hour is a
reasonable rate for receivership services. Unlike his statement regarding attorney’s
fees, the affidavit “lack[s] . . . a demonstrable and reasoned basis on which to
evaluate his opinion” that $600 per hour is a reasonable rate for receiver’s fees. See
Elizondo v. Krist, 15 S.W.3d 259, 265 (Tex. 2013).
Moreover, both Mr. Kinder’s affidavit and Receiver’s billing records fail to
distinguish between the value and amount of legal services versus receivership
services, as required by Texas law. See, e.g., Bergeron¸ 561 S.W.2d at 554; Kotz v.
Murariu, 2013 WL 6205457, at *1-3. But more importantly, it would allow Receiver
to receive legal compensation for work that does not require legal skills. This is
precisely the result Texas courts seek to avoid by requiring that legal and receiver fees
be determined separately. Allowing a $600 per hour rate would be particularly
egregious where, as here, Receiver’s $600 per hour rate is significantly higher than the
rate charged by any of the attorneys associated with the receivership. This means that
Receiver is currently charging the Trust more for non-legal work than for legal work.
While this is undoubtedly a lucrative outcome for Receiver, it flies in the face of
Texas public policy and cannot stand under the laws governing receiverships.
1884.1/570714 23
Because Receiver presented no evidence that $600 is a reasonable hourly
receiver’s rate, it was an abuse of discretion to grant those fees.
B. Appellees’ requested fees are unreasonable.
Nothing else in the record can support the probate court’s decision that
Appellees’ fee was appropriate. The cornerstone of determining a receiver’s fees is
the value of the services rendered. Moyer, 183 S.W.3d at 57. “The controlling
factors in ascertaining this value” are:
(1) the nature, extent and value of the administered estate;
(2) the complexity and difficulty of the work;
(3) the time spent;
(4) the knowledge, experience, labor, and skill required of, or
devoted by the receiver;
(5) the diligence and thoroughness displayed; and
(6) the results accomplished.
Bergeron, 561 S.W.2d at 554-55.
The unreasonableness of Appellees’ fee is immediately evident from the fact
that they sought to charge $333,786.50 for four-and-a-half months of managing a
Trust Mr. Benson managed for free for over 30 years. However, applying the
factors outlined in Bergeron v. Sessions underscores the propriety of this conclusion.
Contrary to Appellees’ contention, the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust is not
complicated. It contains six items of real property, investments in three businesses,
and three bank accounts. CR 267. That is all. Nor is the Trust difficult to
1884.1/570714 24
administer. Besides attending board meetings for Lone Star Bank, the Co-
Receivers’ duties consist solely of (1) collecting income from the real property—
which it would distribute to the income beneficiary, Tom Benson, if he had ever
requested a disbursement—and (2) paying taxes and insurance when due. A clear
indicator of the Trust’s simplicity is the fact that, in the five months since this
litigation began, the Co-Receivers have only requested permission to pay four bills,
none of which were recurring obligations owed by the Trust. CR 209, 215, 411,
464.
Unlike receivers presiding over the liquidation of an estate, Appellees did not
have to oversee the sale of any assets, defend the Trust against creditors, or
undertake any of the activities that generally render their task “complex” or
“difficult.” The truth of the matter is that the Appellees spent 685 hours
investigating a twelve asset estate and writing a 17-page report; a report that
provided no new information.
There is no rational scenario under which Appellees’ value to the Trust can
even approach the $333,786.50 requested in their application. As discussed, much of
Appellees’ display of “diligence”—at a cost of $194,650.28—was spent on activity
outside the scope of the appointment. Indeed, $64,778.28 was spent on drafting and
filing a plea in intervention that was explicitly forbidden by the plain text of the
probate court’s order at the time it was filed. Moreover, Mr. Benson cannot conceive
1884.1/570714 25
of any possible value provided to the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust from the
10.6 hours—at a total cost of $6,360—Receiver spent airing the details of Mr.
Benson’s familial dispute to various media outlets.
III. Appellees are not entitled to full payment until after a full accounting and
discharge of the receivership.
The probate court also abused its discretion by granting Appellees the full
amount of their fees. It is clearly established that “[p]rior to a final accounting and
discharge of the receiver, only a partial advance toward a final fee can properly be
made.” Bergeron, 561 S.W.2d at 553; Moyer, 183 S.W.3d at 58 (“prior to a final
accounting and discharge of the receiver, only a partial advance toward a final fee
may be made.”).6 This rule applies to both the receiver and the professionals in his
employ, such as accountants and attorneys. Bergeron, 561 S.W.2d at 553 (“executor
first argues that the trial court erred in allowing any full award of fees to the receiver
and his accountant prior to a final accounting and discharge of the receiver. We
agree.”); 1A West’s Tex. Forms, Cred. Rem. & Debt. Rights § 15:4 (4th ed.) (“It is
error for a trial court to allow a full award of fees to the receiver and his or her
accountant prior to a final accounting and discharge of the receiver. Prior to a final
6
See also Harrington v. Schuble, 608 S.W.2d 253, 256 (Tex. Civ. App.—Houston [14th Dist.]
1980) (“The full award of receiver’s fees should not be made until there has been a final
accounting and discharge. We therefore hold that there must be a final report and an accounting
before the receiver’s fees are to be paid.”); Congleton v. Shoemaker, 09-11-00453-CV, 2012 WL
1249406, at *5 (Tex. App.—Beaumont Apr. 12, 2012, pet. denied) (“Before a final accounting
and the receiver’s discharge, ‘only a partial advance toward a final fee may be made because the
reasonableness of the fee is measured in light of the value of the receiver's work.’”).
1884.1/570714 26
accounting and discharge, only a partial advance toward a final fee can properly be
made.”).
Allowing the full payment of a receiver’s fees in violation of this rule is
requires reversal. Hodges v. Peden, 634 S.W.2d 8, 10-11 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] 1982, no writ) (“We hold that prior to the final accounting, report and
the discharge of the receiver, only a partial advance on the final fee can properly be
made. . . . The trial court thus erred in making this award when the receivership had
not been terminated. We, therefore, reverse and remand this cause for further
proceedings in the trial court.”). Moreover, any “partial advance should be
materially less than the value of the services rendered by the receiver prior to the
allowance.” Bergeron, 561 S.W.2d at 553 n.1.
The probate court disregarded this basic legal principle when it granted
Appellees’ application for fees. Appellees’ application unambiguously sought full
compensation for their performance. This is amply demonstrated by Appellees’
application, which states that “[f]or the period covered by this Application, the total
fees and expenses of Co-Receiver Phil Hardberger were $76,693.06 and the total
fees and expenses of Dykema Cox Smith were $257,093.44.” CR 252. These
amounts match the total time spent on this matter, as demonstrated by the detailed
billing records attached to the application. See CR 285-87, 324, 328, 332.
1884.1/570714 27
The probate court’s orders granted the entire amount requested by Appellees.
CR 471. Moreover, it did so without requiring a full accounting or discharging the
receiver from his duties. To the contrary, the probate court’s order awarding the fees
conclusively establishes that the Receiver is not yet discharged: explicitly ordering
that Receiver’s appointment “shall continue until further order of this Court.” CR
472. Indeed, Receiver continues to do work.
As such, the probate court erred when it granted Appellees’ full fees without
requiring a full accounting and discharging Receiver from his duties.
1884.1/570714 28
PRAYER
Appellant Thomas Milton Benson, Jr. respectfully requests that this Court
reverse the probate court’s order and (1) render a judgment denying Appellees any
fees for activities charged to the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust prior to
February 20, 2015, (2) render a judgment denying Appellees any fees related to the
plea in intervention, (3) render a judgment declaring Receiver’s asserted rate of
$600 per hour is unreasonable as a matter of law, vacating the award of receiver’s
fees, and remanding the Receiver’s fees to the probate court for further
proceedings on reasonability, and (4) reversing the full award of receiver’s fees
and remanding the case for further proceedings to either (a) determine appropriate
partial compensation or (b) conduct a final accounting and discharge Receiver as
temporary co-receiver of the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust.
1884.1/570714 29
Respectfully submitted,
BECK REDDEN LLP
By: /s/ David J. Beck
David J. Beck
State Bar No. 00000070
dbeck@beckredden.com
Russell S. Post
State Bar No. 00797258
rpost@beckredden.com
Troy Ford
State Bar No. 24032181
tford@beckredden.com
Owen J. McGovern
State Bar No. 24092804
omcgovern@beckredden.com
1221 McKinney, Suite 4500
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 951-3700
(713) 951-3720 (Fax)
Attorneys for Appellant,
Thomas Milton Benson, Jr., as Trustee
of the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary
Trust
1884.1/570714 30
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on November 20, 2015, a true and correct copy of the
above and foregoing Brief of Appellant was forwarded to all counsel of record by
the Electronic Filing Service Provider as follows:
Bennett L. Stahl Harriet O’Neill
CURL STAHL GEIS LAW OFFICE OF HARRIET O’NEILL, P.C.
700 N. St. Mary’s St., Suite 1800 919 Congress Ave., Suite 1400
San Antonio, TX 78205 Austin, TX 78701
blstahl@csg-law.com honeill@harrietoneilllaw.com
Emily Harrison Liljenwall Douglas Alexander
SCHOENBAUM, CURPHY & SCANLAN, P.C. ALEXANDER, DUBOSE, JEFFERSON &
112 E. Pecan, Suite 3000 TOWNSEND LLP
San Antonio, TX 78205 515 Congress Ave., Suite 2350
eliljenwall@scs-law.com Austin, TX 78701
dalexander@adjtlaw.com
Attorneys for Appellee Renee Benson
Ellen B. Mitchell Steven R. Brook
DYKEMA COX SMITH Langley & Banack, Inc.
112 E. Pecan St., Suite 1800 745 E. Mulberry, Ste. 900
San Antonio, TX 78205 San Antonio, TX 78212
emitchell@dykema.com sbrook@langleybanack.com
Attorneys for Co-Receiver Attorneys for Co-Receiver
Phil Hardberger Arthur H. Bayern
/s/ David J. Beck
David J. Beck
1884.1/570714 31
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
1. This brief complies with the type-volume limitation of Tex. R. App. P.
9.4 because it contains 6,844 words, excluding the parts of the brief exempted by
Tex. R. App. P. 9.4(i)(2)(B).
2. This brief complies with the typeface requirements of Tex. R. App. P.
9.4(e) because it has been prepared in a proportionally spaced typeface using
Microsoft Word 2007 in 14 point Times New Roman font.
Dated: November 20, 2015.
/s/ David J. Beck
David J. Beck
Attorney for Appellant
Thomas Milton Benson, Jr., as Trustee
of the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary
Trust
1884.1/570714 32
No. 04-15-00507-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
AT SAN ANTONIO
THOMAS MILTON BENSON
AS TRUSTEE OF THE
SHIRLEY L. BENSON TESTAMENTARY TRUST,
Appellant,
v.
PHIL HARDBERGER AND DYKEMA COX SMITH,
Appellees.
Appeal from Probate Court No. 2, Dallas County, Texas,
Trial Court Cause 155,572 & 155,572-A
APPENDIX TO BRIEF OF APPELLANT
Tab
A Order Granting First Application for Payment of Fees of
Co-Receiver Phil Hardberger and Dykema Cox Smith
(CR 471)
B Order Authorizing Payment of Appointee Fee (CR 472 –
73)
C Second Amended Order Granting Injunction, Suspending
Trustee & Appointing Limited Temporary Co-Receivers
with Restrictions1
D Letter from Judge Rickhoff to Co-Receivers dated March
8, 20152
1
The copy of this order included in the record does not contain all pages of the order. Appellant
is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing a complete copy of this order.
2
Appellant is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing this letter.
1884.1/570714
E Excerpts from Application for Payment of Temporary
Co-Receiver’s Fees and Expenses filed by Arthur H.
Bayern3
F Letter from Judge Rickhoff to Co-Receivers dated June
26, 20154
3
Appellant is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing this application.
4
Appellant is requesting a supplemental clerk’s record containing this letter.
1884.1/570714 34
TAB A
Order Granting First Application for Payment of Fees
of Co-Receiver Phil Hardberger and Dykema Cox Smith (CR 471)
Cause No. 155,572
ESTATE OF § IN THE PROBATE COURT
§
SHIRLEY L. BENSON, § NUMBER TWO
§
Deceased § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS
Cause No. 155,572-A
RENEE BENSON § IN THE PROBATE COURT
§
v. §
§ NUMBER TWO
THOMAS MIL TON BENSON, JR., as §
TRUSTEE of the SHIRLEY L. §
BENSON TEST AMENT ARY TRUST § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS
ORDER GRANTING FIRST APPLICATION FOR PAYMENT OF FEES
OF CO-RECEIVER PHIL HARDBERGER AND DYKEMA COX SMITH
On this day, the Court considered the First Application for Payment of Fees of Co-
Receiver Phil Hardberger and Dykema Cox Smith. The Court finds that the Application should
be GRANTED.
It is therefore ORDERED that Co-Receiver Phil Hardberger shall be paid $76,693.06 and
Dykema Cox Smith shall be paid $257,093.44 as compensation for their fees and expenses
incurred during the period from February 3, 2015 through June 18, 2015. Such fees and
expenses shall be charged agains the ds on hand of the receivership estate.
Signed this ~lay of , 2015.
V02 I bOP2003·
471
TAB B
Order Authorizing Payment of Appointee Fee (CR 472 – 73)
CAUSE NO. 155,572-A
RENEE BENSON § IN THE PROBATE COURT
§
v. § NUMBER TWO
§
THOMAS MILTON BENSON, JR., AS §
TRUSTEE OF THE SHIRLEY L. §
BENSON TESTAMENTARY TRUST § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS
THE ESTATE OF § IN THE PROBATE COURT
SHIRLEY L. BENSON, DECEASED §
§ NUMBER TWO
§
CAUSE NO. 155,572 § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS
ORDER AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF APPOINTEE FEE
ON THIS DAY, the Court considered the application of Phil Hardberger herein referred
to as "Applicant."
Applicant is an Attorney.
Judge THOMAS E. RICKHOFF appointed Applicant on February 9, 2015.
Applicant was appointed as a Co-Receiver.
Applicant's address is 112 E. Pecan, Suite 1800, San Antonio, Texas, 78205.
Applicant's Texas Bar Number is 08949000.
Applicant's Appointee Code: ~ \ Pr
Applicant rendered services on behalf of The Testamentary Trust/Estate, who is THE
SHIRLEY L. BENSON TRUST/Estate of SHIRLEY L. BENSON, Deceased, resulting in
fees in the amount of $74, 100.00, and expenses in the amount of $2,593.06, for a total
award of $76,693.06, which the Court hereby finds is reasonable and just, and should
be paid.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED THAT Phil
Hardberger, as a court appointed Co-Receiver, shall be paid the total sum of
6130624.l
V02tbOP20Qq
472
$76,693.06 to be taxed as costs in the proceeding to be paid within 14 days from the
date of this order by Receivers from funds of the Estate/Trust by Receiver.
And that further, such appointment shall continue until further order of this Court.
Signed this '3. d~yofb.2015
2
6130624.1
V021b0P2005
473
TAB C
Second Amended Order Granting Injunction, Suspending Trustee
& Appointing Limited Temporary Co-Receivers with Restrictions
CAUSE NO. 155,572
ESTATE OF § IN THE PROBATE COURT
§
SHIRLEY L. BENSON, § NUMBER TWO
§
DECEASED § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS
CAUSE NO. 155,572-A
RENEE BENSON § fN THE PROBATE COURT
§
v. §
§ NUMBER TWO
THOMAS MILTON BENSON, JR., AS §
TRUSTEE OF THE SHIRLEY L. §
BENSON TESTAMENTARY TRUST § BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS
SECOND AMENDED ORDER GRANTING INJUNCTION, SUSPENDING TRUSTEE
&
APPOINTING LIMITED TEMPORARY CO-RECEIVERS WITH RESTRICTIONS
The Court has considered the request of Renee Benson, Petitioner, for an injunction for
the suspension of the trustee and for the appointment of a temporary receiver and receivers to
serve as set out in her Original Petition for Removal of Trustee and Application for Temporary
Injunctive Relief. The court responds with a limited temporary appointment of co-receivers with
restrictions (hereinafter co-receivers) for the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust (the "Trust")
and the Estate of Shirley L. Benson (the "Estate"). Such appointment is immediately necessary
for purposes of managing and conserving the Trust's and the Estate's property during litigation,
the collateral litigation in Louisiana or until the parties resolve their dispute and a family trustee
qualifies, and the need for court action no longer exists.
The appointment of co-receivers for the Trust's and the Estate's property is warranted on
equitable grounds and under Texas Property Code§ 114.008(a)(5) and Texas Civil Practice and
Remedies Code § 64.00I(a). The court realizes and acknowledges that the trustee has served
V02J51Pl240
competently for decades and deserves to know why the court acted. The court's reasons are found
in the addendum attached hereto.
The powers and duties of the temporary co-receivers are set forth in this Order. To the
extent that Petitioner seeks to require the temporary co-receivers to fulfill all duties and
responsibilities that trustees owe to beneficiaries arising under statutory law, common law, or
trust instruments, including any fiduciary duties, such relief is DENIED.
It clearly appears from the evidence that unless Respondent, THOMAS MILTON
BENSON, JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF THE SHIRLEY L. BENSON
TESTAMENTARY TRUST is temporarily enjoined from the acts described below, then
Respondent or persons acting in concert with Respondent will commit such acts, and Petitioner
will have no adequate remedy at law, and Petitioner will be irreparably harmed. The courts
reasons are found in the attached addendum, which is hereby incorporated as part of this order. It
is therefore ORDERED ADJUDGED AND DECREED that Respondent, THOMAS MILTON
BENSON JR., IN HIS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF THE SHIRLEY L. BENSON
TESTAMENTARY TRUST and his agents servants, employees and attorneys, and all persons
acting in concert with him or them who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service or
'
otherwise, be and are hereby commanded to desist and refrain from:
a. Removing withdrawing, transferring assigning or selling to any other person or entity
an of the assets of the Shirley L. Benson Testamentary Trust (the "Testamentary
Trust") or the proceeds thereof;
b. Taking any action that causes or has the effect of causing the dissipation of assets or
diminuition of value of the assets of the Testamentary trust, or of any remainder
beneficiary's interest in the Testamentary Trust;
VOZ\~\P\24\i
c. Removing, transferring or withdrawing assets of the Testamentary trust from any
bank account, whether such bank account is currently titled in the name of the
Testamentary Trust or otherwise
d. Removing, destroying, altering or in any way compromising books and records
reflecting or relating to assets and liabilities of the Testamentary Trust
e. Removing or purporting to remove Rene Benson, R. Tom Roddy, Ryan LeBlanc or
Rita Le Blanc from any position as an officer or director of any banking institution in
which the testamentary trust owns an interest
f. Refusing to respond to a reasonable request by a beneficiary of the Testamentary
Trust for disclosure of material known to the Trustee that might affect the
beneficiary's rights concerning the trust and
g. Utilizing any funds or assets of the Testamentary trust to pay the Trustee's costs of
defense in this action absent advance approval from this Court
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT:
1. This Court assumes exclusive jurisdiction over all assets, monies, securities, and
property (whether real or personal, tangible or intangible) of whatever kind and character,
wherever located, which directly or indirectly belong to the Trust or the Estate in whole or in part
("Receivership Assets") and the court assumes the power to determine what assets are properly
that of the "Estate" and which are properly that of the "Trust". The Court also assumes exclusive
jurisdiction over all books, records, and other informational and electronic documents that
belong to the Trust or the Estate or relate in any way to the Receivership Assets ("Receivership
Records") and the court assumes the power to determine what documents relate to the "Estate
and which relate to the "Trust".
V021~1P1242
2. Phil Hardberger and Arthur Bayem, residents of San Antonio, Bexar County,
Texas, and citizens and qualified voters of Texas, are hereby appointed Co-Receivers of the
Receivership Assets and Receivership Records (collectively, the "Receivership Estate"). Each
shall file a bond in the amount of $500,000.00, conditioned as provided by law and approved by
this Court. The costs of such bonds shall be paid from the Receivership Estate. However,
considering the growing volume of the collateral litigation, all significant decisions will be
presented for court approval so they will share in the court's judicial immunity. The co-receivers
are encouraged not to duplicate work in separate law firms but reach an agreement on division of
duties. This Order is further conditioned on Petitioner Renee Benson posting a bond in the
amount of$500,000.00.
3. On filing their bonds, together with the oath prescribed by law, the Receivers are
authorized, subject to the control of this Court, to do any and all acts necessary to the proper and
lawful conduct of the Receivership, and to immediately take and have complete and exclusive
control, possession, and custody of the Receivership Estate and to any assets traceable to the
Receivership Estate.
4. The Receivers are ordered to well and faithfully perform the duties of their office;
to timely account for all monies, securities, and other properties which may come into their
hands as Receivers; to be compensated for their services on an hourly-fee basis; to hire
professionals, as the Receivers deem necessary or advisable, to provide services to the Receivers
or the Receivership Estate; to file periodic applications for this Court to approve the payment of
their fees and those of any professionals they may hire; and to abide by and perform all duties set
forth in this Order and as required by law.
r V02151P1243
5. As of the date of the entry of this Order, the Receivers are, subject to the control
of this Court, also specifically directed and authorized to perform the following acts and duties:
(a) Identify and take possession of the Receivership Estate after determining
the extent of co-ownership with assets held by others or other entities not
before the court, insure it against hazards and risks, and attend to its
maintenance.
(b) Manage and direct the business and financial affairs of the Receivership
Estate and any entity owned or controlled by the Receivership Estate
(consistent with the proportion of ownership or control held by the
Receivership Estate);
(c) With the Court's consent, retain or remove, as the Receivers deem
necessary or advisable, any officer, director, independent contractor,
employee or agent of the Receivership Estate.
(d) Collect, marshal, and take custody, control, and possession of all assets
traceable to the Receivership Estate in whole or in part, wherever situated,
including the income and profit therefrom and all sums of money now or
hereafter due or owing to the Receivership Estate.
(e) Collect, receive, and take possession of all goods, chattel, rights, credits,
monies, effects, lands, leases, books and records, work papers, records of
account, induding computer maintained information, contracts, financial
records, monies on hand in banks and other financial initiations, and other
papers of individuals, partnerships, or corporations whose interests are
i V02\5\P\Z44
now directly or indirectly held by or under the direction, possession,
custody, or control of the Receivership Estate.
(f) With the consent of the Court, institute such actions or proceedings to
impose a constructive trust, determine the assets of the "Estate" or "Trust"
and then to obtain possession of property or assets, avoid transfers or
obligations, seek damages, and/or recover judgment with respect to any
assets or records that are traceable to the Receivership Estate in whole or
in part or any persons who may have caused an injury to the Receivership
Estate.
(g) Obtain, by presentation of this Order, documents, books, records,
accounts, deposits, testimony, or other information within the custody or
control of any person or entity sufficient to identify accounts, properties,
liabilities, and causes of action of the Receivership Estate.
(h) Make such ordinary and necessary transfers, payments, distributions, and
disbursements as the Receivers deem advisable or proper for the
maintenance or preservation of the Receivership Estate.
(i) Perform all acts necessary to conserve, hold, manage, and preserve the
value of the Receivership Estate, in order to prevent any irreparable loss,
damage, and injury to the Estate.
U) Obtain any insurance, including but not limited to errors and omissions
insurance, related to the performance of the Receivers' duties under this
Order, with the costs of such insurance to be paid from the Receivership
Estate.
V02\5\P\Z45·
(k) Enter into such agreements in connection with the administration of the
Receivership Estate, including, but not limited to, the employment of such
managers, agents, custodians, consultants, investigators, attorneys, and
accountants as the Receivers judge necessary to perfonn the duties set
forth in this Order and to compensate them from the Receivership Estate.
The Receivers are specifically authorized to hire Cox Smith Matthews
Incorporated and Langley & Banack, Inc.
(1) With the Court's consent, collect and compromise demands, institute,
prosecute, compromise, adjust, intervene in, or become party to such
actions or proceedings in state or federal courts that the Receivers deem
necessary and advisable to preserve the value of the Receivership Estate,
or that the Receivers deem necessary and advisable to carry out the
Receivers' mandate under this Order and any subsequent order and
likewise to defend, compromise, or adjust or otherwise dispose of any or
all actions or proceedings instituted against the Receivership Estate that
the Receivers deem necessary and advisable to carry out the Receivers'
mandate under this Order and any subsequent order.
6. It is further ordered that the Receivers must, within 30, days of their qualification,
file in this action an inventory of all property of which the Receivers have taken possession. If
the Receivers subsequently identify or come into possession of additional property, then they
shall file a supplemental inventory as soon as practical.
7. The powers and duties of the temporary co-receivers are prescribed by this Order.
Their duties and obligations run to this Court. They are not appointed to serve as trustees of the
1b iJOZ\5\PiZ4b
Trust and do not, by accepting this appointment, assume fiduciary or other duties that a trustee
would owe to beneficiaries. However, the Receivers are encouraged by the Court to be
transparent with the parties and collateral parties on all substantive anticipated actions and they
may, in the exercise of their discretion and judgment, respond to requests or other inquiries made
by the parties to this proceeding or beneficiaries of the Trust.
8. It is further ordered that all persons who receive notice of this Order are enjoined
from taking any actions to transfer, withdraw, conceal or encumber any property of the
Receivership Estate, and shall not take any action to interfere with the Receivers' exclusive
possession of the property of the Receivership Estate. Any such interference may be punished by
contempt.
9. It is further ordered that the injunction requested by Renee Benson is GRANTED
and that Thomas Milton Benson, J'r. be and is hereby suspended from serving as Trustee of the
Trust and the Co-Receivers are appointed.
10. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the final trial on this matter is hereby set for the
1st day of September, 2015 commencing at 9:30 a.m. in the courtroom of Probate Court No. 2,
Bexar County, Texas.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the clerk of this Court shall forthwith, on the filing by
Petitioner of the bond herein required and on the approval of same, according to law, issue a
Writ of Temporary Injunction in conformity with the law and terms of this Order. it is further
OREDERED that this temporary injunction shall not be effective unless Petitioner executes and
files with the Court, a bond in conformity with the law, in the total amount of $500 which may
be filed in cash, at Petitioner's option. The cash deposited in lieu of a TRO bond previously
posted by Petitioner is hereby ORDRERED released, so as to be immediately applied by the
clerk towards the Temporary lnjunction bond herein set.
SIGNED and ENTERED on this the~ day of March, 2015.
~.
_------r
~ ,__ . ~";;;#~~
MAR 0 2 2015
'
12 VOZ\J\r'i248
Addendum to Order
PRELIMINARIES
All preliminary matters were resolved by agreement prior to the hearing primarily
through the courts pre-hearing "Inquiry of the court" and the responses thereto by the parties.
(Appellate exhibits 1, 2 & 3) The p:uties agreed the court had jurisdiction and venue and that all
notices and services were complete and no party, attorney or the court, had a conflict. The
attorneys representing the trustee were admitted properly by Pro Hae Vice and no recusal or
continuances were requested. Counsel for the trustee objected to media recording. That request
was granted as the Texas Supreme Court rule of one by notice to the clerk was not satisfied.
All counsel were advised o fthe court's intention to appoint receivers at the conclusion of
the hearing. That notice is required when a receiver is to be appointed over real estate. The
hearing was then continued until l\.teinday, February 9, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. which was selected for
the convenience of the attorneys for the trustee and the court.
ACTION AND STATEMENTS OF THE TRUSTEE ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE TRUST
The court considered whether, within the four corners of the initial pleadings, and the
resulting testimony, the court's ultimate decision, was compelled and no other. That is to
temporarily suspend the trustee and temporarily appoint limited-power co-receivers. Significant
actions by the trustee and his few ;