TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT

1. Introduction

1.1 When you instruct me to advise you on a matter, I will send you a written Engagement Email confirming the scope of work and the basis of my charges. In these Terms & Conditions, “I”, “me” or “my” refers to Susan Perry, Freelance Solicitor.

1.2 The Engagement Email, together with these Terms & Conditions and Complaints Procedure (together referred to as the Engagement Terms), form the contract between us.

1.3 You will be asked to confirm your agreement to the Engagement Terms. If you instruct me to act after receiving them, you will be deemed to have accepted these terms even if you have not signed and returned them.

1.4 If there is any inconsistency between the Engagement Email and these Terms & Conditions, the Engagement Email will prevail.

2. My Duties to You

I will use reasonable care and skill to:

2.1 act in accordance with your instructions and provide clear, timely legal advice appropriate to your needs.

2.2 explain the legal work required, the implications of decisions you are making, and any material risks.

2.3 keep you reasonably informed of progress and respond promptly to questions.

2.4 provide draft documents within reasonable timescales.

2.5 Let you know if circumstances change in a way that affects the scope, timing or cost of the work.

3. Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

3.1 providing accurate, complete and timely information and documents.

3.2 making full and frank disclosure of all relevant facts. I cannot accept responsibility for advice and support that is affected by incomplete or inaccurate information.

3.3 reviewing draft documents carefully and confirming they reflect your intentions.

3.4 raising questions or concerns promptly.

3.5 paying agreed fixed fees in advance.

3.6 not sharing my advice or documents with third parties without my written consent.

4. Scope of Work

4.1 I will act only within the scope set out in your Engagement Email.

4.2 I am not responsible for advising on matters outside that scope, or for updating advice after it has been given unless expressly agreed.

4.3 I do not provide tax, financial planning, pensions or investment advice and may recommend that you seek specialist advice where appropriate.

4.4 My advice is provided solely for your benefit and may not be relied upon by others without my written consent.

5. Fees and Expenses

5.1 Fees are usually agreed on a fixed-fee basis, as set out in the Engagement Email.

5.3 Fees do not include third-party costs, such as court fees, expert reports or valuation costs, which you will be responsible for yourselves.

5.5 VAT is not charged unless applicable and stated.

6. Payments on Account

6.1 I request payment in advance before commencing work.

6.2 If payment is not received when requested, I reserve the right to delay starting work.

6.3 I do not accept cash payments.

7. Equality and Diversity

I am committed to providing services without discrimination and in line with equality and diversity principles.

11. Confidentiality

11.1 Your affairs will be kept confidential, subject to legal and regulatory obligations.

12. Email and Electronic Communication

12.1 I will normally communicate by email unless you ask otherwise.

12.2 Email carries inherent risks. By communicating electronically, you accept these risks.

12.3 You are responsible for virus protection on your systems.

13. Termination

13.1 You may terminate my services at any time by written notice.

13.2 I may cease acting where there is good reason, including non-payment, lack of instructions, or a breakdown in trust.

13.3 Subject to clause 13.5, unless agreed otherwise, if you terminate my services under clause 13.1 above, fees paid are non-refundable. 

13.4 If I cease acting for you pursuant to clause 13.2, a pro-rated proportion of the fees will be repaid.

13.5 Where applicable, you have a 14-day cooling-off period under consumer protection regulations.

14. File Storage and Copyright

14.1 Files may be stored electronically.

14.2 Copyright in documents prepared by me remains mine, although you may use them for their intended purpose.

15. Insurance and Complaints Procedure

15.1 As a Freelance Solicitor carrying out non-reserved legal services, I’m not required to hold separate professional indemnity insurance. However, all clients are protected by and have access to the SRA Compensation Fund, which provides cover in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

15.2 Please see this link to my Complaints Procedure.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

16.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the law of England and Wales.

16.2 The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.