Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Last Updated: Saturday, November 17, 2024
Welcome to NHS Law Firm (“the Firm”). These Terms and Conditions (“T&Cs”) govern your access to and use of our services. By engaging our services, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, you may not use our services. These T&Cs include details about our use of the Clio platform and other operational policies to ensure compliance and clarity.
For any inquiries or to book an appointment, please contact us using the details below:
- Website: www.nhslawfirm.com
- Phone: (662) 501-8580 Text: (901) 359-0764
- Email: natalie@nhslawfirm.com
1. Legal Services
1.1 The Firm provides legal services, including but not limited to:
- Estate planning
- Probate
- Conservatorships
- Tax law
- Asset protection
- Real estate transactions
- Business entity formation
- Contract law
1.2 An attorney-client relationship is established solely through a formal, written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the Firm. Initial inquiries, phone calls, or consultations do not form such a relationship.
1.3 All legal advice is tailored to specific circumstances and governed by the applicable laws of Mississippi and Tennessee, unless otherwise specified in the engagement agreement.
1.4 The Firm reserves the right to decline legal services, including when:
- Conflicts of interest arise.
- The matter is deemed unsuitable for representation.
- Capacity or legal ethics prevent engagement.
2. Attorney-Client Relationship
2.1 The engagement agreement governs the scope of services, fees, obligations, and responsibilities between the Firm and the client.
2.2 Communication is protected under attorney-client privilege and confidentiality, except where disclosure is required by law, court order, or with the client’s consent.
2.3 Termination of the relationship is subject to applicable legal and ethical obligations (see Section 6).
3. Fees, Costs, and Payments
3.1 Legal fees are based on the complexity, time commitment, and nature of the legal services provided, as detailed in the engagement agreement.
3.2 Retainers:
- Retainers are held in a client trust account and applied to fees and costs as they accrue.
- Clients are required to replenish retainers when notified by the Firm.
3.3 Expenses:
Clients are responsible for reimbursing out-of-pocket costs, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Courier fees
- Expert witness costs
- Third-party vendor expenses
3.4 Payment Terms:
- Payments are due upon receipt of invoices.
- Late payments may incur interest at [Insert Rate]% per month or the maximum allowable by law.
- Persistent non-payment may result in suspension or termination of services after written notice.
3.5 Refunds:
Unused retainer funds will be refunded to the client within a reasonable time after settlement of outstanding fees or costs.
4. Use of Clio and Digital Platforms
4.1 Clio is the Firm’s chosen legal practice management platform and is used for:
- Secure document management and sharing.
- Confidential communication via a client portal.
- Billing and payment processing.
4.2 Client Consent:
By engaging the Firm’s services, clients consent to:
- Use of Clio for communication, billing, and case management.
- Secure storage of their data within Clio’s platform, which adheres to stringent data protection standards.
4.3 Clio’s Security Compliance:
Clio employs industry-leading encryption and security protocols. Clients can review Clio’s privacy policy at Clio Privacy Policy.
4.4 Client Responsibilities:
Clients are responsible for:
- Keeping their login credentials confidential.
- Using secure internet connections to access the Clio platform.
- Reporting unauthorized access or suspected breaches immediately.
5. Client Responsibilities
5.1 Clients must provide timely, accurate, and complete information necessary for effective legal representation.
5.2 Clients must promptly notify the Firm of any material changes to their situation or contact details.
5.3 Failure to cooperate, provide required information, or fulfill obligations may result in adverse outcomes or withdrawal of representation by the Firm.
6. Termination of Representation
6.1 Termination by Either Party:
- Clients or the Firm may terminate the engagement at any time, subject to ethical and legal obligations.
- Termination requires written notice.
6.2 Obligations Upon Termination:
- The Firm will transfer all case-related files and return unused retainer funds after deducting outstanding costs or fees.
- Clients remain responsible for any fees or expenses incurred up to the date of termination.
7. Confidentiality and Data Privacy
7.1 Confidentiality:
The Firm is committed to protecting client confidentiality under the Rules of Professional Conduct and applicable laws.
7.2 Digital Security:
- Client communications through Clio or email are protected by encryption.
- While reasonable efforts are made to secure electronic data, the Firm cannot guarantee absolute protection against unauthorized access due to the inherent risks of electronic communication.
7.3 Disclosure:
The Firm will not disclose client information without consent, except when required by law or court order.
8. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
8.1 No Guarantee of Results:
The Firm does not guarantee specific outcomes or results, as legal matters are inherently unpredictable.
8.2 Limitation of Liability:
- The Firm’s liability for any claim is limited to the amount paid by the client for services in the preceding 12 months.
- The Firm is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
8.3 Third-Party Actions:
The Firm is not responsible for delays or outcomes caused by third parties, unforeseen events, or force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, technical disruptions).
9. Dispute Resolution
9.1 Good-Faith Resolution:
Disputes arising from the Firm’s services must first be addressed through good-faith negotiations.
9.2 Mediation and Arbitration:
- If negotiations fail, disputes will proceed to mediation or binding arbitration in Mississippi or Tennessee, as applicable.
- Arbitration will follow the rules of [Insert Arbitration Organization].
9.3 Governing Law:
These T&Cs are governed by the laws of Mississippi and Tennessee, based on the jurisdiction of the matter.
10. Modifications to Terms and Conditions
10.1 The Firm reserves the right to modify these T&Cs at its discretion. Updates will be published on the Firm’s website and communicated to active clients.
10.2 Continued use of the Firm’s services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
11. Severability
If any provision of these T&Cs is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
12. Contact Information
For inquiries or to schedule an appointment:
NHS Law Firm
- Website: www.nhslawfirm.com
- Email: natalie@nhslawfirm.com
- Phone: Appointment Only (Contact via Website or Email)
Acknowledgment
By engaging NHS Law Firm, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions, including the use of Clio for communication, billing, and case management.
