These Terms and Conditions govern the attorney-client relationship between North Lights Art and clients engaging our legal services for information technology matters. They apply to all legal consultations, document preparations, representations, and advisory services related to technology law, intellectual property, data privacy, and digital business operations. By engaging our firm, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
A formal attorney-client relationship is established only after: (1) completion of our conflict-of-interest review, (2) mutual agreement on the scope of representation, and (3) execution of an engagement letter or retainer agreement. Initial consultations do not automatically establish an attorney-client relationship and are subject to these terms.
Our services include legal consultations, document drafting and review, regulatory compliance guidance, intellectual property strategy, contract negotiations, and other technology-focused legal services as specified in the engagement letter. The precise scope of services will be clearly defined in writing for each matter. We reserve the right to limit or expand the scope through written amendment based on case developments and client needs.
Legal services may be provided on an hourly, flat-fee, or retainer basis as specified in the engagement letter. Hourly rates vary by attorney experience and matter complexity. Invoices are typically issued monthly for ongoing matters and payment is due within 15 days. For flat-fee arrangements, payment schedules will be outlined in the engagement letter. Clients are responsible for disbursements and third-party expenses incurred in representation. Late payments may incur interest at the maximum legally permissible rate.
Our refund policy for legal services is structured to balance client satisfaction with the inherent nature of professional legal work:
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected] and will be processed within 10 business days following review and approval.
North Lights Art provides legal guidance based on information furnished by clients. Clients must provide accurate, complete, and timely information relevant to their legal matters and promptly respond to requests for information or documentation. Clients are responsible for reviewing all documents prepared on their behalf and providing timely feedback. We cannot be held responsible for adverse outcomes resulting from incomplete or inaccurate information provided by clients or from delays in client responses.
We maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information in accordance with legal ethics rules and applicable law. The attorney-client privilege protects most communications between our attorneys and clients when seeking or providing legal advice. However, clients should note certain limitations to this privilege, such as the crime-fraud exception. Given the technical nature of IT legal matters, we implement additional security measures for particularly sensitive technical and business information.
Templates, methodologies, and process documents created by North Lights Art remain our intellectual property. Clients receive a license to use documents created specifically for their matter for the intended purpose. We respect the intellectual property of our clients, and information about proprietary technologies or business methods disclosed during representation will be protected under our confidentiality obligations. Permission is required for use of client names or matters in our promotional materials.
North Lights Art or the client may terminate the attorney-client relationship subject to ethical obligations and reasonable notice. Upon termination, clients must pay for services rendered and expenses incurred up to the termination date. We will return original client documents and, upon request and payment of associated costs, provide copies of the client file. We reserve the right to withdraw from representation in circumstances permitted by applicable legal ethics rules, including non-payment of fees or client actions that render effective representation unreasonably difficult.
By engaging our services, clients consent to electronic communications, including email, secure client portals, and document sharing platforms. While we employ reasonable security measures, electronic communications carry inherent security risks. For highly sensitive matters, we recommend using our encrypted client portal rather than standard email. Clients should notify us if they have specific security requirements or restrictions regarding electronic communications.
In the event of a dispute regarding our services or fees, we encourage open communication to reach an amicable resolution. If direct discussion does not resolve the matter, disputes shall be submitted to confidential mediation as a prerequisite to any legal action. Any subsequent legal proceedings shall be governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada, with exclusive jurisdiction in the courts of Vancouver.