Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the services provided by Harbourside Legal ("we," "us," or "our") and your use of our website. By engaging our services or accessing our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our services or website.

2. Definitions

• "Services" means the legal services we provide, including consultations, document preparation, and legal representation.
• "Client" or "You" refers to any individual or entity that engages our legal services or uses our website.
• "Agreement" means these Terms together with any retainer agreement or engagement letter we provide.
• "Content" means all text, images, information, and materials available on our website or provided through our services.
• "Matter" refers to a specific legal issue or transaction for which you have engaged our services.

3. Use of Services

3.1 Eligibility

Our services are available to individuals who are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements. If you are engaging our services on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

3.2 Scope of Services

The scope of our services for any matter will be defined in a separate retainer agreement or engagement letter. We provide legal services only in areas where we have competence and only for clients with whom we can act without conflict of interest.

3.3 Your Responsibilities

When using our services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about your matter
• Respond promptly to our requests for information or instructions
• Keep us informed of changes relevant to your matter
• Pay fees as agreed in your retainer agreement
• Treat our staff with respect and courtesy

4. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use our services or website to:

• Engage in any activity that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others
• Transmit malicious software or attempt unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of our website
• Harass, threaten, or abuse our staff or other clients
• Use automated systems to access our website without permission
• Resell or redistribute our services without authorization

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Our Content

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by or licensed to Harbourside Legal and is protected by Canadian and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without prior written consent.

5.2 Work Product

Documents and materials we prepare specifically for your matter belong to you once fees are paid. However, our general forms, templates, know-how, and methodologies remain our intellectual property.

5.3 Your Content

By providing materials to us, you grant us a license to use those materials for the purpose of providing our services to you. You represent that you have the right to share any materials you provide.

6. Payment Terms

6.1 Fees

Our fees for services will be set out in your retainer agreement. Fee structures may include fixed fees, hourly rates, or a combination. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD).

6.2 Payment

Payment is due as specified in your retainer agreement or upon receipt of our invoice. We accept payment by cheque, bank transfer, and major credit cards. We may require a retainer deposit before beginning work.

6.3 Disbursements

In addition to professional fees, you are responsible for disbursements incurred on your behalf, such as filing fees, registration costs, courier charges, and similar expenses.

6.4 Taxes

All fees are subject to applicable taxes, including HST. Tax amounts will be shown separately on invoices.

7. Refund Policy

Refunds may be available in certain circumstances:

• If you cancel a scheduled consultation with at least 48 hours notice, you are entitled to a full refund or rescheduling
• For unused portions of retainer deposits, subject to accounting for work completed and disbursements incurred
• We do not provide refunds for completed services or time already spent on your matter

Refunds, when approved, are processed within 10 business days using the original payment method.

8. Disclaimers and Limitations

8.1 Website Content

The information on our website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content may not reflect current legal developments and should not be relied upon for legal decision-making.

8.2 No Outcome Predictions

While we apply our professional expertise to every matter, we cannot predict or warrant specific outcomes. Legal results depend on many factors beyond our control, including evidence, opposing parties, and judicial decisions.

8.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount of fees you paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

8.4 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, labour disputes, or technology failures.

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by You

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees and disbursements incurred up to the date of termination.

9.2 Termination by Us

We may withdraw from representing you in accordance with the rules of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, including situations involving non-payment of fees, conflicts of interest, or breakdown of the solicitor-client relationship.

9.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide you with your file materials subject to our lien for unpaid fees. Provisions regarding confidentiality, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution survive termination.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Informal Resolution

If you have concerns about our services, please contact us first to discuss the matter. Many issues can be resolved through direct communication.

10.2 Fee Disputes

Disputes regarding fees may be referred to the fee review process available through the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.

10.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

10.4 Jurisdiction

Any legal proceedings arising from these Terms or our services shall be brought in the courts of Nova Scotia, and you consent to the jurisdiction of such courts.

11. General Provisions

11.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with your retainer agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Harbourside Legal regarding our services.

11.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

11.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

11.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights to a successor firm.

11.5 Notices

Notices to us should be sent to our office address or by email to [email protected]. We will send notices to you at the contact information you have provided.

12. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us: