Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using LegalConsole's website, requesting a consultation, or engaging our legal services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our website or services.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and LegalConsole, a law firm operating in Virginia.

2. Attorney-Client Relationship

Formation of Relationship

An attorney-client relationship is established only when:

• You have had a consultation with one of our attorneys
• We have agreed in writing to represent you
• You have signed an engagement letter or retainer agreement
• Any required retainer fees have been paid

No Relationship Created by Website Use

Important: Simply using our website, filling out a contact form, sending an email, or calling our office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Communications through our website are not confidential and are not protected by attorney-client privilege until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established.

Consultation Requests

When you request a consultation through our website, you understand that:

• We are under no obligation to accept you as a client
• We may decline representation for any lawful reason, including conflicts of interest
• Initial consultations do not guarantee representation
• We will inform you in writing if we agree to represent you

3. Scope of Services

LegalConsole provides legal services in the following practice areas throughout Virginia:

• Family Law
• Business Law
• Criminal Defense
• Personal Injury
• Real Estate Law
• Employment Law
• Estate Planning
• Immigration Law

The specific scope of legal services will be defined in your engagement letter or retainer agreement. We reserve the right to limit or modify the scope of representation at any time, subject to our ethical obligations.

4. Website Use and Content

General Information Only

The information provided on our website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique, and you should not rely on website content as a substitute for professional legal counsel.

Not Legal Advice

Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

Accuracy of Information

While we strive to keep information on our website current and accurate, laws and regulations change frequently. We make no warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided.

Permitted Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:

• Use our website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Transmit malicious code, viruses, or harmful materials
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of our website
• Harvest or collect information about other users
• Use automated systems or bots without our permission

5. Fees and Payment

Fee Arrangements

Our legal fees are determined based on various factors including the complexity of your case, the experience of the attorney, and the time required. Fee arrangements may include:

• Hourly Rates: Billed based on time spent on your matter
• Flat Fees: A fixed fee for specific services
• Contingency Fees: A percentage of recovery (in applicable cases)
• Retainer Agreements: Advance payment for services

Payment Terms

Specific fee arrangements and payment terms will be outlined in your engagement letter. You agree to:

• Pay all fees and costs as specified in your engagement letter
• Provide payment within the timeframes specified
• Pay interest on late payments as permitted by law
• Reimburse reasonable expenses incurred on your behalf

Non-Payment

Failure to pay legal fees may result in withdrawal from representation (subject to court approval where required) and may affect our ability to continue working on your case.

6. Client Responsibilities

If you engage our services, you agree to:

• Provide Truthful Information: Give complete and accurate information about your case
• Timely Communication: Respond promptly to our requests for information or documents
• Follow Legal Advice: Understand that we provide advice, but final decisions rest with you
• Keep Appointments: Attend scheduled meetings and court appearances
• Maintain Confidentiality: Not disclose privileged communications without our consent
• Cooperate Fully: Work with us in good faith throughout your representation
• Notify Changes: Inform us immediately of any changes in your contact information or circumstances

7. Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege

Once an attorney-client relationship is established, all communications regarding your legal matter are protected by attorney-client privilege and will remain confidential, except as required or permitted by law or ethical rules.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

We may be required or permitted to disclose confidential information in limited circumstances, including:

• To prevent death or substantial bodily harm
• To prevent commission of a crime or fraud
• To comply with court orders or legal obligations
• To defend against allegations of professional misconduct
• With your informed consent

8. Limitations of Liability

No Guarantee of Outcomes

While we strive to achieve the best possible results for our clients, we cannot and do not guarantee any specific outcome in your legal matter. Legal proceedings involve many variables beyond our control, including:

• Decisions made by judges, juries, or opposing parties
• Changes in applicable laws or regulations
• Availability and credibility of evidence and witnesses
• Actions taken by other parties

Website Disclaimer

Our website is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that:

• Our website will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Defects will be corrected
• Our website is free from viruses or harmful components
• Information on our website is complete, accurate, or current

Limitation of Damages

To the fullest extent permitted by law, LegalConsole shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of our website or services, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

9. Statute of Limitations and Time-Sensitive Matters

IMPORTANT WARNING: Legal claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits or taking legal action. If you fail to act within the applicable time period, you may permanently lose your right to pursue your claim.

Even if you contact us or request a consultation, we are under no obligation to monitor deadlines on your behalf until we have formally agreed to represent you and you have signed an engagement letter. Do not delay seeking legal counsel if you believe you may have a time-sensitive legal matter.

10. Conflicts of Interest

Before accepting representation, we conduct a thorough conflicts check. We may decline representation or withdraw from representation if:

• We currently represent or have previously represented an opposing party
• Your interests are materially adverse to those of another client
• There is a significant risk that our representation would be materially limited
• Other ethical considerations prevent us from representing you

If a conflict arises during representation, we will notify you promptly and discuss appropriate steps, which may include withdrawal from representation.

11. Termination of Services

Termination by Client

You have the right to terminate our services at any time. If you choose to terminate representation, please notify us in writing. You will remain responsible for:

• All fees and costs incurred up to the date of termination
• Any outstanding invoices
• Costs associated with transferring your file to new counsel

Termination by LegalConsole

We may withdraw from representation for reasons including but not limited to:

• Non-payment of fees or costs
• Failure to cooperate or follow advice
• Client requests us to engage in illegal or unethical conduct
• Conflicts of interest that cannot be resolved
• Other good cause as permitted by ethical rules

In litigation matters, we will seek court approval for withdrawal where required and take reasonable steps to protect your interests.

12. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of LegalConsole or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our website content without our express written permission.

13. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by LegalConsole. We are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of third-party websites.

We do not endorse or assume any liability for any third-party sites, products, or services. Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless LegalConsole, its attorneys, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your use of our website or services
• Your violation of any law or the rights of a third party
• Any information or content you provide to us

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising out of or relating to these terms or our services shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Virginia. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

16. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Disputes arising from attorney-client relationships may be subject to alternative dispute resolution as specified in your engagement letter. We encourage clients to first attempt to resolve disputes through direct communication with our office.

If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, you may have the option to pursue arbitration, mediation, or litigation as appropriate under Virginia law and ethical rules.

17. Professional Conduct and Ethics

LegalConsole and its attorneys are bound by the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct and the ethical standards established by the Virginia State Bar. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity.

If you have concerns about our conduct or services, you may contact:

• Our managing attorney directly
• The Virginia State Bar at (804) 775-0500
• The Virginia State Bar Attorney Ethics Hotline

18. Electronic Communications and Signatures

By using our website or services, you consent to receive electronic communications from us. Electronic communications may include emails, text messages, or notices posted on our website.

You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing. Electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.

19. Website Accessibility

LegalConsole is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We continually work to improve the user experience for everyone and apply relevant accessibility standards.

If you encounter accessibility barriers on our website, please contact us so we can assist you and work to resolve the issue.

20. Modifications to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. The "Effective Date" at the top of this page indicates when these terms were last updated.

Your continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms. We encourage you to review these terms periodically.

For existing clients with active cases, modifications to these terms will not affect the terms specified in your signed engagement letter without your consent.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy and any engagement letter you sign, constitute the entire agreement between you and LegalConsole regarding your use of our website and services, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

23. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

24. Acknowledgment

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. You also acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice regarding these terms.

Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Member of the Virginia State Bar.