STANDARD TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT
(Effective as of January 1, 2024)
These are Noble O’Hanlon Law, LLC’s standard terms of engagement (“Standard Terms of Engagement”). This document explains how we work, our obligations to you, your obligations to us, what we will do on your behalf, and generally how our charges will be determined and billed unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Experience has shown that an understanding of these matters contributes to a better relationship between us, resulting in more productive and efficient efforts.
Because these terms are an integral part of our agreement to provide legal services, we ask that you review this document carefully and retain it for your records. Unless otherwise modified in our engagement letter (“Engagement Letter”), these Standard Terms of Engagement (as amended from time to time) govern our agreement for legal services and shall apply to all legal services we provide on your behalf. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meaning set forth in your Engagement Letter with Noble O’Hanlon Law, LLC (“the Firm”), which is hereby incorporated by reference. Consistent with the Engagement Letter, you are sometimes referred to as “Client” herein.
Who Will Provide the Legal Services?
In most cases, one attorney will serve as your principal contact. From time to time, that attorney may delegate portions of the work to other attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, or nonlegal professionals within the Firm. This allows us to involve those with specialized knowledge or experience and to provide services in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
The Scope of the Representation
As attorneys, we provide representation and advice on the legal matters for which we are engaged. It is important that both parties have a clear understanding of the legal services the Firm has agreed to provide. The Engagement Letter specifies the matter in which we will provide representation and the scope of the services to be provided.
We will deliver services of a strictly legal nature related to the matters described in the Engagement Letter. You are responsible for providing factual information and materials required for the services and for making business or technical decisions. The Firm will not be responsible for business, investment, or accounting decisions, nor will we investigate the character or creditworthiness of others unless explicitly agreed upon in the Engagement Letter.
The Firm is authorized to utilize tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, in connection with your legal matters. Please reach out to your principal contact if you have questions about how AI may be used in your representation.
Who Is Our Client?
The Firm represents only the person or entity identified in the Engagement Letter. Our professional responsibilities extend solely to that party and do not include any affiliates or related parties unless explicitly stated in writing.
For example, if you are a business entity, our representation does not include your employees, officers, or other related parties unless specified. Similarly, for individuals, our representation excludes employers, family members, or business partners unless otherwise agreed.
Your Cooperation and Communications
Effective representation requires full cooperation. You agree to:
- Provide complete, accurate, and timely information.
- Inform the Firm of all relevant developments.
- Maintain up-to-date contact information.
- Respond promptly to Firm inquiries and attend necessary meetings.
Your communications with the Firm are protected by the attorney-client privilege. To avoid waiver of this privilege, we recommend keeping all attorney communications secure and confidential. Communications, including sensitive information, may be transmitted via email. While we strive to ensure security, inadvertent disclosures to third parties may occur. Clients are advised to avoid using employer-provided email addresses to communicate with the Firm.
Conflict of Interest
The Firm represents many clients, and we aim to identify potential conflicts of interest at the outset of the engagement. If a conflict arises, we will comply with the applicable rules of professional conduct. In certain cases, the Firm may seek a written waiver of conflict from you to proceed with representation.
The Firm may represent other clients with interests adverse to yours in unrelated matters, provided that such engagements do not compromise confidentiality or involve substantially related matters.
How We Set Our Fees
Unless otherwise specified in the Engagement Letter, fees for legal services are determined primarily by the time and labor required, as well as factors such as complexity, skill required, and time constraints. Hourly rates vary by attorney or paralegal based on experience and expertise and are subject to change.
Estimates provided for fees and expenses are not fixed quotes and may vary depending on factors beyond our control.
Charges for Other Expenses and Services
In addition to legal fees, the Firm may charge for ancillary expenses such as travel, lodging, filing fees, or third-party services. Expenses are billed at cost, and in some cases, you may be asked to pay large third-party invoices directly.
Billing Arrangements and Payment Terms
Invoices are issued regularly, typically monthly, and are due upon receipt. A 2% processing fee applies to credit card payments. Accounts more than 30 days past due may incur interest at 12% per annum, and the Firm reserves the right to suspend or terminate services for delinquent accounts.
Termination
The attorney-client relationship terminates upon completion of the services described in the Engagement Letter. Either party may terminate the relationship at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees and expenses incurred prior to termination.
Retention of Records
The Firm retains the right to manage, retain, or destroy records related to engagements in accordance with internal policies and applicable laws. Records are generally retained for five (5) years unless otherwise required.
Disclaimer
No promises or guarantees are made regarding the outcome of any matter. Opinions expressed during the engagement are based on professional judgment and the facts available at the time.
Modification of Agreement
The Engagement Letter and these Standard Terms of Engagement constitute the entire agreement. Modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Acknowledgment
By signing the Engagement Letter or paying an invoice without written objection, you acknowledge and accept these Standard Terms of Engagement.