Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of legal services by Clearpath Legal ("we," "us," "our," or "the Firm") and your use of our website. By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not engage our services or use our website. These terms supplement, and do not replace, any separate retainer agreement or engagement letter you may sign with our firm.

2. Definitions

• "Services" means legal services provided by Clearpath Legal, including estate planning consultation, business formation assistance, contract review, and related legal advice.
• "Client" or "you" means any individual or entity that engages our services.
• "Website" means the Clearpath Legal website and any associated online platforms.
• "Agreement" means these Terms and Conditions together with any engagement letter or retainer agreement.

3. Engagement and Scope of Services

3.1 Retainer Process

Legal services commence only after we confirm acceptance of your matter in writing. Initial consultations do not establish a solicitor-client relationship unless we explicitly agree to represent you. We reserve the right to decline representation for any lawful reason.

3.2 Scope Limitations

Our services are limited to the specific matters outlined in your engagement letter. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, we do not provide ongoing monitoring of laws that may affect you or advice on matters outside the defined scope.

3.3 Conflicts of Interest

We conduct conflict checks before accepting new matters. We cannot represent clients with directly adverse interests to existing clients. If a conflict arises during representation, we will advise you immediately and may need to withdraw from representation.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Information Accuracy

You are responsible for providing complete, accurate, and truthful information relevant to your matter. Withholding information or providing false information may affect the quality of legal advice and could result in adverse consequences.

4.2 Timely Communication

You agree to respond promptly to requests for information or documents. Delays in providing necessary materials may extend timelines and could affect outcomes or increase costs.

4.3 Decision-Making Authority

You retain ultimate decision-making authority over your matter. We provide advice and recommendations, but final decisions rest with you. You acknowledge that legal outcomes cannot be guaranteed regardless of the advice provided.

5. Fees and Payment Terms

5.1 Fee Structure

Legal fees are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are based on the scope of services outlined in your engagement letter. Fees may be structured as:

• Fixed fees for defined services (estate planning, business formation, contract review)
• Hourly rates for matters requiring ongoing representation
• Combination of fixed and hourly rates for complex matters

5.2 Additional Costs

Quoted fees typically include legal services but may not include:

• Government filing fees and registration costs
• Third-party disbursements (couriers, process servers)
• Costs for searches or certified documents
• Additional work beyond the initial scope

We will advise you of such costs before they are incurred when possible.

5.3 Payment Terms

Payment is due as specified in your engagement letter, typically:

• Retainer payment before work commences
• Payment upon completion for fixed-fee services
• Monthly billing for ongoing matters

Invoices are payable within 30 days unless otherwise specified. Late payments may be subject to interest charges at a rate of 2% per month (26.8% annually).

5.4 Tax Treatment

All fees are subject to applicable taxes including GST/HST. Tax amounts will be clearly indicated on invoices.

6. Termination of Services

6.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees incurred up to the termination date and for any work necessary to properly conclude representation.

6.2 Termination by Firm

We may withdraw from representation in circumstances including but not limited to:

• Non-payment of fees or retainers
• Breakdown in solicitor-client relationship
• Client's failure to provide necessary instructions or cooperation
• Conflict of interest that cannot be resolved
• Circumstances that would require us to violate professional obligations

We will provide reasonable notice of withdrawal unless circumstances prevent it, and will take reasonable steps to avoid prejudice to your interests.

7. Professional Standards and Limitations

7.1 Professional Obligations

We are bound by the rules and regulations of the Law Society of British Columbia. In cases where client instructions conflict with our professional obligations, we must prioritize our professional duties.

7.2 No Guarantee of Outcomes

While we strive to provide excellent legal services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Legal matters involve numerous factors beyond our control, including actions by other parties, court decisions, and changes in law.

7.3 Limitation of Liability

Our liability for professional services is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law and by our professional liability insurance coverage. We are not liable for:

• Outcomes based on inaccurate or incomplete information you provide
• Consequences of decisions you make contrary to our advice
• Changes in law that occur after advice is given
• Actions or omissions of third parties

8. Confidentiality and Privilege

8.1 Solicitor-Client Privilege

Communications between you and our firm are protected by solicitor-client privilege. We will not disclose your confidential information except as required by law or with your consent.

8.2 Exceptions to Confidentiality

Confidentiality obligations do not apply when:

• Required by court order or legal process
• Necessary to prevent serious harm or crime
• Defending ourselves against allegations of professional misconduct
• You waive privilege or provide consent to disclosure

9. Website Use

9.1 Informational Purposes

Content on our website is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not rely on website content as a substitute for specific legal advice tailored to your circumstances.

9.2 No Solicitor-Client Relationship

Viewing our website or submitting a contact form does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Such a relationship begins only when we confirm acceptance of your matter in writing.

9.3 Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use the website for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to website systems
• Transmit viruses or malicious code
• Scrape, copy, or redistribute website content without permission

10. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Clearpath Legal or our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may view and download content for personal use only.

Documents we prepare for you remain your property, though we retain copies for our files. We maintain copyright in work product, templates, and other materials we create.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution

If you have concerns about our services or billing, we encourage you to contact us directly. We are committed to addressing concerns promptly and fairly.

11.2 Fee Disputes

Disputes regarding legal fees may be reviewed through the Law Society of British Columbia's fee dispute resolution process.

11.3 Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of British Columbia.

12. General Provisions

12.1 Entire Agreement

These terms, together with any engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between you and Clearpath Legal regarding our services.

12.2 Severability

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

12.3 Amendments

We may update these terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to active clients. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

12.4 No Waiver

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

13. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact: