General Terms And Conditions

I. SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY


  1. These General Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the attorney-client relationship between Avara Law, LLC ("Firm," "we," "us," or "our") and clients ("Client," "you," or "your") who engage our legal services in Maryland.
  2. These Terms complement and should be read in conjunction with our SMS Terms and Conditions, which specifically govern text message communications.
  3. By engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our SMS Terms and Conditions.


II. ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP


  1. Formation of Relationship
  2. An attorney-client relationship is formed only upon explicit agreement by the Firm and execution of an engagement letter.
  3. Preliminary consultations or communications do not establish an attorney-client relationship unless expressly confirmed in writing
  4. Scope of Representation
  5. The scope of legal services shall be limited to matters specifically identified in the engagement letter.
  6. Any expansion of services requires


III. COMMUNICATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY


  1. Confidential Information
  2. All information disclosed to the Firm shall be maintained in strict confidence pursuant to applicable Maryland Rules, including Maryland Rules 19-301.6, 19-301.8, 19-301.9, and 19-301.18.
  3. The Firm shall limit disclosure of Confidential Information to employees, subcontractors, and representatives who need to know such information to perform services.
  4. Communication Methods
  5. The Firm may communicate with Client through various channels including but not limited to telephone, email, postal mail, and SM messaging.
  6. SMS communications are governed by our separate SMS Terms and Conditions.
  7. Client acknowledges that electronic communications may not be secure and consents to such communications despite potential risks.


IV. FEES AND BILLING


  1. Fee Structure
  2. Fees shall be charged as specified in the engagement letter.
  3. Unless otherwise stated, fees are based on hourly rates, contingency arrangements, or flat fees as applicable.
  4. Payment Terms
  5. Invoices are due within thirty (30) days of issuance.
  6. Client agrees to pay interest at the rate of 1.5% per month on any unpaid balance after thirty (30) days.
  7. Client shall be responsible for costs and expenses related to representation as detailed in the engagement letter.


V. TERMINATION OF REPRESENTATION


  1. Either party may terminate the attorney-client relationship subject to Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct.
  2. Upon termination, Client shall promptly pay all outstanding fees and costs.
  3. The Firm shall return Client files and property in accordance with Maryland law.


VI. DISPUTE RESOLUTION


  1. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved through:
  2. Initial good faith negotiation between the parties;
  3. If unresolved, mediation in Maryland with a mutually agreed mediator;
  4. If mediation fails, binding arbitration in Maryland under Maryland law.


VII.GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION


  1. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.
  2. Any legal proceedings shall be brought exclusively in the courts of Maryland.


VIII. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY


  1. The Firm's liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct.
  2. In no event shall the Firm be liable for consequential, incidental, or punitive damages.


IX. MODIFICATION OF TERMS


  1. The Firm reserves the right to modify these Terms with written notice to Client.
  2. Continued engagement of services after notification constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.