1. Aqua Law Solicitors
Aqua Law Solicitors and Aqua Law (also referred herein as “we”, “our” or “us”) are trading names of Aqua Law Limited (Companies registration number 11280308).
Aqua Law Limited is registered with the Information Commissioners Office (“ICO”) under registration number ZA449221.
It is Aqua Law Limited which accepts your instructions to provide the legal services as set out in our engagement letter (“Engagement Letter”) accompanying these Standard Terms and Conditions of Business (“Terms”) and with which you are contracting for the purposes of the provision of those legal services (the “Engagement”). References to ‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ are to Aqua Law Limited. References to ‘you’ and ‘your’ are to the client or clients referred to in paragraph 1 of the Engagement Letter.
2. These Terms
These Terms should be read together with our Engagement Letter. Together they form the contract between you and us for the purposes of the Engagement. If and to the extent that the Terms conflict with the Engagement Letter, the Engagement Letter shall prevail.
From time to time it may be necessary for us to amend or supersede these Terms. In such circumstances we shall notify you of the proposed changes and, unless we hear from you within 14 days of such notification, the new Terms will come into effect from the end of that period.
3. Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013
If you are an individual consumer (and not a business entity) and the Engagement is a ‘distance contract’ or an ‘off premises contact’ you have the right to cancel the Engagement within 14 days of conclusion of the Engagement Letter.
This right exists in accordance with The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. Please refer to the ‘Cancellation Notice’ which was included with your client care letter for more information.
We will not start work on your file within the next 14 days. If you would like our service to start within the next 14 days, please sign the enclosed Client Declaration, mark the relevant box stating your wishes and return a copy to us.
Once we have started work on your file within the cancellation period, on your instruction, you will be charged for any work done if you then cancel your instructions.
4. Our Services
We will perform the Engagement with due care and skill. Our services will not include advice on tax related issues arising out of the Engagement unless requested by you and agreed with you in writing.
5. Outsourcing
Sometimes we ask other companies or people to do typing or photocopying on our files to ensure that this is done promptly. We will always seek a confidentiality agreement with these outsourced providers.
6. Our Advice
Our advice is prepared solely:
- for use by you; and
- for the intended purposes associated with the Engagement and any subsequent variation thereof.
Our advice should not be disclosed to any third party without our prior written agreement.
7. Instructions and Information
Unless instructed otherwise in writing, we will act on the basis that all of your employees, directors and officers who give us instructions are authorised to do so and that we may act on oral instructions.
You will provide us with all required documentation and assistance in a timely manner.
8. Electronic Communications and Information Storage
Unless instructed otherwise, we may correspond by email or other electronic means and store your information electronically. While we take reasonable steps to ensure security, we cannot guarantee complete protection from third-party access.
9. Fees and Other Charges
You agree to pay our fees and disbursements as set out in our bills. We charge in 6-minute units for time spent, and all disbursements (court fees, experts, etc.) will be billed to you appropriately.
10. Billing and Payment Terms
Bills are payable within 14 days. Failure to pay may result in interest charges, recovery actions, or termination of our services.
11. Cash Payment
We do not accept cash payments exceeding £500 per matter. Direct cash deposits may incur additional checks and charges.
12. Complaints and Suggestions
To make a complaint, contact Wahidur Rahman, our Managing Director. If unresolved, you may contact the Legal Ombudsman.
13. Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
We must verify your identity and may be legally obligated to report suspicious activity without your knowledge.
14. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
We assess conflicts before acting and may continue advising other clients where legally permitted. Your confidentiality is protected unless disclosure is legally required.
15. Rights of Action
Only Aqua Law Limited, not individual employees, is liable for the legal services provided. Employees are protected from personal claims arising from their work on your case.
16. Limitation of Liability
Our total liability for losses is limited to £3 million, except in cases of personal injury, fraud, or wilful misconduct.
