PAIL Solicitors Limited – Retainer Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) apply to all retainer service options provided by PAIL Solicitors Limited (“the Firm”, “we”, “us”) as of 13 August 2025, a private limited company registered in England and Wales under company number 13350694, authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under reference number 827265, with registered office at 23 Berkley Square, London W1J 2HE. These Terms constitute the entire agreement governing the provision of retainer services by the Firm to the Client (“you”).
1. Retainer Options and Scope of Services
The scope, exclusions, and fees for each retainer option (Advice Only, Advice + Legal Action, Corporate Premium) are as set out in the current Retainer Service Terms and on any accompanying documentation. The Firm may update service descriptions and fees with at least 30 days’ written notice to existing Clients.
2. Term and Automatic Renewal
- The minimum initial term for all retainer services is twelve (12) months (“Initial Period”) unless expressly stated otherwise in writing.
- If the Client does not give written notice to terminate at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Initial Period, the retainer will automatically renew for subsequent periods of twelve (12) months (“Rollover Periods”) on the same terms. This process repeats at the end of each Rollover Period unless terminated as provided herein.
3. Early Termination
- Either party may terminate the retainer prior to the expiry of the Initial or any Rollover Period by giving at least thirty (30) days’ written notice, such notice to be served only at the start of a calendar month. Notice served mid-month shall be deemed effective from the first day of the next calendar month.
- If the Client terminates without reasonable cause, the Client shall remain liable for all fees and instalments due until the end of the Initial or Rollover Period. “Reasonable cause” includes: (a) the Firm’s refusal to perform its contractual obligations; or (b) termination by the Firm for reasons not arising from the Client’s act or omission.
- Termination does not affect the Firm’s right to payment of fees accrued up to and including the effective date of termination.
4. Fees and Payment
- All fees are payable monthly in advance, non-refundable, and due on the first business day of each month.
- Failure to pay entitles the Firm to suspend or terminate services immediately and to recover any outstanding sums as a debt.
- The Firm may revise fees and service caps annually, giving the Client at least thirty (30) days’ written notice. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of such changes.
5. Limitation of Liability
The Firm’s liability to the Client in connection with retainer services is limited to the total amount of fees paid by the Client in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to liability, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
6. Force Majeure
- Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control (“Force Majeure Event”), including but not limited to acts of God, war, civil disorder, industrial disputes, pandemic, or government action.
- The affected party must notify the other as soon as reasonably practicable. If the Force Majeure Event continues for more than sixty (60) days, either party may terminate the agreement with immediate effect by written notice.
7. Dispute Resolution and Mediation
- Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall first be attempted to be resolved amicably through good faith negotiations.
- If unresolved within thirty (30) days, the dispute shall be referred to mediation administered by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) or a mediator mutually agreed in writing.
- If unresolved following mediation, either party may commence proceedings in the English courts.
8. Confidentiality
- Both parties shall keep confidential all information of a confidential nature obtained in connection with the retainer services and shall not disclose such information except as required by law or with prior written consent.
- This obligation survives termination for a period of five (5) years.
9. Intellectual Property
- All intellectual property rights in documents, advice, and materials provided by the Firm remain the Firm’s property unless expressly assigned in writing. The Client receives a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use such materials solely for their intended purpose.
- The Client shall not reproduce, distribute, or use the Firm’s materials or advice for any other purpose without the Firm’s prior written consent.
10. Regulatory Compliance and Right to Refuse Work
- The Firm reserves the right to refuse or suspend work, or to terminate any service, if in its judgment such work would conflict with its legal, regulatory, or ethical obligations. Such refusal or suspension does not affect the Firm’s right to payment of fees for the Initial or Rollover Period.
- The Firm may seek advice or assistance from external counsel or its network of international lawyers for cross-border or specialist matters as it deems necessary.
11. Conflicts of Interest
The Firm will promptly notify the Client if a conflict of interest arises and will comply with applicable professional and ethical obligations.
12. General
- These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the Firm and the Client in relation to the retainer services, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.
- If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.
- No waiver by the Firm of any right or remedy under these Terms is valid unless in writing.
- Notices must be in writing and sent to the parties’ last notified business addresses.
13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The English courts have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising under or in connection with these Terms.