Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

• "Firm," "We," "Us," "Our" refers to Meridian Law, a legal practice based in Chonburi, Thailand
• "Client," "You," "Your" refers to any individual or entity engaging our legal services
• "Services" refers to legal counsel, representation, and related work we provide
• "Engagement" refers to the attorney-client relationship established through our engagement agreement
• "Matter" refers to the specific legal issue or transaction for which you retain our services

2. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging our legal services, submitting an inquiry through our website, or communicating with us regarding potential representation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

You must be at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction to enter into an agreement with us. If you are entering into this agreement on behalf of a company or other legal entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind such entity to these terms.

These Terms and Conditions supplement, but do not replace, any written engagement agreement we may execute with you. In the event of conflict between these general terms and a specific engagement agreement, the engagement agreement shall prevail.

3. Scope of Services

3.1 Practice Areas

We provide legal services in the following areas:

• International trade and customs law
• Maritime and shipping law
• Construction and engineering contracts

3.2 Engagement Scope

Our representation is limited to the specific matter described in our engagement agreement or confirmation letter. We do not assume responsibility for legal issues outside the defined scope unless separately agreed in writing.

If your matter requires expertise in areas outside our practice focus, we will inform you and may recommend qualified counsel in those fields.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Information and Documentation

You agree to:

• Provide complete and accurate information relevant to your matter
• Disclose all material facts, even if you believe they may be unfavorable
• Provide requested documents and materials in a timely manner
• Inform us promptly of any changes in circumstances affecting your matter
• Respond to our requests for information or authorization within reasonable timeframes

4.2 Decision-Making Authority

While we provide legal advice and recommendations, you retain final decision-making authority regarding:

• Settlement offers and negotiation positions
• Whether to proceed with litigation or alternative dispute resolution
• Contract terms and business decisions
• Other substantive decisions affecting your interests

4.3 Professional Conduct

You agree to treat our attorneys and staff with professional courtesy and respect. We reserve the right to withdraw from representation if your conduct becomes abusive, threatening, or otherwise unreasonable.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fee Arrangements

We offer the following fee structures:

• Fixed Fees: For defined services such as contract drafting, regulatory compliance audits, and certain standard legal work
• Hourly Rates: For matters where scope cannot be determined in advance
• Hybrid Arrangements: Combining fixed fees for certain components with hourly billing for others

Specific fee arrangements will be outlined in your engagement agreement.

5.2 Payment Terms

Payment is due within 30 days of invoice date unless otherwise agreed. We accept payment by bank transfer or other methods as specified on invoices.

For matters requiring substantial work before completion, we may request periodic interim billing or advance retainers.

5.3 Expenses

You are responsible for reimbursing reasonable expenses incurred in connection with your matter, including:

• Court filing fees and government charges
• Translation and notarization services
• Travel expenses for site visits or meetings
• Expert consultant fees
• Document courier and delivery charges

5.4 Late Payment

Overdue amounts may be subject to interest charges of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by Thai law, whichever is lower. Continued non-payment may result in suspension of services or withdrawal from representation, subject to our professional obligations.

6. Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege

All communications between you and our firm are protected by attorney-client privilege and our professional duty of confidentiality. We will not disclose confidential information except:

• With your express authorization
• When necessary to provide the legal services you have requested
• When required by law, court order, or professional conduct rules
• To prevent death or substantial bodily harm
• To defend ourselves against allegations of professional misconduct

For more details on how we handle personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

7. Conflicts of Interest

Before accepting representation, we conduct conflict checks to ensure we have no conflicting obligations to other clients. We may decline or withdraw from representation if a conflict of interest exists or arises.

In some circumstances, conflicts may be waived with informed consent of all affected parties. Any such waivers must be in writing.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Professional Standards

We provide legal services in accordance with the professional standards applicable to attorneys practicing in Thailand. We exercise reasonable care and skill in providing our services.

8.2 No Outcome Guarantees

We cannot and do not provide assurances regarding specific outcomes of legal matters. Legal proceedings and negotiations involve uncertainties beyond our control, including actions of opposing parties, governmental authorities, and courts.

8.3 Liability Limitations

Our liability to you for any claims arising from our services shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific matter giving rise to the claim. This limitation does not apply to liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud.

We maintain professional liability insurance as required by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.

9. Termination of Engagement

9.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate our representation at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

9.2 Termination by Firm

We may withdraw from representation in accordance with professional conduct rules, including when:

• You fail to pay fees or costs as agreed
• You fail to cooperate or follow our reasonable requests
• Continuing representation would violate professional rules
• You engage in conduct that makes representation unreasonably difficult

If we withdraw, we will provide reasonable notice and take steps to protect your interests, subject to applicable professional rules.

9.3 File Return

Upon termination, we will provide you with your original documents and a copy of your file upon request, subject to receipt of payment for all outstanding fees and expenses.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Informal Resolution

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

10.2 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Thailand. Any disputes arising from our services or these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Thailand.

10.3 Professional Complaints

If you believe we have violated professional conduct rules, you may file a complaint with the Lawyers Council of Thailand in accordance with their procedures.

11. Intellectual Property

Legal work product we create for you (such as contracts, legal memoranda, and opinions) is prepared for your use in the specific matter. You may use this work product for the purpose for which it was created.

Our general legal knowledge, methods, and forms remain our property. You may not use our work product as a template for other matters without our permission.

12. Communication

12.1 Methods of Communication

We communicate with clients via email, telephone, video conference, and in-person meetings as appropriate. For sensitive matters, we may request encrypted email or in-person discussion.

12.2 Response Times

We strive to respond to client inquiries within one to two business days. Response times may vary based on the urgency of your matter and our workload.

12.3 Electronic Communications

While we use secure systems, email and other electronic communications carry some level of interception risk. By communicating with us electronically, you accept this risk.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically. Updated terms will be posted on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date.

For existing engagements, material changes will only apply with your agreement or upon renewal of our engagement. New engagements will be subject to the current terms posted on our website.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.