Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

• "Firm," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Tradewind Legal
• "Client," "you," or "your" refers to individuals or entities engaging our services
• "Services" means legal services provided by Tradewind Legal
• "Agreement" refers to the contract formed between the Firm and Client
• "Website" refers to the Tradewind Legal website and related digital platforms

2. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging Tradewind Legal's services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not engage our services.

Clients must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements. By engaging our services, you represent that you meet these requirements.

3. Service Description

Tradewind Legal provides legal services in the area of international trade law, including documentation review, agreement drafting, and dispute advisory. Our services are limited to matters within our area of practice and jurisdiction.

Specific services will be outlined in engagement letters or service agreements. The scope of work, fees, and deliverables will be confirmed before commencement of substantive work.

We reserve the right to decline engagements that fall outside our practice area, present conflicts of interest, or for other professional reasons.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Information Provision

Clients must provide accurate, complete, and timely information necessary for us to perform services effectively. You are responsible for the accuracy of information you provide.

4.2 Cooperation

Clients agree to cooperate reasonably in the provision of services, including responding to inquiries, reviewing drafts, and making timely decisions when required.

4.3 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use our services for unlawful purposes
• Provide false or misleading information
• Engage in conduct that could damage our professional reputation
• Reproduce or distribute our work product without authorization
• Attempt to access confidential information of other clients

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fee Structure

Our fees are based on the complexity and scope of services required. Starting prices indicated on our website represent typical fees for straightforward matters. Actual fees will be confirmed in engagement letters.

All fees are quoted in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) unless otherwise specified.

5.2 Payment Terms

Payment is typically required within 14 days of invoice date unless alternative arrangements have been agreed. We accept payment by bank transfer or other methods as specified in invoices.

5.3 Late Payment

Late payments may incur interest at a rate of 2% per month on outstanding balances. We reserve the right to suspend services if payments become significantly overdue.

5.4 Expenses

Clients are responsible for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with services, including courier fees, filing fees, and third-party charges. Significant expenses will be discussed in advance where possible.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Our Work Product

Documents and work product we create for you as part of our services are provided for your use in the specific matter for which they were prepared. You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify this work product for other purposes without our consent.

6.2 Website Content

Content on our website, including text, graphics, and design elements, is protected by intellectual property rights. You may view and use website content for informational purposes but may not reproduce it commercially without permission.

7. Confidentiality

We are bound by professional obligations of client confidentiality. Information you share with us will be kept confidential except as required by law or professional regulations, or with your consent.

You should similarly maintain confidentiality regarding our advice and work product, except as necessary for your business purposes or as required by law.

8. Disclaimers

8.1 Service Provision

While we strive to provide high-quality legal services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes in legal matters. Results depend on many factors beyond our control, including actions of third parties and decisions of courts or authorities.

8.2 Website Information

Information on our website is provided for general informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. For advice on specific situations, please engage our services directly.

8.3 Third-Party Services

We are not responsible for the quality or outcomes of services provided by third parties we may recommend, such as translators, notaries, or other professionals.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by applicable law and professional regulations:

• Our total liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the fees paid for the specific matter giving rise to the claim
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• We are not liable for losses arising from information you provide that is inaccurate or incomplete
• Claims must be brought within one year of the event giving rise to the claim

We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by professional regulations.

10. Termination

10.1 By Client

You may terminate our services at any time by written notice. You remain responsible for fees for work performed up to the termination date and any reasonable costs of concluding our involvement.

10.2 By Firm

We may terminate services if you fail to pay fees, fail to cooperate reasonably, or for other good cause. We will provide reasonable notice where circumstances permit.

10.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination, we will deliver work product completed to that point and return documents you provided, subject to receipt of outstanding payments. Our confidentiality obligations continue after termination.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of Hong Kong courts.

11.2 Informal Resolution

If you have concerns about our services, we encourage you to contact us directly to discuss resolution. We aim to address concerns promptly and reasonably.

12. General Provisions

12.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between us regarding our services and supersede prior discussions or understandings.

12.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

12.3 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

12.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights to successors or assigns.

12.5 Notices

Notices should be sent to the addresses specified in engagement letters or to our main office address. Email notices are acceptable for routine communications but formal notices should be in writing.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

For ongoing matters, terms in effect at the time of engagement continue to apply unless we agree otherwise in writing.

14. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact: