Terms of Engagement
These Terms govern strategic consultancy services provided by Legal Lens. We provide documentary support, procedural information and evidence-based analysis for individuals dealing with tribunal proceedings and regulatory matters.
About These Terms & Regulatory Status
If we provide a written Scope of Work or Proposal, it forms part of the agreement and prevails over these Terms where inconsistent. Legal Lens operates in England and Wales (company registration pending). Our office is at 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX.
Important Notice: Legal Lens is NOT a firm of solicitors and is NOT regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We are not authorised to carry out reserved legal activities as defined by the Legal Services Act 2007, including conduct of litigation and rights of audience.
No Legal Professional Privilege
Communications with us are not protected by legal professional privilege in the same way as communications with a solicitor or barrister. You should assume our communications and drafts may be disclosable in proceedings.
Redress and Oversight
We are not within the Legal Ombudsman scheme. Complaints are handled under clause 16 of these Terms and any dispute is governed by contract and consumer law. You retain all rights under consumer protection legislation.
Scope of Services
Our Services are limited to non-reserved support. We may provide general legal information (for example, what a rule says or what a process typically involves). We do not provide advice on merits, prospects, remedies or what you should do.
Explicit Exclusions
We explicitly do not:
- Represent you, act as your legal representative, appear as an advocate, or exercise rights of audience
- Conduct litigation or take any step that may amount to the conduct of litigation
- Issue, file, lodge, serve, or submit documents to a court or tribunal on your behalf; accept service; or correspond with a court or tribunal as your representative
- Sign statements of truth or verify documents on your behalf
- Advise on limitation, jurisdiction, prospects, remedies, settlement terms/undertakings, or costs exposure (we may flag that these issues exist and should be taken to a regulated adviser)
- Provide immigration advice/services, regulated claims management activity, or any service requiring FCA or OISC authorisation
If your matter is appellate or high-risk (e.g., EAT, judicial review, High Court), you should obtain advice from a suitably qualified solicitor or counsel.
Your Responsibilities
As our client, you agree to:
- Information Accuracy: Provide complete and accurate information and documents promptly
- Review Outputs: Review all outputs for factual accuracy before use
- Deadlines and Filings: You are solely responsible for time limits, filing, service, and compliance
- Deadline Verification: If you ask us to work to a deadline, you must provide the deadline in writing and independently verify it using official sources or regulated advice
Critical: You are solely responsible for all deadlines, filings and compliance. We do not monitor limitation periods or procedural time limits on your behalf.
Accepting Instructions
We accept instructions only when confirmed in writing. We may refuse or discontinue instructions where:
- The matter falls outside our consultancy scope
- A conflict of interest exists or may arise
- There is a risk the work may constitute reserved legal activity
- You request services we cannot lawfully provide
- Payment terms are not met or necessary information is not provided
Fees & Payment
Fees are as agreed in writing. Current pricing:
Fixed fees may be agreed for defined scope work. Bundle definition to be agreed in advance.
Payment Terms
- Advance Payment: We may require advance payment or retainer before commencement of work
- Invoicing: Invoices are payable within 14 days unless agreed otherwise
- Late Payment: Interest at 8% above Bank of England base rate (calculated daily) on overdue amounts
Fraud Warning: We will NEVER change bank details by email. Any payment instruction changes must be verified by telephone.
Consumer Rights & Cancellation
If you are a consumer, you have statutory rights. Nothing in these Terms limits rights that cannot lawfully be limited, including the requirement to perform services with reasonable care and skill. Where a statutory remedy applies, it may include repeat performance and/or price reduction depending on circumstances.
Cancellation Rights (Distance/Off-Premises Contracts)
If you are a consumer and the contract is concluded at a distance or off-premises:
- 14-Day Right: You may have a 14-day right to cancel starting the day after the contract is made
- Work During Cancellation Period: If you ask us to start work during the cancellation period, you may be liable for a proportionate amount for work completed up to cancellation, provided required information was given and you made an express request
- Cancellation Information: We will provide cancellation information and (where appropriate) a cancellation form at onboarding
Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where unlawful to do so. Subject to this:
- Maximum Liability: Total liability is capped at £500,000 per claim or series of related claims
- Excluded Losses: No liability for indirect or consequential loss
- Time Limitation: Claims must be commenced within 12 months of the date you became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) of the relevant facts
- Contributory Factors: Liability may be reduced to the extent your acts or omissions contributed, including failure to verify deadlines or provide accurate information
Solicitor review recommended for consumer fairness and enforceability of caps and time limits in your specific circumstances.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Legal Lens maintains professional indemnity insurance with Markel International Insurance Company Limited providing coverage of £500,000 per claim.
Policy: CE32941Cyber liability coverage of £100,000 is maintained (subject to policy terms). If cover changes, we will update these Terms and disclose the position before new instructions are accepted.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
We keep your information confidential, subject to:
- Legal Obligations: Disclosure required by law or court order
- Professional Advisers: Disclosure to insurers or professional advisers as reasonably necessary
- Your Consent: Where you explicitly authorise disclosure
You must not share our templates, methods, or proprietary materials without written permission.
Data Protection
Legal Lens is the data controller for personal data processed for the Services. We process data for:
- Contract performance and pre-contract steps
- Legitimate interests (service delivery, quality, fraud prevention)
- Legal obligations where applicable
- The establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims
We do not rely on legal professional privilege exemptions in respect of our communications. We will provide or reference a Privacy Policy explaining processing, recipients, retention, and your rights.
Retention: 7 years after matter conclusion for insurance and record-keeping unless otherwise required or justified.
ICO Registration: ZB903494Intellectual Property & Complaints
Our materials remain our intellectual property. You receive a limited licence to use them solely for your matter and must not share or repurpose them without consent.
Complaints and ADR
While we strive for excellence, if you are dissatisfied with our service:
- Stage 1: Raise concerns directly with your consultant
- Stage 2: Submit formal complaint to john@legallens.org.uk
We will acknowledge within 48 hours and aim to respond substantively within 14 days. If unresolved, alternative dispute resolution may be used by agreement.
You cannot complain to the Legal Ombudsman as we are not SRA-regulated. However, statutory consumer rights remain unaffected.
Termination & General Terms
Either party may terminate on 7 days’ written notice. Immediate termination may occur for breach, non-payment, abusive conduct, or unlawful/prohibited requests. Upon termination:
- All outstanding fees become immediately payable
- Confidentiality and intellectual property obligations continue
General Terms
- Entire Agreement: These Terms (together with any Scope of Work) constitute the complete agreement between us
- Variations: Any changes must be agreed in writing
- Severability: Invalid provisions will be severed without affecting remaining terms
- Governing Law: English law governs these Terms
- Jurisdiction: Exclusive jurisdiction of courts of England and Wales
- Force Majeure: Neither party liable for failures due to circumstances beyond reasonable control