At Ababneh Law & Arbitration (the "Firm")
Our priority is to deliver top-quality legal services. To achieve this effectively, it is essential that both our clients and we have a clear, mutual understanding of the terms governing our services. Such clarity enhances efficiency and facilitates the legal process. Throughout the representation, we will require your complete cooperation, as well as that of any individuals working on your behalf. We rely on you to provide, or ensure the provision of, the necessary information and assistance so that we can carry out our duties effectively and professionally.
1. Scope of Our Services
- The scope of services provided in connection with a particular matter will be agreed upon at the beginning and may be modified by mutual consent during the matter.
- Our services may include advice on tax-related issues if specifically requested at the outset or agreed upon during the course of the matter.
- The services provided are intended solely for the party receiving these terms, as outlined in our letter of engagement. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, no third party is entitled to enforce any term of this arrangement.
- Where we act for joint clients, we will accept instructions from either client unless an alternative arrangement is agreed in advance. If conflicting or inconsistent instructions arise, we may, at our discretion, decide to take no action until the conflict is resolved between the clients.
2. People Assigned to Your Matter
- At the start of your matter, we will inform you of the lawyer(s) assigned to handle your case.
- Should there be any changes during the matter, we will notify you promptly.
3. Basis of Our Charges
- Our charges for each matter will be separately agreed upon.
- An advance payment of (50%) of the agreed fees is required.
- In the absence of any specific arrangement, our standard hourly rates will apply, and these rates are subject to periodic review and adjustment.
- Additional costs, including expenses incurred, will also be billed accordingly.
- By instructing us initially, you authorize us to incur reasonable expenses without additional consultation. For significant expenses, we may require an advance deposit or arrange for direct payment from you.
4. Payment of Our Invoices
- Unless otherwise agreed, we will issue invoices on a monthly basis.
- If you have any questions regarding an invoice, please raise them with the lawyer responsible for the matter as soon as possible. All objections must be raised within fifteen (15) days from the invoice date.
- Payment of each invoice is due within fifteen (15) days of issuance.
- If a portion of the invoice is disputed, the undisputed amounts should be paid within the fifteen-day timeframe.
- Should any invoice remain unpaid beyond fifteen (15) days:
- We may discontinue our representation of you.
- We may retain any of your documents, papers, and our records until full payment is made.
- If we hold funds on your behalf, we may use these funds to settle any outstanding invoices unless otherwise agreed. You will receive prompt notification of such action.
5. Sales Tax
- Legal services provided by us are subject to a 16% Sales Tax under Jordanian law.
- This tax will be included in our invoices, and you will be informed of any changes to this rate.
6. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality
- We will not represent another client in a matter involving your representation without your consent, unless our engagement is explicitly on a non-exclusive basis.
- You acknowledge that we are otherwise free to represent other clients, including in matters where there may be a conflict of interest with your own.
- Conflicts may arise in various situations, such as in mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, contracts, financing, and dispute resolution. Unless explicitly agreed otherwise, we may also act for clients who are in competition with you.
- Our duty of confidentiality to all clients is paramount:
- We will keep all documents and information obtained while representing you confidential and will not disclose them to other clients without your consent (or the consent of joint clients, if applicable).
- We are not obligated to disclose or use for your benefit any information held by us that is subject to a confidentiality obligation to another client or third party.
- The fact that we may hold documents, regardless of their relevance, does not prevent us from acting for another client without your further consent.
- However, we will implement appropriate arrangements to maintain confidentiality.
7. Engaging Experts and Counsel in Other Jurisdictions
- During the course of representation, we may need to engage experts outside the Firm, such as accountants, consultants, or foreign counsel.
- If such a need arises, we will discuss it with you, select the appropriate expert, and agree on the related costs.
8. Document Management
- Copyright: All original materials created by us for your use are protected by copyright, which is owned by Ababneh Law & Arbitration.
- Retention: We will retain files relating to your matter for ten (10) years following completion. Unless otherwise agreed, we will dispose of these files after this period without further notice.
9. Resolving Issues and Disputes
- If you have a complaint or dispute regarding our services, please contact our Managing Partner and provide a written explanation.
- If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, the dispute will be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the Jordanian Arbitration Law.
For any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
