Terms of Service

Introduction

These Terms of Service govern your use of the Oakwood Legal website and the legal services we provide. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

Address Information

Acceptance of Terms

By using our website or services, you confirm that you accept these Terms of Service and agree to comply with them. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not use our website or services.

Use of Our Website

Permitted Use: You may use our website to learn about our legal services, read informational content, and contact us regarding potential legal matters. You agree to use the website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these terms.

Prohibited Activities: You must not misuse our website. Specifically, you must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems, interfere with the proper functioning of the website, use automated systems or software to extract data without our permission, transmit any harmful code or viruses, or use the website in any way that could damage our reputation or business.

Content Accuracy: While we strive to keep the information on our website accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Website content is provided for general information purposes and should not be relied upon as legal advice for specific situations.

Legal Services and Client Engagement

No Solicitor-Client Relationship: Simply using our website or submitting an enquiry through our contact form does not create a solicitor-client relationship. A formal engagement only begins when we have agreed to act for you and you have accepted our terms of engagement in writing.

Scope of Services: Our legal services are limited to those areas in which we have confirmed our engagement. We specialise in property and real estate law, including residential conveyancing, lease reviews, and property dispute resolution.

Eligibility: Our services are available to individuals and organisations who meet our acceptance criteria. We reserve the right to decline representation if we identify a conflict of interest, lack the necessary expertise, or for other professional reasons.

Geographic Limitations: Our services primarily cover legal matters governed by the laws of England and Wales. We cannot provide advice on matters governed by the laws of other jurisdictions unless specifically agreed.

Fees and Payment Terms

Fee Arrangements: Our fees are set out in our terms of engagement for each matter. We offer various fee structures including fixed fees, hourly rates, and conditional fee arrangements depending on the nature of the work.

Payment Terms: Payment terms will be specified in your engagement letter. We may require an advance payment or retainer before commencing work on your matter.

Disbursements: In addition to our fees, you will be responsible for disbursements, which are costs we incur on your behalf such as Land Registry fees, search fees, and court fees.

Professional Responsibilities and Standards

Regulatory Compliance: We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and comply with the SRA Standards and Regulations, including the Code of Conduct for Solicitors.

Professional Indemnity Insurance: We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by our regulatory body to protect clients in the event of professional negligence.

Confidentiality: We are bound by professional duties of confidentiality. Subject to limited exceptions required by law or professional regulations, we will not disclose your confidential information without your consent.

Service Availability and Modifications

Website Availability: We aim to keep our website accessible at all times, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted availability. We may suspend access for maintenance, updates, or other operational reasons.

Service Changes: We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of our website or services at any time. We will provide reasonable notice of material changes where practicable.

Technical Issues: We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from technical failures, including server downtime, data loss, or communication errors, except where caused by our negligence.

Intellectual Property Rights

Website Content: All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by or licensed to Oakwood Legal and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

Limited License: You may view and print pages from our website for your personal, non-commercial use, subject to these terms. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our website content without our prior written permission.

Trademarks: Oakwood Legal and our logo are trademarks of our firm. You may not use our trademarks without our express written consent.

User Submissions: If you submit content to us through our website (such as through enquiry forms), you grant us a non-exclusive license to use that content for the purpose of responding to your enquiry and providing our services.

Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of these third parties. The inclusion of links does not imply our endorsement of the linked sites.

Limitation of Liability

Website Use: We do not accept liability for any loss arising from your use of our website, reliance on website content, or inability to access the website, except where such loss results from our negligence or breach of statutory duty.

Professional Services: Our liability for professional services is governed by the terms of engagement for each matter and is subject to the limitations set out in those agreements and permitted by law and professional regulations.

Exclusions: To the extent permitted by law, we exclude liability for indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, business interruption, or loss of business opportunities.

Data Protection and Privacy

Your use of our website and services is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. Please review our Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Internal Complaints: If you have a complaint about our services, please contact us in the first instance. We have an internal complaints procedure to address client concerns.

Regulatory Complaints: If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may refer the matter to the Legal Ombudsman or the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to our website if you breach these Terms of Service or engage in conduct that we reasonably believe is harmful to our business or reputation.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of our website will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Changes to Terms

We may revise these Terms of Service from time to time. The updated version will be posted on our website with a new "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us through the contact details provided on our website.