Contractual terms - Legal Lab

Professional Terms and Conditions of Legal Lab Law Firm

Introduction

These Terms set out the general professional and legal framework governing the relationship between Legal Lab Law Firm for legal practice and legal consultancy, referred to in these Terms as the “Firm”, and any natural or legal person requesting legal or related professional services from the Firm, referred to as the “Client”.

These Terms shall be read together with the engagement letter, fee agreement, power of attorney, or any explicit written or electronic correspondence defining the scope of the requested services, and shall form an integral part thereof. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and any specific written agreement signed or expressly accepted by the parties, the specific agreement shall prevail only to the extent of such conflict.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Lebanese Republic, in particular Law No. 8/70 dated 11 March 1970 regulating the legal profession, as amended, the relevant bar association and internal regulations, the rules of professional conduct and ethics applicable to attorneys, and the professional standards observed by law firms, without prejudice to any mandatory rules or compulsory legal or bar jurisdiction.

Article 1: Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to them below, unless the context expressly requires otherwise:

Firm: Legal Lab Law Firm for legal practice and legal consultancy, including those working within it or on its behalf within the limits of professional and legal authorization.
Client: the natural or legal person expressly identified in the engagement letter, fee agreement, power of attorney, or approved correspondence.
Services: the legal or related professional services defined within the scope of the engagement.
Engagement Letter: any written or electronic document or correspondence accepted by the Firm, defining the scope of services, the fees or the method for determining them, and any special terms.
Fees: the professional legal remuneration due to the Firm or attorney for the services provided or to be provided.
Expenses: the fees, costs, advances, official and non-official charges necessary or useful for the performance of the engagement.
Matter: the case, transaction, project, consultation, or any professional subject handled by the Firm for the Client.
Confidential Information: any information, document, fact, or correspondence accessed by the Firm by reason of or in connection with the engagement, regardless of its form or method of storage or transmission.
Client Funds: any amounts or financial rights received or temporarily held by the Firm for the account of the Client or a third party within the limits of the engagement, the law, and professional ethics.

Article 2: Establishment of the Professional Relationship and Acceptance of the Engagement

The professional relationship between the Firm and the Client shall arise only upon the Firm’s express acceptance, whether by an engagement letter, a fee agreement, a power of attorney, a clear email, or the actual commencement of work after the parties have agreed the scope of services.
An introductory meeting, the exchange of documents, a request for a preliminary opinion, or the submission of information to the Firm shall not constitute final acceptance of the engagement unless the Firm expressly confirms such acceptance.
The Firm may refuse any engagement, or decline to commence or continue it, if a legal, professional, bar-related, or ethical impediment exists, if the required due diligence and compliance procedures are not completed, or if the Firm determines that the engagement is inconsistent with its professional independence, resources, or legitimate priorities.
Information received by the Firm during the preliminary review stage shall remain subject to professional confidentiality to the extent required by law and professional ethics, even if the engagement is not subsequently accepted, provided that such confidentiality does not conflict with compliance obligations or any legal duty to disclose.

Article 3: Identification of the Client and Scope of Representation

The Firm’s representation shall be limited to the person or entity expressly identified as the Client in the engagement letter, fee agreement, power of attorney, or relevant official correspondence.
If the Client is a company, institution, association, investment fund, group of companies, or any other legal entity, the Firm’s representation shall be limited to that legal entity as identified in the engagement and shall not automatically extend to shareholders, partners, managers, directors, board members, subsidiaries, sister companies, affiliates, employees, controlling persons, or beneficial owners, unless a separate written agreement is concluded with each of them where appropriate.
No party other than the identified Client may rely on the services, opinions, correspondence, or documents issued by the Firm unless the Firm gives its written consent to such reliance.
Where several clients are involved in one Matter, the nature of their relationship, the manner in which instructions are given, the scope of confidentiality and information sharing among them, and their liability for fees and expenses shall be defined in the engagement letter or in a separate written agreement.

Article 4: Scope and Limits of Legal Services

The Firm shall provide the agreed legal services within the scope of the engagement defined for each Matter, case, transaction, project, or consultation.
The Services shall not include any additional work, separate matter, review, challenge, precautionary or protective measure, negotiation, enforcement, appeal, cassation, arbitration, mediation, or follow-up with administrative, regulatory, or tax authorities or before any other authority, unless expressly agreed in writing or by clear and unambiguous correspondence.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, the Firm’s Services shall not include tax, accounting, financial, engineering, technical, investment, or other specialized non-legal professional advice, even if related to the Matter, and it is advisable, where appropriate, to seek assistance from specialists.
Whenever the interests of the Matter so require, the Firm may recommend the engagement of an expert, sworn translator, accountant, specialized consultant, investigation office, technical service provider, or any other professional party, provided that the Client shall bear the cost after approving it where such cost is substantial or not included in the agreed Fees.
The Firm shall not be liable for providing advice or taking actions outside the defined scope, and no informal clarification or incomplete opinion regarding a matter outside the engagement shall be deemed a full professional obligation unless agreed upon or unless an explicit consultation is requested in that regard.

Article 5: The Professional Team and Internal Work

The Firm may allocate work internally among partners, counsel, trainee attorneys, legal researchers, qualified staff, and administrative team members, subject to professional confidentiality and necessary supervision.
Legal work shall remain subject to appropriate professional supervision by a duly registered senior attorney before the competent Bar Association, and the internal allocation of tasks shall not prejudice the Firm’s obligations toward the Client within the limits of law and professional ethics.
Assigning certain tasks to trainee attorneys or support team members shall not alter the responsibility of the supervising senior attorney or the Firm’s obligations toward the Client.
Where appropriate, the Firm may collaborate with independent law firms inside or outside Lebanon or with external legal advisors, in accordance with conflict of interest and professional confidentiality rules, after informing the Client and provided that no substantial additional cost is incurred by the Client without the Client’s consent.

Article 6: Professional Care, Independence, and Non-Guarantee of Results

The Firm shall exercise customary and specialized professional care in performing its Services, in accordance with the law, the ethics of the legal profession, and the requirements of honor, integrity, and probity.
The Firm’s obligation is an obligation to exercise professional care and not an obligation to achieve any specific judicial, administrative, commercial, or financial outcome. No preliminary assessment of prospects of success, risk assessment, or initial analysis shall constitute a guarantee of result.
The attorney shall retain professional independence in determining the legal means appropriate to the nature of the Matter and shall not be bound by instructions that violate the law, professional conscience, professional ethics, public order, or the Client’s legitimate interests as professionally assessed by the attorney.
Whenever appropriate and in the Client’s interest and within the limits of the power of attorney and engagement, the Firm may seek settlement, reconciliation, or alternative dispute resolution, including mediation or arbitration where appropriate, without entering into any settlement, waiver, or binding agreement on behalf of the Client except with the Client’s written consent or within the limits of an express power of attorney.

Article 7: Professional Confidentiality

The Firm shall maintain the confidentiality of information, documents, and facts accessed by reason of or in connection with the provision of legal services, in accordance with the Law Regulating the Legal Profession and the rules of professional ethics.
The duty of confidentiality shall extend to attorneys, workers, employees, and collaborators of the Firm and shall remain in force after the professional relationship ends or is interrupted for any reason.
Client information may not be disclosed except were permitted or required by law or bar regulations, with the Client’s written consent, or to the extent necessary to defend the rights of the Firm or the attorney in the event of a dispute, complaint, or claim, without exceeding what is strictly necessary and subject to the provisions of the legal profession law and the competent Bar Association.
The Firm shall not be required to accept any engagement that would require it to disclose a professional secret or use protected information in a manner contrary to law or professional ethics, and it may refuse the engagement or withdraw whenever continuing would threaten confidentiality or expose it to a breach of its professional duties.

Article 8: Conflict of Interest

Before accepting an engagement and, where appropriate, during its performance, the Firm shall conduct a professional conflict-of-interest review in accordance with reasonable and practicable standards.
The Client shall provide the Firm with the names of all parties relevant to the Matter, including adversaries, partners, subsidiaries or related companies, beneficial owners, key witnesses, counterparties, and any parties that may affect the conflict assessment.
If the Firm becomes aware of a past or present relationship with another party or of an interest that may affect the independence of representation, the Firm shall assess the situation in accordance with law and professional ethics and shall disclose to the Client what may be disclosed without breaching any professional secret or legal duty toward third parties.
The Firm shall not accept the representation of conflicting interests in a manner contrary to law or professional ethics. If an actual or material conflict arises during the engagement, the Firm may, after informing the Client to the extent professionally possible, refrain from continuing to represent one or both parties or withdraw in accordance with established procedures and in a manner that minimizes immediate harm to the Client’s interests as far as possible.
Where law and professional ethics permit the representation of multiple parties in one matter, the Firm may do so provided that it makes written disclosure of the nature of its role, the scope of confidentiality, and any potential conflict, obtains express written consent from each relevant party, and reserves the right to withdraw from representing one or more parties if the conflict escalates or becomes professionally unacceptable.
The mere fact that the Firm has provided past or present services to another party shall not, in itself, prevent acceptance of the engagement unless an actual or potential material conflict exists and is not permitted under professional or bar rules.

Article 9: Client Information, Documents, and Cooperation

The Client shall provide the Firm with all relevant information, documents, and facts in a complete, accurate, organized, and timely manner, including information that may appear insignificant to the Client but may have legal relevance.
The Client shall be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information and documents provided, and the Firm shall not be required to verify them except to the extent required by professional diligence, the nature of the engagement, and the reasonable time and resources available.
The Client shall promptly and reliably inform the Firm of any new fact, document, action, notice, communication, deadline, agreement, or settlement offer that may affect the Matter.
The Client shall designate one or more persons authorized to communicate with the Firm if the Client is a legal entity or if the nature of the Matter so requires, specifying the scope of authorization where appropriate.
The Firm shall not be liable for any damage, missed deadline, deterioration of legal position, or increase in cost resulting from concealment of information, provision of inaccurate or misleading information, delay in delivering necessary documents, instructions, fees, or advances, or failure to respond within a reasonable time.

Article 10: Legitimate Instructions and Deadlines

The Client shall provide clear, lawful, and timely instructions and may not request the Firm to use methods that are unlawful, unprofessional, contrary to legal ethics, or contrary to public order.
The Firm shall not be required to take any judicial, administrative, negotiation, or urgent action unless it has received the necessary instructions, documents, powers of attorney, fees, and advances within a timeframe that professionally allows adequate preparation and performance.
If the matter involves a limitation period, time bar, appeal, or urgent proceeding, the Client shall clearly notify the Firm in writing of the date of service or of the event triggering the deadline, immediately provide all documents, and allow the Firm a reasonable period for preparation.
The Client acknowledges that certain statutory or judicial deadlines are mandatory and cannot be extended, and that any delay in providing the Firm with the necessary information, documents, powers of attorney, or advances may prevent the Firm from taking action in a timely manner, without the Firm being liable for such delay within the above limits.

Article 11: Determination of Fees

Fees shall, to the extent possible, be determined by a clear written agreement, based on the nature of the Matter, its value, complexity, expected professional time, required expertise, associated responsibility, urgency, intended practical outcome, and the Client’s known financial capacity where applicable, while observing the principle of reasonableness in accordance with the law regulating the legal profession and professional ethics.
Fees may be fixed for the entire work or a phase thereof, staged according to specific phases, monthly or periodic for ongoing follow-up, hourly according to agreed schedules, mixed by combining more than one method, or include lawful additional success fees within the limits set out below.
Success fees shall be effective only if they are set out in writing in a clear and specific manner, are additional to basic fees for actual and lawful professional work, do not violate the law, professional ethics, or public order, and do not constitute an unlawful waiver of part of the right in dispute or an unlawful participation therein in a manner contrary to the rules of the legal profession.
Unless a fixed cap is expressly agreed, any preliminary estimates of fees, duration, volume of work, or prospects of success shall be approximate and non-binding and may be adjusted depending on the development of facts, proceedings, positions of opponents or authorities, or the scope of the engagement.
The Firm may request an advance or payments on account before or during the work, and such advances shall be credited against the due Fees or Expenses according to their nature and as agreed by the parties.
In the absence of a written fee agreement, reference shall be made, where appropriate, to the applicable legal and bar rules governing the determination of attorneys’ fees, including the practice of the Bar Association and the competent courts.

Article 12: Expenses and Fees

In addition to Fees, the Client shall bear all expenses, charges, and costs related to the Matter, including, without limitation, court and official fees, registration fees, fees and advances of experts, translators, notaries, arbitrators and mediators, service of process, transportation, travel, copying, certification, postage, collection, electronic and official services, and any expenses necessary or useful for the performance of the engagement.
Fees do not include taxes, duties, stamps, official charges, or any other burdens imposed by law or by competent authorities, and such amounts shall, where applicable, be added to the amounts borne by the Client.
The Firm may refrain from paying any charge or expense from its own funds unless expressly agreed otherwise. If the Firm pays amounts on behalf of the Client, the Client shall reimburse them within a reasonable period agreed upon or specified in the invoice.
The Firm may request specific advances to cover anticipated charges and expenses before taking the required actions, and may suspend such actions until the advances are secured within a reasonable professional timeframe.

Article 13: Billing and Payment

The Firm shall issue periodic, interim, or final invoices depending on the nature of the work and the parties’ agreement, including, to the extent possible, a brief description of the main work performed or the period covered.
An invoice shall be due within fifteen days from its issuance or notification to the Client or to the Client’s approved address or email, unless a different payment term is agreed in writing.
Failure to submit a written and reasoned objection to the invoice within fifteen days from notification shall be deemed acceptance of its content in principle, without prejudice to the rights of both parties under law and bar regulations to seek review of fee assessment before the competent authorities.
In the event of substantial delay in payment, the Firm may, after notifying the Client and in a manner that does not unlawfully prejudice the Client’s urgent interests, suspend work on the Matter in whole or in part, refrain from taking additional actions that are not legally required at a minimum, or withdraw from representation in accordance with legal and bar procedures and available timeframes, while informing the Client to the extent possible so that the Client may secure alternative representation.
The Firm’s Fees or Expenses may not be deducted from funds belonging to the Client or deposited for the Client’s account with the Firm or with a third party except on the basis of the Client’s clear written consent or a valid legal, judicial, or bar basis, subject to the rules of professional integrity, Client funds, the provisions of the law regulating the legal profession, and the internal regulations of the competent Bar Association.

Article 14: Client Funds

The Firm shall handle any funds belonging to the Client or to third parties in a fiduciary capacity within the limits of the engagement, the law, and professional ethics, whether such funds are realized amounts, advances, collected amounts, or amounts temporarily deposited.
The Firm shall not be considered a bank or a custodian of funds and shall not retain Client Funds longer than required for professional, legal, or compliance purposes. Such funds shall be delivered, transferred, or deposited in accordance with proper procedures and through verifiable records, receipts, or bank transfers.
The Client shall provide accurate and lawful banking details and documents concerning the source of funds or the beneficial owner upon request for compliance, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing purposes, or other banking and regulatory requirements.
In the event of a serious dispute regarding ownership of funds or the Firm’s entitlement to its Fees therefrom, the Firm may take the necessary legal measures, including depositing the disputed funds with the competent authority, notifying the competent Bar Association, or complying with its instructions, while preserving its right to claim Fees in accordance with established procedures.

Article 15: Original Documents and Working File

Original documents delivered by the Client to the Firm shall remain the Client’s property and shall be returned to the Client upon request or when no longer needed, in accordance with proper procedures and in a manner that does not prejudice the progress of proceedings, legal or bar obligations, or evidence-preservation requirements.

The Firm may retain paper or electronic copies of documents, correspondence, and work that it has prepared or received for professional, archival, evidentiary, and compliance purposes, including defending itself in the event of a dispute or claim.
The return of original documents or delivery of the paper or electronic file to the Client or to another attorney shall not prejudice the Firm’s right to claim due Fees and Expenses through the appropriate legal and professional channels.
The Firm may archive files electronically, adopt digital storage systems, and take reasonable measures to protect data and information from loss or unauthorized access, in accordance with applicable laws, particularly Electronic Transactions and Personal Data Law No. 81/2018 where applicable.
After a reasonable professional period and in accordance with applicable laws and bar regulations, the Firm may destroy non-original copies or closed files that no longer need to be retained, unless the Client requests in writing that they be retained for a longer period and agrees to bear the reasonable cost thereof where applicable.

Article 16: Professional Communication and Notifications

The Firm shall use the means of communication specified by the parties or actually used by them, including email, telephone, messaging applications, video meetings, or professional or secure electronic platforms, within the limits deemed appropriate by the Firm in terms of security and confidentiality.
Correspondence sent from addresses, numbers, or accounts provided by the Client to the Firm shall be deemed valid and effective for professional and contractual purposes until the Client notifies the Firm in writing of any change and allows the Firm a reasonable period to adopt such change.
The Client shall immediately update its contact details, and the Firm shall not be liable for any damage arising from inaccurate details, delay in updating them, or any technical impediment beyond the Firm’s reasonable control.
The Client acknowledges that electronic communication, despite its practical benefits, may involve technical and security risks such as interception, hacking, loss, or delay, and agrees to its use unless the Client requests in writing the use of more restrictive or secure means, while acknowledging the impact of such request on cost, speed, and feasibility.
Professional or contractual means of communication shall not replace mandatory judicial or administrative service requirements where such requirements are legally applicable.

Article 17: Data Protection and Privacy

The Firm shall process the Client’s data, documents, and correspondence to the extent necessary to provide legal services, manage the professional relationship, comply with laws, regulations, bar and accounting obligations, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements, and for legitimate archiving purposes.
The Firm shall take reasonable professional measures to protect data from unauthorized access, loss, or unlawful disclosure, taking into account the nature of the technologies used and the risks generally recognized in the profession.
The Firm may use trusted technical, administrative, archival, or accounting service providers or external contractors where necessary, provided that appropriate precautions are taken to maintain confidentiality and compliance to the extent permitted by the nature of the service.
To the extent permitted by Law No. 81/2018 and other relevant laws, the Client may request access to personal data and correction of inaccurate data, within the limits and procedures established by law and without prejudice to professional confidentiality, third-party rights, or legal or bar retention obligations.
The Client may not record meetings or calls with the Firm or any of its attorneys or employees, publish correspondence, legal opinions, memoranda, or excerpts thereof, or use them outside the purpose for which they were prepared, without the Firm’s prior written consent, unless otherwise required by law or ordered by a competent authority.

Article 18: Compliance and Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Before or during the engagement, the Firm may request documents relating to identity, legal capacity, authorization, beneficial ownership, source of funds, actual business activity, or any documents necessary for due diligence and compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including Bar Association regulations and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules.
The Client shall not use the Firm’s Services for any unlawful purpose, to conceal the source of funds, circumvent the law, sanctions, or regulatory restrictions, carry out fictitious transactions, or harm the rights of others or public order.
The Firm may refuse, suspend, or terminate the professional relationship if the Client fails to provide the required documents or clarifications, if there are serious indications of a breach of law, regulations, or professional ethics, or if the Firm determines, in its independent professional judgment, that continuing the engagement may expose it to liability or violate its bar or legal duties.
In certain legally defined cases, the Firm may be required to take actions or make reports to competent authorities in connection with anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, or other compliance obligations, within the limits established by law, without such action being considered an unlawful breach of professional confidentiality.
The Firm shall not be required to disclose to the Client any internal procedure or compliance assessment if such disclosure would violate the law, confidentiality requirements, or professional duties, or could jeopardize ongoing investigations or required reports.

Article 19: Dealings with Opposing Parties, Colleagues, and Official Authorities

In dealing with judges, colleagues, adversaries, public administrations, and official, semi-official, and private entities, the Firm shall observe the requirements of honor, integrity, probity, professional decorum, and respect for the judiciary, colleagues, and adversaries, in accordance with the rules of professional conduct.
If the opposing party is represented by an attorney, communications, correspondence, and negotiations relating to the subject matter of the dispute shall be conducted through that attorney or as permitted by law and professional ethics. The Firm shall not contact the opposing party directly regarding the subject matter of the dispute except were permitted by professional rules or where the absence of legal representation is confirmed.
The Client may not request the Firm to communicate in an unprofessional manner with an opposing party represented by an attorney, exert unlawful pressure on any party, use language, documents, or means that undermine the dignity of the profession, justice, or privacy, or use any means of fraud, threat, coercion, or misrepresentation.
The Firm shall refrain from introducing personal matters, offensive language, or anything that undermines dignity into briefs, correspondence, or pleadings, and reserves the right to refuse any Client instruction that violates these standards, with the right to withdraw if the Client insists on conduct contrary to professional ethics.

Article 20: Limits on Reliance on Opinions and Documents

Legal opinions, memoranda, and advice issued by the Firm shall be based on the facts, documents, laws, case law, and practices available as at the date of preparation, and the conclusions or recommendations may change if these elements subsequently change.
No opinion, memorandum, contract, or document prepared by the Firm may be used for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared and for the benefit of the identified Client, unless the Firm agrees otherwise in writing.
The Firm shall not be liable for the use of its opinion or documents outside the agreed scope of engagement, by a third party who has not been identified as a Client and has not obtained the Firm’s written consent, or after a change in relevant facts, texts, case law, circumstances, or regulatory conditions without the Firm being instructed to update or review its opinion or memorandum.

Article 21: Intellectual Property and Professional Confidentiality

Templates, drafts, contracts, methodologies, studies, memoranda, research, legal opinions, and internal work methods prepared or developed by the Firm shall remain protected by the Firm’s professional and intellectual property rights, subject to the Client’s right to use them for the purpose defined in the engagement.
The Firm’s professional work may not be copied, published, sold, reused outside the agreed purpose, delivered, or made available to third parties except with the Firm’s prior written consent or where an explicit legal or judicial duty exists.
The foregoing shall not prevent the Firm from using accumulated expertise and general forms that do not identify the Client or the facts of the Client’s Matter for the benefit of other matters, provided that professional confidentiality is respected and no data is disclosed that could identify the Client or the Client’s Matter.

Article 22: Scope of Professional Liability

The Firm’s liability, where legally established, shall be limited to direct and proven damage resulting from a proven professional fault within the scope of the engagement, to the extent that the law permits such liability to be excluded or limited.
The Firm shall not be liable, except to the extent that such liability cannot be excluded by law or is expressly determined by a competent authority, for indirect or consequential losses, loss of a potential business or contractual opportunity, loss of future profits or business reputation, or any damage arising from commercial, financial, or administrative decisions taken by the Client or a third party based on considerations beyond the legal advice itself.
The Firm shall not be liable for acts or omissions of any expert, translator, consultant, or independent third party selected by the Client or whose engagement the Client approves, without prejudice to the Firm’s duty of care in recommending or coordinating where appropriate and within the limits of the role actually undertaken by the Firm.
The Firm shall not be liable for the consequences of changes in laws, case law, administrative or regulatory practices, or relevant facts occurring after an opinion has been provided, an action taken, or a document prepared, unless the Firm has been expressly instructed in writing to update the opinion or provide ongoing monitoring and inform the Client of developments.
No provision of these Terms shall be interpreted as excluding liability that may not be excluded under law or professional ethics.

Article 23: Termination of the Engagement by the Client

The Client may terminate the engagement in writing at any time, subject to any timeframes, procedures, and legal, judicial, or bar consequences arising therefrom, and provided that the Client bears the consequences of such decision on the course of the Matter or dispute.
The Client shall pay Fees and Expenses due up to the date of termination, including completed work, work undertaken by the Firm for the Client’s benefit, and any contractual obligations entered into by the Firm for the Client’s benefit before termination.
Termination of the engagement shall not affect rights accrued to the Firm before the termination date, including the right to claim Fees and Expenses in accordance with the agreement, law, and professional ethics, and the right to refer any fee dispute to the competent bar or judicial authorities.

Article 24: Withdrawal or Termination of the Engagement by the Firm

The Firm may withdraw or terminate the professional relationship where a legitimate or professional reason exists, including, without limitation, a material loss of mutual trust, inability to cooperate or breakdown of effective communication with the Client, substantial failure to pay Fees, Expenses, or advances despite notice, failure to provide necessary documents, instructions, or powers of attorney, a request by the Client to use unlawful means or means contrary to professional ethics, the emergence of an actual or potential conflict of interest that is professionally unacceptable, or the existence of a legal, bar-related, ethical, or compliance reason requiring withdrawal.
Upon withdrawal, the Firm shall take the professionally necessary and reasonable steps to avoid immediate harm to the Client’s interests, within the limits of law, professional ethics, and available timeframes, including notifying the Client of the withdrawal by the agreed or available means and attempting to provide a reasonable period for the Client to appoint another attorney where possible.
After termination of the relationship, the Firm shall not be required to take any new action, attend any hearing, file any appeal, or follow up on any transaction, unless the parties agree in writing and the necessary Fees, charges, and advances have been settled, or unless required by law or the competent Bar Association within the prescribed limits.

Article 25: Force Majeure and Circumstances Beyond Control

The Firm shall not be liable for any delay or inability to perform some or all of its professional obligations resulting from a cause beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, natural disasters, wars, security disturbances or riots, general or sectoral strikes, widespread electricity, telecommunications or internet outages, malfunction of electronic systems or judicial or administrative platforms, epidemics or pandemics, exceptional official decisions or measures, closure of public administrations or courts, serious sudden illness, force majeure events, or any similar force majeure or exceptional circumstance, provided that the Firm shall use reasonable professional efforts to mitigate the impact on the Client’s interests where possible and inform the Client to the extent available.

Article 26: Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and any professional relationship arising from or related to them shall be governed by Lebanese law, including the law regulating the legal profession and relevant bar regulations.
With respect to any dispute concerning Fees, professional practice, or the relationship between an attorney and client, the powers and procedures established by law and by the competent Bar Association, the Bar President, the Bar Council, and the relevant disciplinary or judicial authorities shall be observed, depending on the nature of the dispute and the attorney’s place of registration.
Subject to the mandatory jurisdiction of the Bar Association or disciplinary or regulatory bodies, the Lebanese courts having territorial and subject-matter jurisdiction shall have jurisdiction over civil or commercial disputes arising from these Terms or from the Services provided by the Firm, unless an alternative method is agreed within legal and professional limits.
The parties may agree in writing to mediation, arbitration, or any alternative means of dispute resolution regarding certain aspects of their relationship, other than matters falling mandatorily within the jurisdiction of the Bar Association or disciplinary or regulatory authorities, where such agreement is legally and professionally permissible and does not conflict with public order or mandatory jurisdiction.

Article 27: Entire Agreement, Amendments, and Severability

These Terms shall form an integral part of any engagement letter, power of attorney, fee agreement, or contractual correspondence between the Firm and the Client and shall supplement them unless a specific contrary provision is set out in a written agreement between the parties within the limits permitted by the law regulating the legal profession and professional ethics.
If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part for any legal, bar-related, or judicial reason, the remaining provisions shall remain in force to the extent permitted by law, and the invalid provision may, where possible, be replaced or amended by a provision that most closely reflects its original purpose and complies with mandatory rules.
The Firm’s failure or delay in exercising any right shall not be deemed a waiver thereof, nor shall the waiver of any right constitute an implied waiver of any other right, and no temporary tolerance may be interpreted as a permanent amendment of the relationship except by express written agreement.
The Firm may update these Terms from time to time to reflect legal, bar-related, or professional developments, and the updated version shall apply to future work after the Client has been notified thereof, after it has been published through the Firm’s approved channels, or after it has been attached to a new engagement, without prejudice to rights acquired in relation to prior work except by agreement of the parties or as determined by the competent authorities.

Article 28: Prevailing Version and Translation

The Arabic version of these Terms shall prevail for interpretation and application unless the parties agree in writing to adopt another version within legally and professionally permissible limits.
The English version is a matching translation of the Arabic version for convenience and understanding, and in the event of any discrepancy, ambiguity, or difference in interpretation, the Arabic text shall prevail.
The existence of both Arabic and s shall not be interpreted as creating duplicate or conflicting obligations; they shall be construed as one instrument, with the Arabic text prevailing in case of conflict.

Client Acknowledgment

By signing the engagement letter, fee agreement, power of attorney, or any other written or electronic acceptance document, or by giving the Firm explicit instructions to commence work after these Terms have been made available to the Client by any appropriate means, the Client acknowledges that the Client:

has reviewed these Terms and understands their content and scope;
has agreed to them freely and in a manner that does not conflict with any mandatory rules;
understands that they constitute the general framework governing the Client’s professional relationship with the Firm, unless a specific matter is excluded by a separate written agreement; and
understands that the Firm’s professional obligation is an obligation to exercise professional care and not an obligation to guarantee any specific outcome.