Terms and Conditions
1. Introduction and Acceptance
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of legal services provided by Hermes Legal (“we,” “our,” “us,” or “the Company”) and your access to our website. By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services or website. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Hermes Legal.
2. About Our Services
2.1 Immigration Legal Services
Hermes Legal provides comprehensive UK immigration legal services including:
- Visa applications and renewals
- Immigration appeals and judicial reviews
- Asylum and protection claims
- Business immigration and sponsor licenses
- Family reunion and settlement applications
- British citizenship and naturalization
- Immigration compliance and advisory services
2.2 Professional Standards
Our services are provided in accordance with:
- UK immigration law and regulations
- Professional conduct rules and standards
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements (where applicable)
- Immigration and Asylum Chamber procedures
3. Client Responsibilities
3.1 Information Provision
You agree to:
- Provide complete, accurate, and truthful information
- Disclose all relevant facts, including adverse information
- Provide required documentation in a timely manner
- Notify us immediately of any changes in circumstances
- Respond promptly to our requests for information
3.2 Compliance and Cooperation
You must:
- Comply with all UK immigration laws and regulations
- Attend meetings and appointments as scheduled
- Follow our professional advice and recommendations
- Maintain confidentiality of case strategy and sensitive information
- Respect our staff and maintain professional conduct
4. Fees and Payment Terms
4.1 Fee Structure
Our fees may be charged on the following basis:
- Fixed Fees: Agreed upfront for specific services
- Hourly Rates: Time-based billing for complex matters
- Government Fees: Official application fees (non-refundable)
- Disbursements: Third-party costs (translations, medical exams, etc.)
4.2 Payment Terms
- Initial consultation fees are payable in advance
- Fixed fees or deposits are required before commencing work
- Government fees must be paid before application submission
- Monthly invoices for ongoing matters are due within 14 days
- Outstanding payments may result in suspension of services
4.3 Refund Policy
Refunds are subject to the following conditions:
- Government and third-party fees are non-refundable
- Legal fees for completed work are non-refundable
- Unused retainer fees may be refunded upon case completion
- Refunds are processed within 30 business days
- Refund requests must be made in writing
5. Scope of Services and Limitations
5.1 Legal Advice Limitations
Our services are limited to:
- UK immigration law matters only
- Advice based on current law at the time given
- Information and documentation provided by clients
- Professional opinion, not guaranteed outcomes
5.2 No Guarantee of Success
We cannot guarantee:
- Approval of any visa or immigration application
- Specific timelines for government decisions
- Success in appeals or judicial review proceedings
- Particular outcomes in immigration matters
5.3 Government Processing
We are not responsible for:
- Delays in government processing times
- Changes in immigration rules or policies
- Government errors or administrative mistakes
- Third-party service provider delays
6. Confidentiality and Data Protection
6.1 Client Confidentiality
We maintain strict confidentiality regarding:
- All client information and case details
- Personal circumstances and immigration history
- Legal advice and strategy discussions
- Documentation and evidence provided
6.2 Data Protection Compliance
We process personal data in accordance with:
- UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Our Privacy Policy (available separately)
- Professional confidentiality obligations
7. Communication and Instructions
7.1 Communication Methods
We communicate via:
- Email (primary method)
- Telephone calls and meetings
- Secure client portals
- Post (when required)
7.2 Response Times
We aim to respond to:
- Urgent matters: Within 24 hours
- Standard inquiries: Within 2-3 business days
- Complex matters: Within 5 business days
- Non-urgent matters: Within 7 business days
8. Termination of Services
8.1 Client Termination
You may terminate our services by:
- Providing written notice via email or post
- Settling all outstanding fees and costs
- Allowing reasonable time for case handover
- Providing alternative representation details (if required)
8.2 Company Termination
We may terminate services if:
- Fees remain unpaid after reasonable notice
- Client provides false or misleading information
- Professional conduct rules prevent continuation
- Conflict of interest arises
- Client fails to cooperate or follow advice
8.3 Post-Termination
Upon termination:
- All outstanding fees become immediately due
- Client files will be returned upon request
- Confidentiality obligations continue indefinitely
- We may retain copies for regulatory compliance
9. Liability and Indemnification
9.1 Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited to:
- Direct losses resulting from our negligence
- Maximum of fees paid for the specific matter
- Professional indemnity insurance coverage limits
We are not liable for:
- Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
- Government decisions or processing delays
- Third-party actions or omissions
- Changes in immigration law or policy
- Client’s failure to follow advice
9.2 Professional Indemnity
We maintain professional indemnity insurance covering:
- Professional negligence claims
- Minimum coverage as required by law
- Run-off coverage for past matters
10. Website Terms
10.1 Website Usage
Our website is provided for:
- Information about our services
- General immigration guidance
- Client portal access
- Appointment booking
10.2 Content Disclaimer
Website content:
- Is for general information only
- Does not constitute legal advice
- May not reflect current law
- Should not be relied upon for decisions
- Requires verification for specific cases
10.3 Intellectual Property
All website content is protected by:
- Copyright and trademark laws
- Intellectual property rights
- Unauthorized use is prohibited
- Limited personal use permission granted
11. Complaints and Disputes
11.1 Internal Complaints
If dissatisfied with our services:
- Contact us immediately in writing
- We will investigate within 14 days
- Formal response provided within 21 days
- Senior partner review if required
11.2 External Complaints
You may also complain to:
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (if applicable)
- Legal Ombudsman (for service complaints)
- Immigration Services Commissioner
- Professional regulatory bodies
11.3 Dispute Resolution
Disputes will be resolved through:
- Direct negotiation and mediation
- Professional arbitration (if agreed)
- English courts (as final resort)
- UK law jurisdiction
12. General Provisions
12.1 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by:
- English and Welsh law
- English court jurisdiction
- UK regulatory framework
12.2 Amendments
We may update these Terms:
- To reflect legal changes
- To improve service delivery
- With reasonable notice to clients
- Posted on our website with revision date
12.3 Severability
If any provision is invalid:
- Remaining Terms remain in effect
- Invalid provisions will be modified minimally
- Overall agreement continues
12.4 Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays caused by:
- Natural disasters or emergencies
- Government actions or policy changes
- Technology failures beyond our control
- Other circumstances beyond reasonable control
13. Contact Information
13.1 General Inquiries
13.2 Emergency Contact
For urgent immigration matters outside office hours, please email with “URGENT” in the subject line. We will respond as soon as possible during the next business day.
By engaging our services or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These Terms work in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and any specific service agreements.
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