Terms & Conditions

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of Westbrook's legal services and website. By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our services or website.

Definitions

For purposes of these Terms:

• "Services" refers to legal advisory services provided by Westbrook including investment immigration guidance, commercial lease services, and regulatory compliance reviews.
• "Client" or "you" refers to individuals or entities engaging our services or using our website.
• "Firm," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Westbrook and its lawyers.
• "Website" refers to our online presence including all pages and content.
• "Agreement" refers to these Terms and any engagement letter or service agreement between you and Westbrook.

Scope of Services

Legal Services

Westbrook provides legal advisory services in three practice areas: investment immigration programs, commercial lease and property matters, and regulatory compliance reviews. Services are provided by lawyers licensed with the Law Society of British Columbia.

Service Limitations

Services are provided within the scope defined in engagement letters. We do not provide services in areas outside our stated practice focus. Website content is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.

No Solicitor-Client Relationship

Using our website or submitting inquiries does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Such relationships are established only through signed engagement letters after conflict checks and acceptance of representation.

Use of Website

Permitted Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes including learning about our services, submitting inquiries, and accessing informational content. You agree to use the website responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws.

Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction to use our services or submit inquiries through our website.

Information Accuracy

You agree to provide accurate, current information when submitting inquiries or engaging services. Inaccurate information may affect our ability to provide appropriate legal guidance.

Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Violate any Canadian federal, provincial, or local laws or regulations
• Infringe on our intellectual property or that of others
• Transmit harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
• Attempt unauthorized access to our systems or networks
• Engage in fraudulent activities or misrepresentation
• Harass, abuse, or harm others through use of our services
• Use automated systems to access our website excessively
• Collect personal information about other users without consent

Intellectual Property

Ownership

All website content including text, graphics, logos, and software is owned by Westbrook or our licensors and protected by Canadian and international copyright laws.

Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use website content for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our written permission.

Client Documents

Documents and work product prepared for clients remain their property subject to our right to retain copies for professional records as required by Law Society rules.

Fees and Payment

Fee Structure

Services are priced as stated on our website or as outlined in engagement letters. Investment immigration guidance is CAD $2,200, commercial lease services are CAD $680, and regulatory compliance reviews are CAD $1,100. These represent base fees; additional work may incur additional charges.

Payment Terms

Payment terms are specified in engagement letters. Typically, retainers are required before work commences, with final balances due upon completion or as otherwise agreed.

Currency and Taxes

All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD). Applicable taxes including GST/HST will be added to invoices as required by Canadian tax law.

Fee Changes

We may adjust fees periodically. Changes apply to new engagements only unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Service Termination and Refunds

Termination by Client

You may terminate representation at any time by written notice. You remain responsible for fees for work performed through termination date plus reasonable wind-down costs.

Termination by Firm

We may terminate representation with reasonable notice where permitted by Law Society rules, including for non-payment, client misconduct, or conflict of interest.

Refund Policy

Fees for completed work are not refundable. Unused portions of retainers may be refunded after deducting earned fees and expenses. Refund processing typically takes 14 business days.

Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

Service Disclaimer

Legal services are provided "as is" based on information you provide and current understanding of applicable law. We make no warranties about specific outcomes, timelines, or results.

Website Content

Website information is general in nature and may not reflect current legal developments. We do not warrant accuracy, completeness, or currency of website content.

Liability Limitations

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to fees paid for services giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

External Factors

We are not responsible for delays or outcomes resulting from government processing times, third-party actions, force majeure events, or factors outside our reasonable control.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

We encourage addressing concerns directly with us first. Many issues can be resolved through open communication.

Mediation

If informal resolution fails, parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing other remedies. Mediation costs will be shared equally unless otherwise agreed.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of British Columbia courts.

Professional Complaints

You may file professional conduct complaints with the Law Society of British Columbia independently of any dispute resolution process.

General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with engagement letters and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement regarding use of our services and website.

Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver of that provision or any other provision.

Assignment

You may not assign rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations with reasonable notice.

Updates

We may update these Terms periodically. Continued use of services or website after changes indicates acceptance of modified terms.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact: