Terms of Business
Effective date: January 2026
1. Introduction
These Terms of Business set out the basis on which Defamation Guard Law Firm ("the Firm", "we", "us") will provide legal services to you ("the Client"). By instructing us, you agree to be bound by these terms unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2. Regulatory Information
Defamation Guard Law Firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We are bound by the SRA Standards and Regulations, which can be accessed at www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations. Our SRA registration number is displayed in the footer of this website.
3. Scope of Services
The scope of work we undertake on your behalf will be set out in a separate engagement letter or client care letter issued at the start of your matter. We will not act outside the agreed scope without your prior written consent.
4. Client Obligations
You agree to:
- Provide us with clear, complete, and accurate instructions and information
- Respond promptly to our requests for information or documents
- Inform us immediately of any change in your circumstances relevant to your matter
- Pay our invoices in accordance with the agreed payment terms
- Comply with any directions from the court or regulatory body
5. Fees and Payment
Our fees will be set out in your engagement letter. Unless otherwise agreed, we charge on a time-spent basis at the hourly rates applicable to the solicitors and staff working on your matter. VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate.
We may require payment on account before commencing work. Interim invoices may be rendered monthly or at key stages. Final invoices are payable within 30 days of the invoice date.
We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue invoices at the rate of 4% above the Bank of England base rate.
Where a No Win No Fee (Conditional Fee Agreement) or Damages-Based Agreement has been agreed, the specific terms will be set out in a separate written agreement.
6. Disbursements
In the course of your matter, we may incur expenses on your behalf ("disbursements"), such as court fees, counsel's fees, expert fees, and search fees. These will be charged to you in addition to our professional fees.
7. Confidentiality
We are bound by a duty of confidentiality to you. We will not disclose information relating to your matter to third parties without your consent, except where required by law, regulatory obligation, or court order.
8. Data Protection
We will process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
9. Conflicts of Interest
We have procedures in place to identify and manage conflicts of interest. If a conflict arises that we cannot manage appropriately, we will inform you promptly and may need to cease acting for you.
10. Limitation of Liability
Our liability for any loss arising from the provision of our services shall be limited in accordance with the terms set out in your engagement letter. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.
11. Termination
You may terminate our retainer at any time by giving written notice. We may also terminate our retainer in certain circumstances, including where there has been a breakdown in the solicitor-client relationship, where you fail to provide adequate instructions, or where our fees remain unpaid.
Upon termination, you will be liable for any fees and disbursements incurred up to the date of termination.
12. Complaints
We are committed to providing a high standard of service. If you are dissatisfied, please refer to our Complaints Procedure.
13. Governing Law
These Terms of Business are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any dispute arising out of or in connection with these terms.
14. Contact
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us at help@defamationguardlaw.com.