Terms of Service

Welcome to Gorikaya Chechevitsa. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and the legal services we provide. By accessing our website or engaging our legal services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before using our services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using our website at gorikaya-chechevitsa.com (the "Website") or engaging our legal services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. About Our Services

Gorikaya Chechevitsa is a Canadian law firm specializing in legal services for online transactions, including:

• Digital contract review and drafting
• Cybersecurity compliance consulting
• E-commerce legal support
• Payment processing law advice
• Online transaction regulatory compliance
• Privacy law and data protection services

3. No Attorney-Client Relationship

3.1 Website Use

Your use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Gorikaya Chechevitsa. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

3.2 Establishing Representation

An attorney-client relationship is established only when:

• We have conducted a conflicts check and confirmed we can represent you
• We have executed a written retainer agreement
• You have been formally accepted as a client
• Any required retainer fees have been paid

3.3 Consultation Disclaimer

Initial consultations or communications do not automatically create an attorney-client relationship. We reserve the right to decline representation for any reason, including conflicts of interest, capacity limitations, or other professional considerations.

4. Use of Website

4.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes only, including:

• Learning about our legal services
• Reading our blog articles and legal insights
• Contacting us for potential legal representation
• Subscribing to our newsletter

4.2 Prohibited Use

You agree not to use our website for:

• Any unlawful purpose or activity
• Transmitting spam, chain letters, or unsolicited communications
• Uploading viruses, malware, or harmful code
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Infringing on intellectual property rights
• Harassing, threatening, or defaming others
• Collecting personal information without consent

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Our Content

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Gorikaya Chechevitsa or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

5.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website for personal and business purposes consistent with these Terms. This license does not include:

• Modification, distribution, or reproduction of content
• Commercial use without our written permission
• Creation of derivative works
• Reverse engineering or decompiling our software

5.3 User Content

Any information, comments, or materials you submit through our website remain your property, but you grant us a license to use such content for providing our services and improving our website.

6. Information Accuracy and Disclaimers

6.1 General Information

The information on our website is provided for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep information current and accurate, we make no representations or warranties about:

• The completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information
• The suitability of information for any particular purpose
• The currentness of legal information or requirements
• The applicability of information to your specific situation

6.2 Legal Information vs. Legal Advice

Our blog articles and website content provide general legal information, not legal advice. Legal advice requires analysis of specific facts and circumstances. You should not rely on general information as a substitute for professional legal counsel.

6.3 No Guarantee of Outcomes

We cannot guarantee the results of any legal matter. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Legal matters involve many variables and uncertainties.

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

7.1 Privacy Policy

Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

7.2 Communications Security

While we implement security measures to protect your information, internet communications are not completely secure. Confidential information should only be shared after establishing an attorney-client relationship.

7.3 Third-Party Disclosures

We may be required to disclose information pursuant to legal process, regulatory requirements, or to protect our legal rights and interests.

8. Professional Responsibilities

8.1 Legal Standards

We are bound by the professional conduct rules of the Law Society of Ontario and applicable provincial law societies. These professional obligations may affect our ability to represent clients in certain circumstances.

8.2 Conflicts of Interest

We maintain procedures to identify and address potential conflicts of interest. We reserve the right to decline representation or withdraw from representation if conflicts arise.

8.3 Professional Independence

We maintain professional independence in providing legal advice and representation. Our professional judgment may not always align with client preferences.

9. Fees and Payment

9.1 Fee Arrangements

Our fees are established by written retainer agreement and may include:

• Hourly rates for time spent on your matter
• Fixed fees for specific services
• Retainer amounts held in trust
• Disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses

9.2 Payment Terms

Payment terms are specified in our retainer agreements. Generally:

• Invoices are payable within 30 days
• Retainer replenishment may be required
• Interest may be charged on overdue accounts
• Work may be suspended for non-payment

9.3 Refund Policy

Refunds are handled according to professional conduct rules and our retainer agreements. Unused retainer amounts held in trust are refundable upon completion of representation.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Website Use

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Gorikaya Chechevitsa shall not be liable for any damages arising from your use of our website, including:

• Direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages resulting from website downtime or technical issues
• Reliance on information provided on the website

10.2 Professional Services

Our liability for professional services is subject to:

• Professional conduct rules and limitations
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Specific limitations in retainer agreements
• Applicable limitation periods

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Gorikaya Chechevitsa, our lawyers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your use of our website in a manner not authorized by these Terms
• Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations
• Any content you submit through our website

12. Third-Party Links and Services

12.1 External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. We do not endorse or control third-party websites and are not responsible for their content or practices.

12.2 Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services for:

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email communications and newsletters
• Analytics and website performance
• Payment processing

Your use of such services may be subject to their own terms and conditions.

13. Termination

13.1 Website Access

We may terminate or suspend your access to our website at any time for violation of these Terms or for any other reason.

13.2 Legal Representation

Attorney-client relationships may be terminated by either party subject to professional conduct rules and the terms of our retainer agreement.

13.3 Survival

Provisions regarding intellectual property, confidentiality, limitation of liability, and indemnification survive termination of these Terms.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

14.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario, Canada.

14.3 Legal Proceedings

Any legal proceedings must be commenced within one year of the event giving rise to the claim.

15. Accessibility

We are committed to making our website accessible to users with disabilities. If you experience accessibility issues, please contact us so we can assist you and improve our website accessibility.

16. Changes to Terms

16.1 Updates

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business practices. Changes will be posted on our website with a new effective date.

16.2 Notification

We will provide reasonable notice of material changes to these Terms through:

• Website notifications
• Email communications to newsletter subscribers
• Updates to existing clients through our regular communications

16.3 Continued Use

Your continued use of our website after changes to these Terms constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. Invalid provisions shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make them valid and enforceable.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any applicable retainer agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Gorikaya Chechevitsa regarding your use of our website and services.

19. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

20. Emergency Legal Matters

If you have an urgent legal matter requiring immediate attention, please contact us by phone during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, please leave a detailed voicemail, and we will respond as soon as possible. For life-threatening emergencies, contact local emergency services immediately.

Legal Notice: These Terms of Service are legally binding. If you do not understand any portion of these Terms, please seek independent legal advice before using our website or services.

These Terms of Service are effective as of January 1, 2025, and supersede all previous versions.