1. Scope of Application
These Terms and Conditions govern all legal services rendered by Saqaan & Partners – Advocates and Legal Consultants (the “Firm”), unless expressly agreed otherwise in a written agreement.
The Client’s instruction of, or engagement with, the Firm shall constitute full, final, and binding acceptance of these Terms.
2. Scope of Engagement and Professional Responsibility
2.1 The scope of each engagement shall be determined exclusively by a written agreement or by specific instructions expressly accepted by the Firm.
2.2 The Firm’s professional duties and responsibilities are strictly confined to the agreed scope of work.
2.3 Any legal advice or opinion provided by the Firm is based on the laws, regulations, and judicial precedents in force as of the date of issuance and shall not be updated unless expressly agreed in writing.
2.4 Draft documents, preliminary advice, and non-final communications are provided for discussion purposes only and shall not be binding unless expressly confirmed in writing by the Firm.
3. Contractual Relationship and Third Parties
3.1 The contractual relationship arising from the engagement exists solely between the Firm and the Client.
3.2 No third party shall be entitled to rely on any services, advice, or work product provided by the Firm, and the Firm shall assume no liability whatsoever toward any third party.
4. Fees and Expenses
4.1 Professional fees shall be agreed in writing, taking into account the nature, complexity, and scope of the engagement.
4.2 The Client shall reimburse the Firm for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the engagement.
4.3 All fees are exclusive of any applicable taxes, duties, or governmental charges, which shall be borne by the Client.
5. Invoicing and Payment
5.1 Invoices shall be issued periodically or in accordance with the agreed fee arrangement.
5.2 The Client shall settle all invoices within the specified payment period, without set-off or delay.
5.3 In the event of late payment, the Firm reserves the right to suspend services and to pursue all legal remedies available under applicable law.
6. Confidentiality and Data Protection
6.1 The Firm undertakes to preserve the confidentiality of all information and documents relating to the Client in accordance with applicable laws and professional obligations.
6.2 Personal data shall be collected and processed in compliance with applicable data protection legislation and the Firm’s Privacy Policy.
6.3 Confidentiality obligations shall not apply where disclosure is required by law, regulation, or a competent judicial or regulatory authority.
7. Conflict of Interest
The Firm reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse or terminate any engagement in the event of an actual or potential conflict of interest, without incurring any liability.
8. Limitation of Liability
8.1 Without prejudice to liability arising from fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct, the Firm shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or business interruption.
8.2 The Firm’s total aggregate liability, if any, arising out of or in connection with a specific engagement shall be limited to the professional fees actually paid by the Client for that engagement.
8.3 The Firm shall not be liable for any acts, omissions, or defaults of third parties engaged with the Client’s knowledge or consent.
8.4 Any oral advice or opinion shall be deemed non-binding unless subsequently confirmed in writing by the Firm.
9. No Guarantee of Outcome
The Client acknowledges that legal matters are inherently uncertain and that the Firm does not guarantee any particular result or outcome. The Firm’s obligation is limited to exercising reasonable professional skill and care in accordance with the standards of the legal profession.
10. Force Majeure
The Firm shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including force majeure events.
11. Amendments
These Terms and Conditions may only be amended or modified by a written instrument duly signed by the Firm.
12. Governing Language
In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the Arabic version of these Terms and any translation thereof, the Arabic version shall prevail.
13. Termination
Either party may terminate the engagement by providing written notice to the other party. Termination shall not affect the Client’s obligation to pay all fees and expenses accrued up to the effective date of termination.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The Egyptian courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms.