Last Updated: June 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the website and services provided by SMJ Allardyce & Partners ("Company", "we", "us", or "our"). By accessing our website or using our legal services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to any part of these Terms, you may not use our services.

1. Services Description

SMJ Allardyce & Partners is a law firm registered in England providing professional legal services to individuals and organizations. Our services include, but are not limited to, legal advice, representation, and consultation in various practice areas. The specific services to be provided shall be detailed in our engagement letter and terms of business agreed with each client.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement to use our services. If you are using our services on behalf of an organization, you represent and warrant that you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

3. Engagement and Legal Advice

3.1 Formation of Engagement
Engagement with SMJ Allardyce & Partners is subject to:

• Completion of our client onboarding process
• Acceptance of our Terms of Business
• Successful completion of anti-money laundering and Know Your Client checks
• Agreement on fees and payment terms

3.2 Legal Advice
All legal advice provided by the firm is subject to professional legal privilege. Our advice is confidential and provided based on the information available to us at the time. Advice may be subject to change based on new facts, legal developments, or clarifications.

3.3 No Guarantee of Outcome
While we use our best professional efforts, we cannot guarantee any particular outcome in legal matters. The results of legal proceedings depend on numerous factors beyond our control.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Fee Structure
Fees shall be as agreed in our engagement letter or terms of business. Our fees may be structured as:

• Hourly rates for time spent on your matter
• Fixed fees for specific services
• Conditional or contingency arrangements (where permitted by professional regulations)
• Retainer fees for ongoing services

4.2 Disbursements and Costs
In addition to professional fees, you shall reimburse us for all reasonable disbursements and costs incurred on your behalf, including court fees, expert reports, travel expenses, and third-party service costs.

4.3 Billing and Payment
Invoices are typically issued upon completion of work or periodically as agreed. Payment is due within 28 days of invoice date unless otherwise agreed. Overdue payments may incur interest at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate.

4.4 Estimates and Quotations
Any estimate or quotation provided is approximate and is not binding. Actual fees may differ based on the complexity of your matter and work required.

5. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information relevant to your matter
• Disclose all material facts, including information that may be disadvantageous to your case
• Communicate promptly with us regarding your case
• Follow our professional advice and instructions
• Pay all fees and costs when due
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not instruct us to undertake any illegal, unethical, or professionally prohibited activities

6. Conflicts of Interest

We have conflicts of interest procedures in place and may decline to act where a conflict exists or cannot be waived. We will inform you if a conflict arises and discuss it with you. Your continued instruction after notification of a conflict shall be deemed acceptance unless you notify us otherwise.

7. Confidentiality and Privilege

All communications between you and our firm are subject to legal professional privilege. We shall maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding all information you provide, except where:

• Legally required to disclose (e.g., court orders, regulatory requirements)
• Disclosure is necessary to prevent crime or fraud
• Necessary for our defense in professional liability matters
• You have given consent to disclosure

8. Termination of Engagement

8.1 Termination by Client
You may terminate our engagement by providing written notice. Upon termination, all fees and costs remain due and payable.

8.2 Termination by Firm
We may terminate the engagement:

• Upon reasonable notice if fees remain unpaid beyond 60 days
• If you breach material obligations under these Terms
• If you provide false or misleading information
• If continuing to act would violate professional regulations
• If a conflict of interest arises that cannot be resolved

8.3 Files and Records
Upon termination, we will arrange for return or storage of your papers and files according to applicable regulations. We may retain certain records for archival or legal purposes.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Exclusions
We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our services or any content on our website.

9.2 Liability Cap
Our total liability to you arising from or related to these Terms or our services shall not exceed the total fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim, or £100,000, whichever is lower, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SMJ Allardyce & Partners and our officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from: (a) your breach of these Terms; (b) your use of our services or website; (c) information you provide to us; or (d) your violation of applicable law.

11. Website and Online Services

11.1 Use License
We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website and mobile applications for lawful purposes only.

11.2 Prohibited Activities
You may not:

• Reproduce, duplicate, or copy content from our website without permission
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or data
• Disrupt the normal operation of our website
• Transmit viruses or malicious code
• Engage in harassment, abuse, or defamation
• Use the website for commercial purposes without authorization

11.3 Intellectual Property
All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of SMJ Allardyce & Partners or our content suppliers and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce or distribute such content without permission.

12. Disclaimer of Warranties

Our website and services are provided on an "as is" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that our website is error-free, uninterrupted, or free from viruses or malicious code. We shall not be liable for any damage to your computer or loss of data resulting from your use of our website.

13. Professional Standards and Conduct

As a firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, we are bound by professional conduct rules and obligations. Our services are subject to the SRA Standards and Regulations. You can find more information about our regulatory obligations at www.sra.org.uk.

14. Complaint Procedures

If you have a complaint about our services, please contact us immediately. We handle complaints in accordance with the SRA Standards and can provide a detailed complaints procedure upon request. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may refer your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman (legalombudsman.org.uk).

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Both parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales for the resolution of any disputes arising from these Terms or our engagement.

16. Amendment of Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of our services or website following such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. Material changes will be communicated to you directly where possible.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Terms of Business and Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and SMJ Allardyce & Partners regarding your engagement and use of our services. Any previous agreements, understandings, or negotiations are superseded by these Terms.

18. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms or to report violations, please contact us: