Terms and Conditions
Vidhi Setu — Terms & Conditions
1. Introduction & Acceptance
1.1. These Terms & Conditions ("T&C") govern the provision of legal services by Vidhi Setu Advocates and Legal Consultants LLP (hereafter “Vidhi Setu”, “we”, “us”, or “the Firm”) to any client or prospective client (“you”, “client”, “your”).
1.2. By engaging the Firm’s services — whether by signing an engagement letter, submitting documents, providing instructions, or otherwise — you agree to be bound by these T&C.
2. Services Provided / Scope
2.1. The Firm agrees to provide legal services as agreed between the Client and Firm — which may include legal advice, representation in proceedings, document preparation, contract review, consultancy, and other services delineated in writing ("Services").
2.2. Unless explicitly agreed in writing, the Firm does not guarantee any particular outcome or result — including, but not limited to, favourable judgments, settlements, regulatory approvals, or any other result. All legal services are subject to applicable laws, facts, and the discretion of courts or authorities.
2.3. The Firm may decline, suspend or withdraw Services (in whole or in part) if the Client fails to provide required information, instructions, or cooperation in a timely, complete, and accurate manner.
3. Client’s Role, Representations & Warranties
3.1. The Client warrants that all information, documents, and instructions provided to the Firm are true, accurate, complete, and up-to-date to the best of the Client’s knowledge.
3.2. The Client agrees to cooperate fully with the Firm, provide all requested documents or information, respond promptly to communications, and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
3.3. The Client agrees not to instruct the Firm to undertake any unlawful act or omission or to assist in any fraudulent or unlawful activity.
4. Fees, Billing & Payment Terms
4.1. Fee Structure — Services may be billed on an hourly basis, fixed fee (per matter), retainer fee, or any other arrangement agreed in writing between the Client and the Firm.
4.2. Billing Cycle — Unless agreed otherwise, the Firm will issue invoices periodically (e.g., monthly, upon completion of specific stages/milestones, or upon conclusion of services).
4.3. Expenses — In addition to fees, the Client will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Firm on the Client’s behalf (e.g., court fees, filing fees, travel, courier, copying, etc.).
4.4. Late Payment — If payment is not received within the period specified in the invoice (e.g. 30 days), the Firm reserves the right to suspend or terminate services and/or charge interest/late fees on the overdue amount (as per the agreement).
4.5. Taxes — All fees and expenses are quoted exclusive of any applicable taxes (GST, etc.), which shall be payable by the Client in addition.
5. Confidentiality & Data Protection
5.1. Confidentiality / Attorney-Client Privilege — All communications between the Client and the Firm, including documents, advice, notes and correspondence, are confidential and subject to protection under the law (for example, under Sections 126–129 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the professional obligations under the Advocates Act, 1961 and the professional ethics rules of the relevant Bar Council).
5.2. Exceptions — The Firm may be compelled to disclose otherwise privileged communications if required by law or court order, or if the communications reveal involvement in unlawful or fraudulent activities.
5.3. Data Protection — In performing Services, the Firm may collect, process, store and use personal data or digital data provided by the Client. The Firm will handle such data in compliance with applicable law, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and related rules.
5.4. Client Consent — By agreeing to these T&C, the Client consents to such data processing and storage by the Firm to the extent necessary to provide legal services.
5.5. Data Security — The Firm will adopt reasonable security practices and procedures to protect data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or breach, consistent with its professional obligations and applicable data-protection laws.
6. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers
6.1. Subject to applicable mandatory law, the Firm’s liability for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with its Services — whether contract, negligence or otherwise — is limited to the amount of fees paid by the Client for the particular service giving rise to the claim.
6.2. The Firm shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential losses (including loss of profits, loss of opportunity, or business interruption).
6.3. The Client acknowledges that the Firm relies on information and documents supplied by the Client, and the Firm does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness or reliability of such information.
The Firm shall not be liable for consequences arising from any omission, misrepresentation or incomplete information provided by the Client.
6.4. The Firm disclaim liability for actions, omissions or decisions taken by third-parties (e.g., courts, regulators, counterparties).
7. Client Conduct / Prohibited Uses
7.1. The Client agrees not to use the Firm’s services for any unlawful, fraudulent, defamatory, harassing, or malicious purposes.
7.2. The Client shall not instruct the Firm to upload, send, exchange or share any content (documents, electronic files, communications) that is unlawful, infringing, defamatory, harmful, or in violation of any applicable laws or third-party rights.
7.3. The Firm reserves the right to refuse to act on any instruction believed to be unlawful or unethical, or which may expose the Firm to professional or legal liability.
8. Termination of Services
8.1. Either party may terminate the engagement by giving written notice (as per engagement letter or consent).
8.2. On termination: the Client must pay all outstanding fees and costs incurred up to the date of termination; the Firm will, where applicable, hand over original documents and work-in-progress to the Client (subject to receipt of outstanding fees).
8.3. Provisions regarding confidentiality, data protection, limitation of liability, and applicable indemnities shall survive termination of services.
9. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
9.1. These T&C and any engagement between the Client and the Firm shall be governed by the laws of India.
9.2. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these T&C, the engagement or the Services, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts at the relevant seat of the Firm (or as mutually agreed). Alternatively, if agreed, the parties may submit the dispute to arbitration.
9.3. Nothing herein affects the Client’s right to approach any court or authority for interim or injunctive relief.
10. Changes to Terms & Conditions
10.1. The Firm reserves the right to modify, update or replace these T&C at any time.
10.2. The Firm will notify existing clients of any changes via email or other communication method, and continued engagement after such notification will constitute acceptance of the updated T&C.
11. Miscellaneous
11.1. Entire Agreement — These T&C, along with the engagement letter (if any) and any written scope/fee agreement between the Client and the Firm, constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Services, and supersede any prior understandings or communications (oral or written).
11.2. Severability — If any provision of these T&C is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or authority of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
11.3. Waiver — Failure or delay by either party to enforce any provision of these T&C does not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce such provision later.
Disclaimer:
This document is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. To ensure compliance with all applicable laws (including professional ethics rules), and to tailor the T&C to your firm’s specific practice areas, jurisdiction, risk profile and client base — you should consult a qualified lawyer before adopting any version of these T&C.