Terms & Conditions

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of legal services by Keystone ("we," "our," or "us") and your use of our website. By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully.

Legal services are provided subject to specific engagement letters or retainer agreements that will establish the detailed scope, fees, and responsibilities for particular matters. These general terms apply alongside those specific agreements.

Definitions

Services: Legal advice, representation, document preparation, and related professional services provided by Keystone lawyers and staff.

Client: Any individual or entity that engages Keystone for legal services through an executed engagement letter or retainer agreement.

Matter: A specific legal issue or set of related issues for which Services are provided.

Website: The Keystone website at keystonym.club and all associated pages and features.

Engagement of Services

Formation of Attorney-Client Relationship

An attorney-client relationship is formed only when we provide written confirmation of engagement through an engagement letter or retainer agreement. Initial consultations, preliminary discussions, or website inquiries do not create an attorney-client relationship or obligate us to represent you.

Scope of Representation

Each engagement letter defines the specific scope of Services to be provided. We are responsible only for matters explicitly identified in the engagement documentation. Related or subsequent matters require separate agreements unless specifically included in the original scope.

Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide complete and accurate information relevant to their matters, respond promptly to requests for information or decisions, disclose all material facts even if unfavorable, and comply with all reasonable requests necessary for effective representation.

Fees and Billing

Fee Structures

Fees may be charged as flat rates for specific services, hourly rates for ongoing matters, or contingency arrangements where permitted by law and professional rules. The applicable fee structure will be specified in your engagement letter.

Payment Terms

Payment is due according to terms specified in engagement letters. Unless otherwise agreed, invoices are payable within 30 days of issuance. We accept payment by check, electronic transfer, or credit card. Late payments may incur interest charges at rates permitted under Nova Scotia law.

Disbursements

Clients are responsible for reimbursing reasonable disbursements incurred in providing Services, including court filing fees, expert consultants, travel expenses, research databases, and document production costs. Significant disbursements will be discussed before being incurred where practical.

Retainers

We may require advance retainer payments held in trust and applied against future invoices. Retainers remain client property until earned through service provision. Unused retainer funds are returned upon matter conclusion.

Currency

All fees and charges are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD) unless otherwise specified.

Professional Standards and Limitations

Professional Obligations

Our Services are subject to professional conduct rules established by the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society and other applicable regulatory bodies. These rules govern matters including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and client communications.

No Guarantee of Outcomes

Legal matters involve uncertainties affected by facts, law, and circumstances beyond our control. We cannot predict outcomes or provide assurances regarding case results, application approvals, or transaction completions. We provide diligent representation but cannot control decisions made by courts, regulatory agencies, or opposing parties.

Limitation of Liability

Our liability for professional services is limited to the extent permitted by law and professional regulations. In no event shall our liability exceed the fees paid for services related to the specific matter giving rise to any claim.

Confidentiality

All communications between clients and our firm are protected by solicitor-client privilege and professional confidentiality obligations. We maintain strict confidentiality except where disclosure is required by law or professional conduct rules, or expressly authorized by the client.

Please see our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we handle personal information.

Conflicts of Interest

We conduct conflict checks before accepting new matters. If conflicts exist or arise during representation, we will advise you promptly. Depending on circumstances, we may decline representation, seek your consent to continue after full disclosure, or terminate representation in accordance with professional obligations.

Termination

Termination by Client

Clients may terminate representation at any time by providing written notice. Upon termination, clients remain responsible for fees and disbursements incurred up to the termination date, plus reasonable costs of transitioning the matter.

Termination by Firm

We may terminate representation where permitted by professional conduct rules, including situations involving non-payment of fees, client failure to cooperate, conflicts of interest, or circumstances that would require us to violate professional obligations. We will provide reasonable notice and assist with transition where professional rules permit.

File Transfer

Upon termination and payment of outstanding fees, we will transfer client files to designated successor counsel or return them to the client as requested. We retain the right to keep copies for our records as required by professional obligations.

Website Use

Informational Purpose

Website content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information may not reflect current legal developments and should not be relied upon without consulting a lawyer about specific circumstances.

No Attorney-Client Relationship

Using our website, reading content, or submitting inquiry forms does not create an attorney-client relationship. Confidential information should not be sent through website forms or unsecured email until an engagement is formalized.

Intellectual Property

Website content, including text, graphics, logos, and design, is protected by copyright and trademark laws. Content may be viewed for personal information purposes but may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without written permission.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

We encourage clients with concerns to contact us directly to discuss resolution. Most issues can be addressed through direct communication.

Complaints

Clients who are dissatisfied with our services may file complaints with the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, which investigates professional conduct matters.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Nova Scotia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any legal proceedings must be brought in courts located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any engagement letter and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement regarding use of our website and general terms of service provision. Specific engagement letters take precedence over these general terms regarding particular matters.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

Modifications

We may update these Terms periodically. Changes become effective upon posting to our website. Continued use of Services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

Assignment

Clients may not assign or transfer rights or obligations under engagement agreements without our written consent. We may assign agreements with reasonable notice where permitted by professional rules.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact: