{"id":43,"date":"2017-01-15T21:20:42","date_gmt":"2017-01-15T21:20:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ashtonlegal.mammothweb.co.nz\/?page_id=43"},"modified":"2023-01-24T22:46:39","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T22:46:39","slug":"terms-of-engagement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ashtonlegal.co.nz\/terms-of-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"Terms of Engagement"},"content":{"rendered":"

1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 General<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These Standard Terms of Engagement (Terms) apply to any current engagement and also to any future engagement, whether or not we send you another copy of them. We are entitled to change these Terms from time to time, in which case we will send you amended Terms. Our relationship with you is governed by New Zealand law and New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n

2.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The services we are to provide for you (the Services) are outlined in our letter of engagement along with any further instructions that you provide to us in writing (or that we record in writing).<\/p>\n

2.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In order to provide you with efficient advice and services and to provide the most cost-effective service, it may be that part or all of your instructions will be delegated to other professionals in our firm.<\/p>\n

3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Communications<\/strong><\/h2>\n

3.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We will obtain from you contact details, including email address, postal address and telephone numbers. We may provide documents and other communications to you by email (or other electronic means including private file sharing via Microsoft OneDrive). You will advise us if any of your contact details change.<\/p>\n

3.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We will report to you periodically on the progress of any engagement and will inform you of any material and unexpected delays, significant changes or complications in the work being undertaken. You may request a progress report at any time.<\/p>\n

3.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You agree that we may provide you from time to time with other information that may be relevant to you, such as newsletters and information bulletins from Ashton Legal.\u00a0 At any time you may request that this not be sent to you.<\/p>\n

4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Financial<\/strong><\/h2>\n

4.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fees: The basis upon which we will charge our fees is set out in our engagement letter.<\/p>\n

a\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If the engagement letter specifies a fixed fee, we will charge this for the agreed scope of the Services.\u00a0 Work which falls outside that scope will be charged on an hourly rate basis.\u00a0 We will advise you as soon as reasonably practicable if it becomes necessary for us to provide services outside of the agreed scope and, if requested, give you an estimate of the likely amount of the further costs.<\/p>\n

b\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Where our fees are calculated on an hourly basis, the hourly rates of the people we expect to undertake the work are set out in our engagement letter.\u00a0 Any differences in those rates reflect the different levels of experience and specialisation of our professional staff.\u00a0 Time spent is recorded in six-minute units.<\/p>\n

c\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hourly fees may be adjusted by us (upwards or downwards) to ensure the fee is fair and reasonable to take into account matters such as the complexity, urgency, value and importance of the Services.\u00a0 Full details of the relevant fee factors are set out in Rule 9 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 (Rules).<\/p>\n

4.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Legal Aid: Legal aid is governed by the Legal Services Act 2011 and the associated regulations. Legal Aid is administered through the Ministry of Justice by the Legal Services Commissioner.<\/p>\n

a\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you are legally aided we will submit invoices in relation to your grant of aid to the Legal Services Commissioner and provide you with copies. The Legal Services Commissioner will write to you about any conditions or repayment obligations that you may have in relation to the grant of legal aid and your rights as an applicant or recipient of legal aid. You should be aware at this time that legal aid is not always free. You should read these letters carefully and keep them for later reference.\u00a0 You must let the Legal Services Commissioner know if there is any change in your and your partner\u2019s contact details, employment status, family circumstances or financial details<\/p>\n

4.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Disbursements and Third Party Expenses:\u00a0 In providing the Services we may incur disbursements and payments to third parties on your behalf.\u00a0 You authorise us to incur these disbursements (which may include such items such as search fees, court filing fees, registration fees, stationary, photocopying, printing, travel costs, courier charges and other reasonable costs and disbursements) which are reasonably necessary to provide the Services.\u00a0 You also authorise us to make payments to third parties on your behalf which are reasonably required to undertake the Services (which may include items such as experts\u2019 costs or counsel\u2019s fees).\u00a0 These will be included in our invoice to you, shown as \u201cdisbursements\u201d when the expenses are incurred (or in advance when we know we will be<\/p>\n

4.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 GST:\u00a0 Our services will usually attract Goods and Services Tax (GST). If this is the case, GST is payable by you on our fees and charges.<\/p>\n

4.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Invoices:\u00a0 We will send interim invoices to you, usually monthly, and on completion of the matter, or termination of our engagement.\u00a0 We may send you invoices more frequently when we incur a significant expense or undertake a significant amount of work over a shorter period of time.<\/p>\n

4.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Payment:\u00a0 Invoices are payable within 14 days of the date of the invoice, unless alternative arrangements have been made with us.<\/p>\n

a\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You authorise us to deduct our fees and other expenses from funds held in our trust account on your behalf on provision of an invoice to you, unless those funds are held for a particular purpose.<\/p>\n

b\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you have difficulty in paying any of our accounts, please contact us promptly so that we may discuss payment arrangements.<\/p>\n

c\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If your account is overdue we may:<\/p>\n

i\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 require interest to be paid on any amount which is more than 14 days overdue, calculated at the compounding monthly rate of 2% per month;<\/p>\n

ii\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 stop work on any matters in respect of which we are providing services to you;<\/p>\n

iii\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 require an additional payment of fees in advance or other security before recommencing work;<\/p>\n

iv\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 recover from you in full any costs we incur (including on a solicitor\/client basis) in seeking to recover the amounts from you, including our own fees and the fees of any collection agency.<\/p>\n

d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Payment may be made by deposit into one of our bank accounts:<\/p>\n

i\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you are paying money to our business account:<\/p>\n

Ashton Legal<\/p>\n

02-0874-0319522-000<\/p>\n

BNZ Bank (Upper Riccarton)<\/p>\n

ii\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you are paying money into our Trust Account:<\/p>\n

Ashton Legal Trust Account<\/p>\n

02-0874-0319522-001<\/p>\n

BNZ Bank (Upper Riccarton)<\/p>\n

iii\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please ensure you include the following references:<\/p>\n

Reference: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Initials and last name<\/p>\n

Code: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Invoice number on the relevant invoice form us<\/p>\n

Particulars:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Client matter number we have given you (if applicable)<\/p>\n

4.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fees and disbursements in advance:\u00a0 We may ask you to pre-pay amounts to us, or to provide security for our fees and expenses.\u00a0 We may do this, on reasonable notice, at any time.<\/p>\n

4.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Estimates:\u00a0 You may request an estimate of our fee for undertaking the Services at any time. If possible we will provide you with an estimate (which may be a range between a minimum and a maximum amount or for a particular task or step).\u00a0 An estimate is not a quote.\u00a0 Any significant assumptions included in the estimate will be stated and you must tell us if those assumptions are wrong or change.\u00a0 We will inform you if we are likely to exceed the estimate by any substantial amount.\u00a0 Unless specified, an estimate excludes GST, disbursements and expenses.<\/p>\n

4.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Third Parties: \u00a0Although you may expect to be reimbursed by a third party for our fees and expenses, and although our invoices may at your request or with your approval be directed to a third party, you remain responsible for payment to us in accordance with these Terms if the third party fails to pay us.<\/p>\n

5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trust Accounting<\/strong><\/h2>\n

5.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We operate a trust account. All money received from you or on your behalf will be held to your credit in our trust account.<\/p>\n

a\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We use our trust account exclusively for purposes accepting fees and disbursements in advance of work. We do not in the ordinary course of business accept payments into our trust account for any purpose other than fees for professional services and disbursements in advance of work.<\/p>\n

b\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We will not place money on interest bearing deposit accounts despite the general policy for lawyers who hold significant funds for clients for more than a short period of time to place the funds on call deposit with a bank registered under section 69 of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989.<\/p>\n

c\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Payments out of the trust account will be made either to you or to others with your authority. Written authorisation from you (and if we are acting for more than one of you, from all of you) will be required when payment is to be made to a third party. Before making a payment to another account we may require verification of the account details by provision of (for example) a copy of a deposit slip, cheque or bank statement showing the account number, a signed authority from you including the bank account details, or a signed letter from the relevant financial institution providing bank account details.<\/p>\n

d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A full record of our trust account is kept at all times. A statement of trust account transactions detailing funds received and payments made on your behalf will be provided to you periodically and at any time upon your request.<\/p>\n

e\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Interest earned from call deposits, less withholding tax and an interest administration fee payable to us of 10% (plus GST if applicable) of the gross interest, will be credited to you.<\/p>\n

6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confidentiality and Personal Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n

6.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confidence: We will hold in confidence all information concerning you or your affairs that we acquire during the course of acting for you.\u00a0 We will not disclose any of this information to any other person except:<\/p>\n

a\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to the extent necessary or desirable to enable us to carry out your instructions; or<\/p>\n

b\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 as expressly or impliedly agreed by you; or<\/p>\n

c\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 as necessary to protect our interests in respect of any complaint or dispute; or<\/p>\n

d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to the extent required or permitted by law.<\/p>\n

6.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Confidential information concerning you will as far as practicable be made available only to those within our firm who are providing legal services for you.<\/p>\n

6.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Personal information and Privacy: In our dealings with you we will collect and hold personal information about you. We will use that information to carry out the Services and to make contact with you about issues we believe may be of interest to you. Provision of personal information is voluntary but if you do not provide full information this may impact on our ability to provide the Services.<\/p>\n

6.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Subject to clause 6.1, you authorise us to disclose, in the normal course of performing the Services, such personal information to third parties for the purpose of providing the Services and any other purposes set out in these Terms.<\/p>\n

6.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We may disclose your name and address to third parties such as credit agencies to perform a credit reference or to undertake credit management or collection processes if it is reasonable to do so.<\/p>\n

6.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The information we collect and hold about you will be kept at our office and\/or at secure file storage sites (including Microsoft Office 365 Exchange Servers and Microsoft OneDrive private file storage). If you are an individual, you have the right to access and correct this information. If you require access, please contact Rob Ashton (Principal of Ashton Legal).<\/p>\n

6.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Verification of identity: The Financial Transactions Reporting Act 1996 requires us to collect from you and to retain information required to verify your identity. We may therefore ask you to show us documents verifying your identity (such as a passport or driver\u2019s licence). We may retain copies of these documents.\u00a0 We may perform such other customer verification checks as to your identity and checks as to the source of any funds associated with any transaction to which the Services relate as we consider to be required by law.<\/p>\n

7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Documents, Records and Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n

7.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We will keep a record of all important documents which we receive or create on your behalf on the following basis:<\/p>\n

a\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We may keep a record electronically and destroy originals (except where the existence of an original is legally important such as in the case of wills and deeds).<\/p>\n

b\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Where we store important documents electronically they will be temporarily or permanently stored in at least one of the following locations:<\/p>\n

i\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Microsoft Office 365 Exchange Email Server;<\/p>\n

ii\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Microsoft OneDrive private file storage;<\/p>\n

iii\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A hard drive back up at our office; or,<\/p>\n

iv\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In physical, documentary form at our office.<\/p>\n

c\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At any time, we may dispose of documents which are duplicates, or which are trivial (such as emails which do not contain substantive information), or documents which belong to us.<\/p>\n

d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We are not obliged to retain documents or copies where you have requested that we provide them to you or to another person and we have done so, although we are entitled to retain copies for our own records if we wish to do so.<\/p>\n

7.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We will provide to you on request copies or originals (at our option) of all documents to which you are entitled under the Privacy Act 1993 or any other law. We may charge you our reasonable costs for doing this.<\/p>\n

7.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Where we hold documents that belong to a third party you will need to provide us with that party\u2019s written authority to uplift or obtain a copy of that document.<\/p>\n

7.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Unless you instruct us in writing otherwise, you authorise us and consent to us (without further reference to you) to destroy (or delete in the case of electronic records) all files and documents in respect of the Services 7 years after our engagement ends (other than any documents that we hold in safe custody for you or are otherwise obliged by law to retain for longer). We may retain documents for longer at our option.<\/p>\n

7.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We may, at our option, return documents (either in hard or electronic form) to you rather than retain them. If we choose to do this, we will do so at our expense.<\/p>\n

7.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We own copyright in all documents or work we create in the course of performing the Services but grant you a non-exclusive licence to use and copy the documents as you see fit for your own personal or commercial use. However, you may not permit any third party to copy, adapt or use the documents without our written permission.<\/p>\n

8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Conflicts of Interest<\/strong><\/h2>\n

8.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We are obliged to protect and promote your interests to the exclusion of the interests of third parties and ourselves as set out in the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 (Rules). This may result in a situation arising where we have a conflict of interest.<\/p>\n

8.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We have procedures in place to identify and respond to conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest.\u00a0 If a conflict of interest arises we will advise you of this and follow the requirements and procedures set out in the Rules. This may mean we cannot act for you further in a particular matter and we may terminate our engagement.<\/p>\n

9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Duty of Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n

9.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our duty of care is to you and not to any other person.\u00a0 We owe no liability to any other person, including for example any directors, shareholders, associated companies, employees or family members unless we expressly agree in writing. We do not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever to any third parties who may be affected by our performance of the Services or who may rely on any advice we give, except as expressly agreed by us in writing.<\/p>\n

9.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our advice is not to be referred to in connection with any prospectus, financial statement, or public document without our written consent.<\/p>\n

9.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our advice is opinion only, based on the facts known to us and on our professional judgement, and is subject to any changes in the law after the date on which the advice is given. We are not liable for errors in, or omissions from, any information provided by third parties.<\/p>\n

9.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our advice relates only to each particular matter in respect of which you engage us. Once that matter is at an end, we will not owe you any duty or liability in respect of any related or other matters unless you specifically engage us in respect of those related or other matters.<\/p>\n

9.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Unless otherwise agreed, we may communicate with you and with others by electronic means. We cannot guarantee that these communications will not be lost or affected for some reason beyond our reasonable control, and we will not be liable for any damage or loss caused thereby.<\/p>\n

10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Limitations on our Obligations or Liability<\/strong><\/h2>\n

10.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To the extent allowed by law, our liability to you (whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise) in connection with our Services is limited to the net amount payable (after any excesses, fees, deductibles, defence costs and any other reduction to the amount payable) under the Professional Indemnity Insurance held by the firm.<\/p>\n

11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Professional Indemnity Insurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

11.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ashton Legal has a policy of professional indemnity insurance with QBE Insurance Australia Limited. Our professional indemnity insurance is limited to $500,000 for any one claim or series of claims arising from one cause, in the aggregate. Costs and expenses are payable under the policy in addition to the limit of indemnity, up to an amount equal to the Limit of Indemnity, within a policy period.<\/p>\n

11.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our professional indemnity insurance indemnity limit is $500,000 for any one claim.<\/p>\n

11.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our insurance policy provides for one automatic reinstatement of the limit of indemnity, should a valid claim or valid claim exhaust the limit of indemnity. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Automatic reinstatement policy extension wording.<\/p>\n

11.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our excess payable to our insurer is $5,000 for each claim.<\/p>\n

12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Termination<\/strong><\/h2>\n

12.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You may terminate our retainer at any time.<\/p>\n

12.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We may terminate our retainer in any of the circumstances set out in the Rules including the existence of a conflict of interest, non-payment of fees, and failure to provide instructions.<\/p>\n

12.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If our retainer is terminated you must pay us all fees, disbursements and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.<\/p>\n

13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Feedback and Complaints<\/strong><\/h2>\n

13.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Client satisfaction is one of our primary objectives and feedback from clients is helpful to us.\u00a0 If you would like to comment on any aspect of the service provided by us, including how we can improve our service, please contact Rob Ashton (Principal of Ashton Legal).<\/p>\n

13.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you have any concerns or complaints about our services, please raise them as soon as possible with the person to whom they relate. They will respond to your concerns as soon as possible. If you are not satisfied with the way that that person has dealt with your complaint, please raise the matter with Rob Ashton (Principle of Ashton Legal). We will inquire into your complaint and endeavour in good faith to resolve the matter in accordance with the complaint resolution procedure found on our website.<\/p>\n

13.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If you are not satisfied with the way we have dealt with your complaint the New Zealand Law Society has a complaints service to which you may refer the issue. You can call the 0800 number for guidance, lodge a concern or make a formal complaint. Matters may be directed to:<\/p>\n

Lawyers Complaints Service<\/p>\n

PO Box 5041<\/p>\n

Wellington 6140<\/p>\n

New Zealand<\/p>\n

Phone: 0800 261 801<\/p>\n

To lodge a concern:<\/p>\n

www.lawsociety.org.nz\/for-the-community\/lawyers-complaints-service\/concerns-form<\/p>\n

To make a formal complaint:<\/p>\n

www.lawsociety.org.nz\/for-the-community\/lawyers-complaints-service\/how-to-make-a-complaint<\/p>\n

Email: complaints@lawsociety.org.nz<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 General 1.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These Standard Terms of Engagement (Terms) apply to any current engagement and also to any future engagement, whether or not we send you another copy of them. We are entitled to change these Terms from time to time, in which case we will send you amended Terms. Our relationship with you is governed by New Zealand law and New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction. 2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Services 2.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The services we are to provide for you (the Services) are outlined in our letter of engagement along with any further instructions that you provide to us in writing (or that we record in writing). 2.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In order to provide you with efficient advice and services and to provide the most cost-effective service, it may be that part or all of your instructions will be delegated to other professionals in our firm. 3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Communications 3.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We will obtain from you contact details, including email address, postal address and telephone numbers. We may provide documents and other communications to you by email (or other electronic means including private file sharing via Microsoft OneDrive). You will advise us if any of your contact details change. 3.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We will report to you periodically […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\nTerms of Engagement - Ashton Legal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ashtonlegal.co.nz\/terms-of-engagement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Terms of Engagement - Ashton Legal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 General 1.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These Standard Terms of Engagement (Terms) apply to any current engagement and also to any future engagement, whether or not we send you another copy of them. 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