Terms of Services
1. About the Business
Law by Ellie (“the Business”) is an independent freelance legal support service operated by Ellie Mainwaring.
The Business is not a firm of solicitors and is not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The Business does not undertake reserved legal activities within the meaning of the Legal Services Act 2007.
These Terms of Business govern the provision of services by the Business to any client (“the Client”) and shall apply to all instructions accepted by the Business.
2. Nature and Scope of Services
The Business provides administrative legal support services, including document preparation assistance, drafting support, and procedural guidance.
Services are strictly limited to assistance with document preparation and the provision of general legal information based on instructions and information supplied by the Client.
The Business does not provide legal advice and does not:
- Conduct litigation;
- Exercise rights of audience;
- Prepare instruments transferring land;
- Undertake probate activities;
- Administer oaths;
- Hold client money; or
- Act as a solicitor or regulated legal representative.
The Business will rely entirely upon the accuracy and completeness of information provided by the Client and will not independently verify any facts.
Any work undertaken is confined strictly to the agreed scope set out in the Client Engagement Letter.
3. No Legal Advice
The Business does not provide legal advice or formal legal opinions.
Any information, drafting suggestions, commentary, or procedural explanations provided by the Business are for general informational and administrative support purposes only and must not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified and regulated solicitor.
The Client acknowledges that they are responsible for obtaining independent legal advice where appropriate.
4. Client Responsibilities
The Client remains solely responsible for:
- Reviewing all documents prepared prior to submission;
- Ensuring the factual accuracy of all information provided;
- Understanding the legal implications of any action taken;
- Complying with court rules, procedural requirements, and deadlines;
- Making all decisions relating to their matter.
The Business does not assume responsibility for the outcome of any legal matter or proceedings.
5. No Assumption of Responsibility
The Business does not assess the legal merits of a claim or defence, advise on prospects of success, or determine whether proceedings should be commenced or defended.
The Client acknowledges that all strategic decisions and legal judgments remain their sole responsibility.
Nothing in any communication between the Business and the Client shall be construed as creating a solicitor client relationship or regulated legal retainer.
6. Fees and Payment
Fees shall be agreed in writing prior to commencement of work.
Unless otherwise agreed, payment is required in advance of work commencing.
Fees are non-refundable once work has begun, except at the discretion of the Business.
The Business reserves the right to suspend or decline to continue work where payment is not received in accordance with agreed terms.
7. Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
Subject to the above, the Business shall not be liable for:
- Indirect or consequential losses;
- Loss of opportunity;
- Loss of claim;
- Adverse court outcomes;
- Economic or financial losses arising from reliance on documents prepared;
- Errors resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the Client.
The total liability of the Business for any claim arising out of or in connection with services provided shall be strictly limited to the total fees paid by the Client in respect of the relevant matter.
The Client agrees that this limitation is reasonable in light of the administrative nature of the services and the level of fees charged.
8. Indemnity
The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Business against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, or costs arising from:
- The Client’s use of documents prepared by the Business;
- Alterations made to documents after delivery;
- The Client’s failure to seek independent legal advice;
- Any decision taken by the Client in relation to their matter.
9. Confidentiality and Data Protection
The Business will treat all information provided by the Client as confidential and will not disclose such information to third parties unless required by law.
The Business is not subject to the regulatory framework applicable to solicitors but will process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
Further details are set out in the Business Privacy Policy.
10. Termination
The Business reserves the right to decline or terminate instructions where:
- The matter falls outside its competence;
- A conflict of interest arises;
- Instructions are unlawful or inappropriate;
- The Client provides misleading or inaccurate information;
- Communication becomes abusive or unreasonable.
Upon termination, the Business shall be entitled to retain fees for work undertaken up to the date of termination.
11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms of Business shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.