Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction and Scope

These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of legal services by Whitmore Associates and your use of our website. By engaging our services, accessing our website, or communicating with our office, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Whitmore Associates is a legal practice operating in Bangkok, Thailand. We provide legal services including Matter Assessment, Transactional Services, and Advisory Retainer arrangements. These terms apply to all interactions with our practice unless superseded by a specific written engagement agreement.

2. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:

• Service or Services: The legal assistance provided by Whitmore Associates, including Matter Assessment, Transactional Services, and Advisory Retainer arrangements.
• Client or You: Any individual or entity that engages our services or communicates with our office regarding potential engagement.
• We, Us, Our, Firm: Whitmore Associates and its attorneys and staff.
• Agreement: These Terms and Conditions together with any specific engagement letter or retainer agreement.
• Website: The Whitmore Associates website and any associated digital properties.

3. Formation of Attorney-Client Relationship

An attorney-client relationship is not formed by visiting our website, submitting a contact form, or initial communications with our office. The relationship begins only when we provide written confirmation of engagement, typically through an engagement letter that specifies the scope of representation, fee arrangement, and other terms specific to your matter.

We reserve the right to decline representation for any reason, including conflicts of interest, capacity constraints, or matters falling outside our practice areas. Until a formal engagement is established, you should not consider any information you provide to us as protected by attorney-client confidentiality, though we will handle preliminary communications with appropriate discretion.

4. Scope of Services

Our services are limited to the specific matters and scope described in our engagement letter or retainer agreement. We provide legal services in areas including property transactions, business agreements, family arrangements, and general legal advisory work. The specific scope of each engagement is defined in writing before work begins.

We do not provide services in certain practice areas including criminal defense, immigration matters, or specialized regulatory fields outside our expertise. If your needs fall outside our service areas, we will inform you promptly and may suggest alternative counsel when appropriate.

5. Client Responsibilities

Clients engaging our services have certain responsibilities that are essential to effective representation. You agree to provide complete and accurate information relevant to your matter, respond promptly to our communications and requests for information, review documents we prepare for you in a timely manner, and inform us immediately of any changes that may affect your legal situation.

You are responsible for making decisions regarding your representation after receiving our advice and recommendations. While we provide legal guidance, ultimate decisions rest with you. You agree to cooperate with reasonable requests necessary for us to represent you effectively and to maintain regular communication throughout our engagement.

6. Fees and Payment Terms

Legal fees are discussed and agreed upon before beginning any engagement. Our fee structures vary by service type. Matter Assessment services have a fixed fee of ฿10,500. Transactional Services are typically quoted at ฿32,000 for standard engagements, with complex matters quoted separately. Advisory Retainer arrangements are billed monthly at ฿45,000.

All fees are quoted in Thai Baht and are exclusive of applicable taxes. Payment is generally due within thirty days of invoice date unless otherwise specified in your engagement letter. We reserve the right to suspend work on matters with outstanding unpaid fees.

In addition to legal fees, clients are responsible for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their matters, including filing fees, courier costs, translation services, and similar disbursements. We will seek your approval before incurring substantial expenses on your behalf.

7. Confidentiality and Professional Obligations

We are bound by strict professional obligations regarding client confidentiality. Information you provide to us in the course of representation is protected by attorney-client privilege and professional conduct rules. We will not disclose your confidential information except with your consent, as required by law, or as necessary to provide the services you have engaged us to perform.

Our confidentiality obligations survive the termination of our engagement. However, we may be required to disclose information in response to court orders, legal process, or professional conduct inquiries. We will notify you of such requirements when permitted to do so.

8. Intellectual Property

Documents we prepare for you in the course of representation are created for your use in the specific matter for which they were prepared. While you receive the right to use these documents for their intended purpose, we retain intellectual property rights in our work product, legal research, and methodologies.

Our website content, including text, graphics, and other materials, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may view and print website content for personal informational purposes but may not reproduce, distribute, or use it for commercial purposes without our written permission.

9. Disclaimers and Limitations

While we strive to provide high-quality legal services, we make no promises regarding specific outcomes or results. Legal matters involve uncertainty, and results cannot be predicted with certainty. We provide legal services on an "as is" basis and disclaim warranties of any particular result or outcome.

Information on our website is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. You should not rely on website content as a substitute for specific legal advice regarding your situation. Each legal matter is unique and requires individual analysis.

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, labor disputes, or technical failures.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law and professional conduct rules, our liability for any claims arising from our services is limited to the fees paid for the specific matter giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

This limitation does not apply to liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law, including liability for fraud, willful misconduct, or gross negligence. We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by professional regulations.

11. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate our engagement subject to the terms of our engagement letter or retainer agreement. You may terminate representation at any time, though you remain responsible for fees and expenses incurred up to the termination date. We may terminate representation for cause, including non-payment of fees, failure to cooperate, or circumstances that would make continued representation professionally inappropriate.

Upon termination, we will provide you with documents from your matter that belong to you and will cooperate with any successor counsel. You remain responsible for any outstanding fees and expenses. Our confidentiality obligations continue after termination.

12. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions and any engagement between us are governed by the laws of Thailand. The Thai courts have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from our services or these terms.

Before initiating formal proceedings, parties agree to attempt resolution through good faith negotiation. If negotiation is unsuccessful, disputes may be submitted to mediation before proceeding to litigation. This does not limit either party's right to seek urgent interim relief when necessary.

13. Website Use and Conduct

When using our website, you agree not to use the site for any unlawful purpose, attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems, interfere with website functionality, transmit harmful code or viruses, or collect information about other users without authorization.

We reserve the right to restrict or terminate website access for users who violate these terms. We may modify or discontinue website features without notice.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Whitmore Associates and its attorneys from claims arising from your breach of these terms, your violation of any law or rights of third parties, or your use of our services in a manner inconsistent with their intended purpose or our advice.

15. General Provisions

These Terms and Conditions, together with any engagement letter or retainer agreement, constitute the entire agreement between parties regarding our services. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect. Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

We may assign our rights and obligations under these terms with your consent. You may not assign your rights or obligations without our written consent. All notices under these terms should be in writing and delivered to the addresses specified in our engagement correspondence.

These terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights. The relationship between us is that of independent contractor and client; nothing in these terms creates a partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship.

16. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically to reflect changes in our practice, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date and may provide notice through our website or direct communication with active clients.

Continued use of our services or website following changes constitutes acceptance of updated terms. Changes do not apply retroactively to existing engagements unless specifically agreed in writing.

17. Contact Information

Questions about these Terms and Conditions should be directed to:

18. Acknowledgment

By engaging our services or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services or website.