Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Ironwood website and your engagement of legal services provided by Ironwood. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our website or engage our services. These Terms supplement and do not replace any separate retainer agreement or engagement letter executed between you and Ironwood.

2. Definitions

• "Ironwood," "we," "us," or "our" refers to the legal practice operating under the name Ironwood
• "Services" means legal advisory and representation services provided by Ironwood
• "Client" or "you" refers to individuals or entities engaging our services or using our website
• "Website" refers to all pages and content accessible through the domain ironwoodym.club
• "Content" includes all text, images, information, and materials on our website

3. Nature of Services

Ironwood provides legal services in the following practice areas:

• Citizenship application support and immigration matters
• Business transactions including mergers and acquisitions
• Employment and workplace advisory services

Services are provided by lawyers licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. We do not provide services in practice areas outside those listed above. Information on our website does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such without formal engagement of services.

4. No Solicitor-Client Relationship

Viewing our website, sending an inquiry through our contact form, or attending an initial consultation does not establish a solicitor-client relationship. A solicitor-client relationship is created only when:

1. We agree to represent you through execution of a retainer agreement or engagement letter
2. We confirm acceptance of your matter in writing
3. We have completed conflict checking procedures confirming we can act for you

Until a solicitor-client relationship is established, you should not send confidential information through our website or via unsecured email.

5. Scope of Representation

When we agree to represent you, the scope of our representation will be defined in a written retainer agreement or engagement letter specifying:

• The specific matter or matters we will handle
• Services to be provided and excluded from representation
• Fee arrangements and billing procedures
• Your obligations as a client
• Termination provisions

We represent you only for matters explicitly described in our retainer agreement. Work outside the agreed scope requires separate engagement and may be subject to additional fees.

6. Fees and Payment

Fee Structures

Our services may be provided on the following fee bases:

• Fixed Fees: A predetermined amount for specific services where scope is predictable
• Hourly Rates: Time-based billing at rates specified in the retainer agreement
• Hybrid Arrangements: Combination of fixed and hourly components

Currency and Taxes

All fees are stated in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Applicable taxes including Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be added to invoices as required by law.

Payment Terms

Payment terms will be specified in your retainer agreement. Typical arrangements include:

• Payment in full for fixed fee services before work commences
• Retainer deposits for hourly work, applied against future invoices
• Monthly invoicing with payment due within 30 days of invoice date

Disbursements

You are responsible for reimbursing reasonable disbursements incurred on your behalf, including government filing fees, courier charges, photocopying costs, and expert fees. Significant disbursements will be discussed with you before being incurred.

7. Client Responsibilities

Clients have the following obligations:

• Provide accurate and complete information relevant to your matter
• Respond promptly to requests for information or documentation
• Inform us of any changes to your circumstances affecting representation
• Maintain regular communication and advise us of address or contact changes
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Make timely payment of fees and disbursements
• Make final decisions regarding your matter following our advice

8. Confidentiality

All information shared with us during representation is protected by solicitor-client privilege and professional confidentiality obligations. We will not disclose your information except:

• With your express consent or implied authorization to act on your behalf
• As required by law, court order, or regulatory authority
• Where necessary to prevent serious harm
• To defend against claims of professional negligence
• For anonymous practice improvement purposes with identifying details removed

9. Termination of Services

Client-Initiated Termination

You may terminate our representation at any time by providing written notice. Upon termination, you remain responsible for fees and disbursements incurred to the date of termination.

Firm-Initiated Termination

We may withdraw from representation in circumstances including:

• Non-payment of fees or failure to comply with retainer terms
• Breakdown of solicitor-client relationship
• Instructions to act in a manner contrary to professional obligations
• Conflict of interest that cannot be resolved

Where we withdraw, we will provide reasonable notice and assistance in transitioning your matter to new counsel where appropriate.

10. Disclaimers and Limitations

No Guarantee of Outcomes

Legal matters involve factors beyond our control including decisions by government agencies, courts, opposing parties, and other third parties. We provide competent representation but do not provide assurance of specific results or outcomes.

Website Information

Information on our website is provided for general informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice and may not reflect current legal developments. Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Do not rely on website content as a substitute for obtaining professional legal advice.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external resources. We do not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, or practices of third-party websites.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law and professional conduct rules:

• Our liability for professional negligence is limited to the amount recoverable under our professional liability insurance
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• We are not liable for damages resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control
• Time limits for bringing professional negligence claims are subject to applicable limitation periods under Ontario law

These limitations do not affect rights that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

12. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Ironwood or our licensors and is protected by Canadian and international copyright laws. You may view and print content for personal use but may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or transmit content for commercial purposes
• Modify, create derivative works from, or reverse engineer website functionality
• Remove copyright or proprietary notices
• Use automated systems to access or extract content

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

14. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute regarding our services or fees:

1. You should first raise concerns directly with the lawyer handling your matter
2. If concerns are not resolved, you may request mediation through a neutral third party
3. You have the right to make a complaint to the Law Society of Ontario
4. You may pursue legal action subject to applicable limitation periods

15. General Provisions

Entire Agreement

For clients with retainer agreements, these Terms together with your retainer agreement constitute the entire agreement between you and Ironwood regarding legal services.

Severability

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

Amendments

We may update these Terms periodically. Changes become effective upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of our rights to enforce that or any other provision in the future.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or other legal matters, please contact us: