Free Legal Service Agreement

I. Introduction

A. Purpose of the Agreement

This Legal Service Agreement (the "Agreement") is made effective as of [Effective Date], by and between [Your Company Name], a company incorporated and existing under the laws of [Your Jurisdiction] (the "Client"), and [Law Firm's Name], a law firm duly licensed and qualified to practice law in [Jurisdiction] (the "Service Provider"). This Agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the Service Provider will provide legal services to the Client.

B. Definitions

1. "Services" refers to the legal services described in Section II of this Agreement.

2. "Fee" refers to the compensation paid by the Client to the Service Provider for the Services, as described in Section IV.

3. "Confidential Information" means any information disclosed by one party to the other party in written, oral, or electronic form that is designated as confidential or that, given the context, should reasonably be understood to be confidential.

II. Scope of Services

A. Description of Legal Services

1. Consultation Services

   The Service Provider will provide legal advice and consultation on matters including, but not limited to contract law, corporate compliance, and intellectual property.

2. Representation in Legal Proceedings

   The Service Provider will represent the Client in legal proceedings such as lawsuits, arbitration, and regulatory hearings.

3. Document Preparation and Review

   The Service Provider will prepare and review legal documents including, but not limited to contracts, agreements, and legal briefs.

4. Negotiation Services

   The Service Provider will negotiate on behalf of the Client in matters such as settlement agreements, and contract terms.

B. Exclusions

1. Non-Covered Services

   The following services are not covered by this Agreement: services not related to the Client's business, services requiring representation in jurisdictions outside of [Jurisdiction].

2. Additional Costs

   The Client will be responsible for additional costs such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and travel expenses, which will be billed separately.

III. Term and Termination

A. Term

1. Effective Date

   This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and will continue until terminated in accordance with Section III.B.

2. Duration

   The initial term of this Agreement is 3 years, after which it will automatically renew for successive 6 years unless terminated by either party.

B. Termination

1. Termination for Convenience

   Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason by providing [number of days] days written notice to the other party.

2. Termination for Cause

   This Agreement may be terminated immediately by either party if the other party breaches any material term of this Agreement and fails to remedy the breach within 30 days of receiving written notice of the breach.

3. Effects of Termination

   Upon termination, the Service Provider will cease all work and provide a final invoice for services rendered up to the date of termination.

IV. Fees and Payment

A. Fee Structure

1. Hourly Rate

   The Client agrees to pay the Service Provider at an hourly rate of $300 for Services rendered.

2. Fixed Fee

   For certain services, the Client and the Service Provider may agree on a fixed fee, detailed in a separate addendum to this Agreement.

B. Billing and Payment Terms

1. Invoice Frequency

   The Service Provider will issue invoices on a monthly basis. Each invoice will detail the Services provided and the hours worked.

2. Payment Terms

   Payments are due within 30 days from the date of the invoice. Late payments will incur interest at a rate of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance.

3. Dispute Resolution

   Any disputes regarding invoices must be submitted in writing within 15 days of receipt of the invoice. Both parties will attempt to resolve disputes amicably before resorting to legal action.

V. Confidentiality

A. Confidential Information

1. Obligations

   Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information disclosed during the term of this Agreement and to use it solely for the purposes of this Agreement.

2. Exclusions

   Confidential Information does not include information that is or becomes publicly available without breach of this Agreement, is received from a third party without obligation of confidentiality, or is independently developed by the receiving party.

B. Return or Destruction of Confidential Information

1. Return

   Upon termination of this Agreement, each party will return or destroy all Confidential Information of the other party.

2. Survival

   The obligations of confidentiality will survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of 2 years.

VI. Responsibilities and Obligations

A. Service Provider Responsibilities

1. Professional Standards

   The Service Provider will perform the Services in accordance with the applicable laws and professional standards.

2. Communication

   The Service Provider will communicate regularly with the Client regarding the status of matters and will provide timely updates.

B. Client Responsibilities

1. Cooperation

   The Client agrees to cooperate with the Service Provider and provide all necessary information and documentation required for the performance of the Services.

2. Compliance

   The Client will comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to the Services provided under this Agreement.

VII. Liability and Indemnification

A. Limitation of Liability

1. Exclusions

   The Service Provider will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or related to this Agreement.

2. Liability Cap

   The total liability of the Service Provider for any claims arising out of this Agreement will be limited to the amount of fees paid by the Client under this Agreement.

B. Indemnification

1. Client Indemnification

   The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Service Provider from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the Client's breach of this Agreement or from the Client's use of the Services.

2. Service Provider Indemnification

   The Service Provider agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Client from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the Service Provider's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

VIII. Dispute Resolution

A. Mediation

1. Procedure

   In the event of a dispute arising out of this Agreement, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation before pursuing any other legal remedies.

2. Mediator Selection

   The mediator will be selected by mutual agreement of the parties or, if necessary, appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

B. Arbitration

1. Arbitration Clause

   If mediation fails, the dispute will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Arbitration Association.

2. Arbitrator Selection

   The arbitrator will be selected by mutual agreement of the parties or, if necessary, appointed by the Arbitration Association.

IX. Miscellaneous

A. Governing Law

1. Jurisdiction

   This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Jurisdiction].

2. Dispute Resolution

   Any disputes not resolved through mediation or arbitration will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Jurisdiction].

B. Entire Agreement

1. Integration

   This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements.

2. Amendments

   Any amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

C. Severability

1. Partial Invalidity

   If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

D. Notices

1. Address

   Notices required under this Agreement must be sent to the addresses provided in the introductory section of this Agreement or to such other addresses as the parties may designate in writing.

2. Delivery

   Notices may be delivered by hand, by certified mail, or by electronic mail.

X. Signatures

A. Execution

This Agreement is executed as of the Effective Date by the authorized representatives of the parties:

[Your Company Name]

Name: [Your Name]
Title: [Your Title]
Date:                              

[Law Firm's Name]

Name: [Attorney's Name]
Title: [Attorney's Title]
Date:                               

Legal Templates @ Template.net