Terms & Conditions

1. Agreement Overview

These Terms & Conditions govern your use of Sterling's website and inquiries about our legal advisory services. By accessing our website or contacting us regarding potential legal services, you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.

Actual provision of legal services requires a separate engagement agreement establishing the specific terms, scope, and fee arrangements for your matter. Initial consultations and website use do not create an attorney-client relationship.

2. Definitions

For purposes of these terms:

• "Services" refers to legal advisory services provided by Sterling in securities regulation, wealth immigration planning, and corporate restructuring
• "Client" means an individual or entity with whom Sterling has entered a written engagement agreement
• "Website" refers to Sterling's online presence and associated digital properties
• "Professional Standards" means Law Society of Ontario rules and regulations governing legal practice
• "Engagement Agreement" means the written contract establishing the attorney-client relationship and specific service terms

3. Use of Website and Services

Our website provides general information about our practice areas. Content does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. Legal advice requires understanding your particular circumstances through a consultation process and formal engagement.

You may use our website for:

• Learning about our services and practice areas
• Submitting general inquiries about potential legal matters
• Accessing resources we make publicly available

You must be at least 18 years of age to submit inquiries or engage our services. Information you provide through website forms or initial communications should be accurate and complete to facilitate appropriate preliminary assessment.

4. Prohibited Activities

When using our website or services, you may not:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe intellectual property rights
• Transmit harmful code, viruses, or malware
• Attempt unauthorized access to our systems
• Engage in fraudulent activities or misrepresentations
• Harass, abuse, or threaten our staff or other users
• Use automated systems to access our website without authorization
• Resell or commercialize our services without written permission

5. Intellectual Property Rights

Sterling retains ownership of all content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and documents we create. This content is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may view and print website content for personal reference but may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.

Documents we prepare for clients remain our intellectual property, though clients receive licenses to use them for their intended purposes. Client data and confidential information remain the client's property subject to our retention obligations under professional rules.

6. Legal Services Engagement

Provision of legal services requires a written engagement agreement specifying:

• Scope of legal services to be provided
• Fee structure and billing arrangements
• Responsibilities of both parties
• Communication protocols
• Termination provisions
• Conflict of interest acknowledgments

Initial consultations help determine whether our services suit your needs and whether we can accept the engagement considering professional obligations and capacity constraints. Not all inquiries result in engagements.

7. Fees and Payment

Professional fees are specified in engagement agreements. Our fee structures may include:

• Fixed Fees: Predetermined amounts for defined scope engagements
• Hourly Rates: Time-based billing for matters with uncertain scope
• Retainer Arrangements: Advance deposits against future services

Payment terms are typically net 30 days from invoice date. We accept electronic transfers, cheques, and credit card payments. Currency is Canadian dollars (CAD) unless otherwise specified.

Fee changes require written notice. Outstanding balances may accrue interest at rates specified in engagement agreements. We reserve the right to suspend services for non-payment while maintaining confidentiality obligations.

8. Service Limitations and Disclaimers

Legal services are provided on an "as is" basis regarding outcomes. While we apply professional knowledge and diligence, we cannot predict or control:

• Regulatory body decisions or interpretations
• Court rulings or judicial discretion
• Third-party actions or cooperation
• Market conditions affecting transactions
• Changes in applicable laws or regulations

Our liability for professional services is governed by engagement agreements and professional insurance coverage. We disclaim liability for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages. Our total liability shall not exceed fees paid for the specific service giving rise to a claim.

9. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate an engagement subject to conditions in the engagement agreement. Clients may terminate upon written notice and payment of outstanding fees. We may withdraw from representation if:

• Professional obligations require withdrawal
• Fees remain unpaid despite reasonable opportunity to cure
• Client conduct renders effective representation impossible
• Conflicts of interest develop

Upon termination, we provide client files as required by professional rules. Outstanding fees remain due. We maintain confidentiality obligations indefinitely. File retention obligations continue per professional standards.

10. Dispute Resolution

Disputes regarding our services should first be addressed through direct discussion. If informal resolution fails:

• Parties may pursue mediation through a mutually acceptable mediator
• Fee disputes may be referred to mediation or arbitration as provided in engagement agreements
• Professional conduct concerns may be directed to the Law Society of Ontario

These terms are governed by Ontario law. Courts located in Toronto, Ontario have jurisdiction over disputes, though we prefer alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.

11. General Provisions

Entire Agreement: These terms, together with engagement agreements and privacy policies, constitute the complete agreement regarding website use and service inquiries.

Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions continue in effect.

No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right does not constitute waiver of that right.

Assignment: You may not assign rights under these terms without written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations to successor practices.

Notices: Communications regarding these terms should be directed to [email protected]. Notices are effective upon receipt.

12. Contact Information

Questions about these Terms & Conditions should be directed to: