1 – Scope of Application
These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”) apply to any request for a quotation, advice, assistance, intervention, or any other professional engagement carried out by Eldib & Co. – Attorneys at Law, a law firm duly established and operating under the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt (the “Firm”), as well as to any agreement, assignment, or other legal or professional relationship entered into between the Firm and any client or prospective client (the “Client”). They apply to all contractual, pre-contractual, and other professional or legal relationships between the Firm and any client or prospective Client, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.
2 – Persons Covered
Any reference to the Firm in these Terms shall be deemed to include its partners, lawyers, consultants, employees, trainees, and any auxiliary persons or entities acting on its behalf or under its responsibility.
3 – Acceptance of the Terms
Any request for advice or assistance, any acceptance of an offer by the Client, or the payment of an invoice constitutes the Client’s explicit acceptance of these General Terms and Conditions. The Client expressly acknowledges and agrees that its own general terms and conditions shall not apply.
4 – Nature of the Firm’s Obligations
The Firm undertakes to perform its services independently, loyally, diligently, and in compliance with applicable professional and ethical rules.
All services rendered by the Firm constitute obligations of means, not obligations of result. The Firm does not guarantee a specific outcome, decision, or result.
5 – Client Cooperation and Information
The Client acknowledges that the proper performance of the Firm’s services depends on the timely and complete provision of accurate information, documents, and instructions.
The Client shall respond promptly to all requests from the Firm and shall immediately inform the Firm of any change in circumstances or information previously provided.
The Firm shall not be held responsible for delays, errors, or consequences resulting from incomplete, inaccurate, or late information supplied by the Client.
6 – Fees, Estimates, and Costs
Upon request, the Firm may provide an indicative estimate of fees and costs. Any estimate is non-binding and subject to revision depending on the scope, complexity, urgency, or evolution of the matter.
Unless otherwise agreed, services are billed depending on the basis of time spent, according to the applicable hourly rates, which may vary depending on seniority, expertise, and nature of the work and may be revised periodically.
Fees are exclusive of taxes, VAT, official fees, disbursement, translations, third-party costs, and any other expenses incurred in connection with the assignment.
7 – Third Parties
The Firm is entitled, where necessary or appropriate, to involve third parties such as experts, consultants, correspondents, or foreign counsel.
All costs and expenses related to such third parties shall be borne by the Client, unless expressly agreed otherwise.
8 – Invoicing and Payment
Invoices are due within thirty (30) calendar days from the invoice date, unless otherwise stated.
Any objection to an invoice must be submitted in writing within five (5) working days of its issuance; failing this, this invoice shall be deemed accepted.
Late Payments may give rise, without prior notice, to defaults interest and a compensation for administrative and recovery costs, without prejudice to the Firm’s right to claim additional damages.
9 – Suspension of Services
In the event of non-payment or serious breach of the Client’s obligations, the Firm reserves the right to suspend or terminate its services with immediate effect, without liability for any resulting consequences.
10 – Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Firm’s total cumulative liability, on any basis whatsoever, shall be limited to the amount effectively covered and paid by its professional liability insurance.
If no insurance coverage applies, the Firm’s liability shall, except in cases of fraud or intentional misconduct, be limited to the fees paid by the Client for the relevant assignment.
The Firm shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, financial, or commercial losses.
11 – Non-Contractual Liability
Any non-contractual liability arising out of or in connection with the establishment, performance, or termination of the Firm’s services is excluded to the maximum extent permitted by law, including in respect of auxiliary persons.
12 – Third-Party Acts
The Firm shall not be responsible for acts, omissions, errors, or failures of third-parties, including authorities, courts, or external service providers, even if recommended by the Firm.
13 – Force Majeure
The Firm shall not be liable for failure or delay in performance due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, strikes, governmental actions, power failures, or similar events.
If such circumstances persist for an extended period, either party may terminate the affected services without compensation.
14 – Claims and Time Limits
Any claim against the Firm must be notified in writing immediately after the Client becomes aware, or should reasonably have become aware, of the relevant facts.
All claims shall lapse if not brought within three (3) months from the date on which the event giving rise to the claim occurred.
15 – Termination
Either Party may Terminate the engagement at any time by written notice.
Termination does not affect the Client’s obligation to pay for services already rendered or for reasonable work necessary to ensure orderly transfer of the matter.
16 – Severability and Non-Waiver
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
The Failure of the Firm to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of its rights.
17 – Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and all legal relationships between the Firm and the Client shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Any dispute shall fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Cairo, Egypt, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.
