Terms and Conditions of Business

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, these business terms apply to any matter undertaken by Gary Irwin Solicitors.

1. Conflict of interest

In accordance with the rules of the Law Society of Ireland and our own procedures as to impartiality, we ensure that no conflict of interest exists before we accept a matter. If a conflict of interest or a question of impartiality subsequently arises and causes us to discontinue our work, we will be pleased to recommend another law firm.

2. Identity information and money laundering

Gary Irwin Solicitors is obliged to comply with anti-money-laundering legislation. Accordingly, we are obliged to obtain and keep identity information for every client.

3. Fees and payment

Legal fees are based on a number of parameters: the time spent; the expertise and experience of the solicitors and barristers involved; the complexity of the matter and its importance to the client; the values involved; the outcome of the matter; and the liability exposure. Our fees are exclusive of VAT, relevant costs and outlay.

It can be very difficult to estimate fees on receipt of instructions. However, on request, and always to consumers, we provide a section 68 letter in accordance with the applicable legislation, giving an estimate of and information about the expected fees, costs and disbursements. We will inform you as early as possible if the total fees are likely to exceed that estimate.

4. Invoicing

We usually invoice when the matter has been completed. Continuous assistance and matters of long duration are invoiced at regular intervals, typically monthly or quarterly, unless otherwise agreed. Terms of payment are two weeks from the date of invoice, and VAT is added in accordance with the applicable rules.

5. Prepayment

In general we ask for prepayment of disbursements and costs, and in rare cases for prepayment of fees. Prepaid fees, disbursements and costs are paid into our client account, and the amount, including any interest accrued, may be used to settle future invoices, disbursements and costs unless otherwise agreed.

6. Disbursements and costs

Disbursements and relevant costs in connection with the assistance provided are charged separately to the client.

7. Confidentiality

All employees of Gary Irwin Solicitors are subject to professional confidentiality. Any information from or regarding clients that we receive in connection with a matter is treated as confidential, unless it appears from the circumstances that the information is non-confidential.

8. Inside information

All Gary Irwin Solicitors employees are also bound by the applicable legislation prohibiting the exchange of inside information on listed companies and restricting trade in listed securities, and by the firm's internal rules.

9. Use of our advice

Our advice is targeted at each individual matter and is accordingly not to be used for any other purpose without our explicit prior consent. Unless otherwise agreed, we are only liable to the client for the assistance provided.

10. Completion of the matter

Gary Irwin Solicitors will complete the matter unless the client asks for the assistance to be terminated beforehand. However, we reserve the right to discontinue our assistance immediately if the credit period of our invoices has been considerably exceeded despite reminders, or if the client becomes insolvent. We also reserve the right to withdraw from a matter if, in exceptional cases, we find that we cannot be responsible for handling the case, or if we believe it is in the client's interest that our cooperation is terminated.

Original documents are usually surrendered no later than on completion of the matter, and we keep files for at least six years from the date of invoice.

11. Complaints

Gary Irwin Solicitors is subject to the general rules of the Law Society of Ireland on complaints.

If you are not satisfied with our assistance or our fees, please contact the solicitor in charge of the matter, or the person responsible for the client relationship. If you and the solicitor in charge are unable to resolve the issue, the Principal, Gary Irwin, will be involved to ensure that the complaint is processed according to our internal procedures so that the matter is resolved amicably.

12. Law and venue

Any dispute between a client and Gary Irwin Solicitors is subject to Irish law and the jurisdiction of the Irish courts.

13. Liability, limitation of liability and insurance cover

Gary Irwin Solicitors is liable for our advice to clients in accordance with the general rules of Irish law, and we are insured against third-party risks with a well-regarded insurance company. Our liability is, however, limited to a maximum of €1,500,000. Compensation to a client cannot exceed €1,500,000 for claims advanced or increased within the same or the immediately following calendar year.