Terms & Conditions

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms & Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Harbourside ("we," "us," or "our") regarding your use of our website and legal services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you must discontinue use of our website and services immediately.

2. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms:

• "Services" refers to legal advisory and consultation services provided by Harbourside, including import-export compliance, maritime commercial law, and foreign worker programs
• "Client" refers to any individual or entity that retains Harbourside for legal services
• "Website" refers to the Harbourside website and all associated pages
• "Content" refers to all text, images, information, and materials on our website
• "Agreement" refers to a written engagement letter or retainer agreement between Harbourside and a client

3. Use of Services

3.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into binding agreements to use our services. If acting on behalf of a business entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms.

3.2 Legal Services Engagement

Use of our website does not establish a solicitor-client relationship. A formal engagement requires execution of a written retainer agreement specifying the scope of services, fees, and other terms. Initial consultations are for assessment purposes and do not constitute legal advice unless specified in writing.

3.3 Information Accuracy

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when engaging our services. You are responsible for updating information as circumstances change and promptly notifying us of any material changes affecting your matters.

4. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use our website or services to:

• Violate any applicable federal, provincial, or local laws or regulations
• Infringe upon the intellectual property rights of Harbourside or third parties
• Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
• Attempt unauthorized access to our systems or networks
• Engage in fraudulent activities or misrepresentation
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users or our personnel
• Use automated systems to access or scrape our website
• Resell or redistribute our services without authorization
• Circumvent security or authentication measures
• Use our services for any unlawful purpose

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Ownership

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and design elements, is the property of Harbourside or its licensors and is protected by Canadian and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

5.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website for personal or business purposes related to engaging our services. This license does not permit downloading, copying, or reproducing content for distribution or commercial purposes.

5.3 Client Documents

Documents and materials prepared specifically for clients remain the property of those clients, subject to our rights to retain copies as required by professional standards and applicable law.

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Service Fees

Legal service fees are quoted in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and specified in engagement letters. Standard service rates are:

• Import-Export Compliance: CAD $1,350
• Maritime Commercial Law: CAD $1,950
• Foreign Worker Programs: CAD $920

These rates cover standard procedural work. Complex matters requiring extended services are quoted separately.

6.2 Payment Terms

Payment is typically required as specified in the engagement letter, often including a retainer at commencement. Invoices are payable within 30 days of issuance unless alternative arrangements are agreed in writing.

6.3 Additional Costs

Clients are responsible for disbursements and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their matters, including filing fees, courier charges, and regulatory application costs.

6.4 Taxes

All fees are subject to applicable Canadian federal and provincial taxes, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) as required in British Columbia.

7. Refund Policy

Fees for legal services are generally non-refundable once work has commenced. If circumstances require termination of engagement before completion:

• Fees will be calculated based on work performed to the date of termination
• Any unused portion of retainer will be refunded within 30 days
• Disbursements incurred are non-refundable
• Refund requests must be submitted in writing

8. Disclaimers and Limitations

8.1 Website Information

Information on our website is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Legal advice requires consideration of specific facts and circumstances through formal engagement.

8.2 No Guarantees

While we strive to provide high-quality legal services, we cannot provide outcomes for legal matters. Results depend on numerous factors including regulatory decisions, factual circumstances, and third-party actions beyond our control.

8.3 "As Is" Provision

Our website and services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

8.4 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Harbourside shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from use of our website or services. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

8.5 Professional Insurance

Harbourside maintains professional liability insurance as required by the Law Society of British Columbia. Claims procedures are governed by our engagement agreements and applicable professional standards.

9. Termination

9.1 Client Termination

Clients may terminate engagement at any time by providing written notice. Termination does not relieve clients of payment obligations for services performed prior to termination.

9.2 Our Termination Rights

We reserve the right to terminate engagement or refuse services if:

• Conflict of interest arises that cannot be waived
• Client provides materially false or misleading information
• Fees remain unpaid despite reasonable notice
• Client conduct is abusive toward our personnel
• Continuation would violate professional obligations

9.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide clients with their file materials and cease work on their matters. Confidentiality obligations survive termination. Outstanding fees remain due and payable.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Informal Resolution

Parties agree to attempt informal resolution of disputes through good faith negotiation before pursuing formal proceedings. Initial concerns should be directed to our managing partner in writing.

10.2 Mediation

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, parties agree to attempt mediation through a mutually acceptable mediator before initiating arbitration or litigation.

10.3 Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Disputes shall be resolved in the courts of British Columbia, and parties consent to the jurisdiction of those courts.

10.4 Law Society Complaints

Clients dissatisfied with our services may file complaints with the Law Society of British Columbia in accordance with their procedures.

11. General Provisions

11.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between parties regarding use of our website and services, superseding all prior agreements and understandings.

11.2 Severability

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

11.3 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

11.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our written consent. We may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

11.5 Notices

Legal notices must be sent in writing to the addresses specified in engagement letters or to our principal office address.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through our website or via email to active clients. Continued use of our website or services following notice of changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms. The effective date indicates when Terms were last updated.

13. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact: