Terms of Service

Last updated: 29th August 2025

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Shine Creek Legal website and our legal services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Shine Creek Legal is a solicitors' firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales.

2. About Our Firm

Firm Name: Shine Creek Legal
Address: 42 Victoria Street, Manchester M2 3BD, United Kingdom
SRA Number: [SRA Registration Number]
Authorised and regulated by: Solicitors Regulation Authority

3. Website Use

3.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website for:

• Obtaining information about our legal services
• Reading our blog and legal resources
• Contacting us for legitimate legal enquiries
• Subscribing to our newsletter

3.2 Prohibited Use

You must not use our website for:

• Any unlawful purpose or activity
• Transmitting harmful or malicious code
• Attempting to gain unauthorised access to our systems
• Copying, reproducing, or distributing our content without permission
• Impersonating another person or entity

4. Legal Services

4.1 Client Relationship

A formal solicitor-client relationship is only established when:

• We have agreed in writing to act for you
• You have signed our client care letter
• We have completed our client identification procedures

4.2 No Legal Advice

Information on our website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not rely on website content for specific legal matters without consulting a qualified solicitor.

4.3 Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding client matters in accordance with professional rules and legal obligations. However, we may disclose information where required by law or professional conduct rules.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fee Structure

Our fees are based on:

• Time spent on your matter
• Complexity and value of the transaction
• Our solicitors' experience and expertise
• Market rates for similar work

5.2 Payment Terms

• Fees are payable in accordance with our client care letter
• We may request payment on account before commencing work
• Interest may be charged on overdue accounts
• We reserve the right to cease work if fees remain unpaid

6. Professional Standards

6.1 Regulatory Compliance

We comply with:

• SRA Standards and Regulations
• SRA Principles of professional conduct
• Money Laundering Regulations
• Data protection legislation

6.2 Professional Indemnity Insurance

We maintain professional indemnity insurance in accordance with SRA requirements, providing minimum cover of £6 million for each claim.

7. Limitation of Liability

7.1 Website Content

While we strive for accuracy, we do not warrant that website information is:

• Complete, accurate, or up-to-date
• Free from errors or omissions
• Suitable for your specific circumstances

7.2 Liability Exclusions

To the extent permitted by law, we exclude liability for:

• Indirect, consequential, or special damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages arising from third-party content or links

7.3 Maximum Liability

Our total liability for legal services is limited to the amount covered by our professional indemnity insurance.

8. Complaints Procedure

8.1 Internal Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with our services:

1. Contact the solicitor handling your matter
2. If unresolved, contact our Complaints Manager
3. We will investigate and respond within 8 weeks

8.2 External Complaints

If unsatisfied with our response, you may contact:

• Legal Ombudsman (for service complaints)
• Solicitors Regulation Authority (for regulatory matters)

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Our Content

All website content, including text, images, logos, and design, is our intellectual property or used under licence. You may not reproduce or distribute without our written permission.

9.2 Your Content

By submitting content to us, you grant us a licence to use it for providing legal services and maintaining our professional obligations.

10. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK data protection laws. Client data is subject to additional confidentiality protections under professional conduct rules.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their content or practices and recommend reviewing their terms and privacy policies.

12. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters or severe weather
• Government actions or legal restrictions
• Technical failures or cyber attacks
• Industrial disputes or supply chain disruptions

13. Termination

13.1 Client Termination

You may terminate our services at any time by giving written notice. You remain liable for fees incurred up to termination.

13.2 Our Termination

We may terminate our services in accordance with professional conduct rules, including:

• Non-payment of fees
• Breakdown in the professional relationship
• Conflicts of interest
• Professional conduct requirements

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by English law. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with a revised date. Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services:

17. Alternative Dispute Resolution

We are committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation. Where appropriate, we may suggest alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.

18. Severability

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