TERMS & CONDITIONS
Terms and Conditions of Engagement
Last Effective Date: May 24, 2024
Please read this section carefully before proceeding.
Viewing this website (desagalaw.com), contacting DESAGA LAW via email, phone, or social media, or submitting an initial inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship.
An attorney-client relationship with DESAGA LAW is only established once the specific conditions outlined in Section 1 below are fully met.
1. Perfection of the Service Engagement
DESAGA LAW enforces a strict policy regarding the commencement of legal services to ensure clarity, consent, and ethical compliance.
A formal lawyer-client relationship is only perfected upon the completion of all the following steps:
- An initial consultation has taken place to determine the nature of the legal matter.
- A conflict-of-interest check has been cleared by the Firm.
- A specific written **Service Engagement Form (SEF)** or Retainer Agreement has been drafted detailing the scope of work and terms.
- **Crucially: The final, written SEF must be signed and perfected personally by the client in the physical presence of any of the partners of DESAGA LAW at our offices.**
Until a final SEF is personally signed in the presence of a partner, DESAGA LAW is under no obligation to take any action on your behalf, file any pleadings, or represent your interests in any forum.
2. Ethical Standards and the CPRA
DESAGA LAW is committed to the highest standards of ethical legal practice in the Philippines, as governed by the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) (A.M. No. 22-09-01-SC).
Confidentiality (Prospective Clients)
While no formal attorney-client relationship exists prior to the signing of an SEF, DESAGA LAW acknowledges its duty under the rules of evidence and legal ethics to maintain the confidentiality of communications made by a prospective client with a view towards employing the Firm. We will not disclose such information except as permitted or required by law or the CPRA.
Fiduciary Duty (Engaged Clients)
Once an engagement is perfected pursuant to Section 1, the Firm owes the client duties of fidelity, competence, diligence, and candor as mandated by the CPRA.
3. Scope of Services and Professional Fees
This website provides general information about our practice areas and does not constitute a specific offer of service.
The Service Engagement Form Governs
The specific scope of legal services to be rendered, the corresponding professional fees (whether acceptance fees, appearance fees, hourly rates, or success fees), and arrangements for litigation expenses shall be exclusively governed by the separate, written SEF signed by the parties.
No verbal agreements or generic estimates regarding fees shall be binding upon the Firm unless reduced into the final written SEF.
4. Client Responsibilities
To ensure effective representation, clients who have successfully engaged the Firm agree to:
- Provide full, honest, and truthful disclosure of all facts relevant to their case.
- Cooperate timely with requests for documents, evidence, or information.
- Remain responsive to communications from the Firm.
- Honour fee arrangements according to the schedule agreed upon in the SEF.
5. Website Content Disclaimer
The materials provided on desagalaw.com are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The information on this site may not reflect the most current legal developments, verdicts, or settlements.
You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included on this site without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
6. Contact for Engagement
To initiate the process of potentially engaging DESAGA LAW, please contact us to schedule an initial consultation.
DESAGA LAW
No. 14 2F CityMaxx, Rizal Avenue, City of Cauayan, Isabela
Phone: 0975-275-7488
Email: docket@desagalaw.com