These business terms shall apply to any assignment undertaken by our firm, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
Conflicts of interest or loyalty
In accordance with the rules of the Nigerian Bar Association, we will ensure that no conflict of interest or loyalty exists before finally undertaking an assignment. If any legal impartiality or conflict of interest should arise during the prosecution of the case it may result in us renouncing the matter, we will of course recommend another attorney.
Identity information and money laundering
Law Allianz is subject to the rules of Nigeria governing Money Laundering. Accordingly, we are under an obligation to obtain and keep identity information on any client.
Fees and payment
Legal fees are based on various parameters. Fees will be based on the time spent on the assignment, the specialist knowledge and expertise of the attorneys involved, the complexity of the assignment and its possible importance to the client, the values involved, the outcome of the assignment, and the liability in connection with resolving the matter. Our estimated fee is exclusive of out of pocket expenses ,statutory fees and disbursements.
It may be difficult to estimate the total fee when undertaking the assignment. However, upon request we will provide the client with a reasoned estimate regarding the anticipated costs and disbursements; likewise, we will inform the client as soon as possible if the total fee is likely to exceed the estimate.
Invoicing
Usually, invoicing will take place when the assignment has been completed. Advice on a continuous basis and long-term assignments (on account) will be invoiced at regular intervals, often monthly or quarterly, unless otherwise agreed upon. Terms of payment are 14 days from the date of invoice. VAT will be added in accordance with the rules in force if you are a local company.
Prepayment
As a rule, we ask for prepayment of costs and disbursements and in some cases we ask for prepayment of the fee. Prepaid fees, costs and disbursements will be deposited on our clients’ account and will be used in settlement of future invoices, disbursements and costs, unless otherwise agreed upon.
Disbursements
Disbursements and relevant costs in connection with the assistance provided are charged separately to the client.
Confidentiality
All employees with law Allianz are subject to professional secrecy. Any information from or regarding clients, which we receive in connection with an assignment, will be
Treated as confidential, unless it appears from the circumstances that the information is non-confidential.
Use of our advice
Our legal advice is targeted at the particular assignment and is therefore not to be used for any other purposes without our explicit prior acceptance. Unless otherwise agreed upon, Law Allianz is only liable to the client for the services provided as directed by the client we are not liable to 3rd parties use of the advice or if used in a different set of circumstances.
Completion of the assignment
Law Allianz will complete the assignment, unless the client requests that the assistance be terminated before completion. However, we reserve the right to discontinue our assistance immediately if the fixed period of credit of our invoices has been considerably exceeded, or if the client becomes insolvent. We also reserve the right to withdraw from a matter if, in specific cases, we find that we cannot be responsible for handling the matter, or if we find that it will be in the best interest of the client to terminate our cooperation.
Complaints
Liability, limitation of liability, and insurance cover
We have taken out third-party liability insurance in accordance with the rules of the Nigerian Bar Association. The third-party liability insurance covers any legal practice irrespective of where it may be exercised.
