These Terms of Engagement ("Terms") govern the provision of legal services by DBL Avocats SIA (registration number 40203456789, VAT LV40203456789, registered at Elizabetes iela 45-12, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia) to its clients ("Client"). The Terms apply together with each individual engagement letter; in case of conflict, the engagement letter prevails.
1. Scope of services
The scope of legal services is defined in the engagement letter. Work outside that scope is performed only when separately agreed in writing. Advice is given solely for the Client and may not be relied on by third parties without our prior written consent.
2. Professional regulation
Members of our team holding the title Zvērināts advokāts are admitted in Latvia and supervised by the Latvijas Zvērinātu advokātu padome (Council of Sworn Advocates of Latvia). We comply with the Advokatūras likums (Latvian Advocacy Law) and the Latvijas Zvērinātu advokātu Ētikas kodekss.
3. Fees and billing
Fees are billed either at the hourly rates set out in the engagement letter, on a fixed-fee basis, or on a retainer. Out-of-pocket disbursements (state fees, notarial fees, translation, courier, etc.) are charged at cost. Invoices are due within 14 days of issue unless otherwise agreed.
4. Client account
Funds received from or on behalf of a Client that are not yet earned as fees or used to cover disbursements are held in a separate client account, segregated from the firm's operating funds:
- Account holder: DBL Avocats SIA Client Account
- Bank: Swedbank AS, Latvia
- IBAN: LV80 HABA 0551 0000 0000 0
- SWIFT / BIC: HABALV22
Client funds are accounted for separately per Client and returned (or applied against invoices) in accordance with the engagement and applicable professional rules.
5. Confidentiality and conflicts
All information learned in the course of an engagement is kept strictly confidential and is protected by professional privilege under applicable law. We run conflict checks at the start of every engagement and on material changes; we will decline or withdraw where a non-waivable conflict exists.
6. AML / KYC
We are subject to anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing legislation. The Client agrees to provide identification documents, source-of-funds information and any further KYC data we reasonably request. We may decline or terminate an engagement where required by law.
7. Liability
Our professional liability insurance is provided by BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS with coverage of EUR 500,000 per claim (EUR 1,500,000 aggregate), territorial scope: European Union. Our total liability to the Client for any engagement is limited to that insurance coverage, save where mandatory law provides otherwise.
8. Term and termination
Either party may terminate an engagement at any time on reasonable notice. The Client pays for services rendered and disbursements incurred up to the date of termination. Professional and statutory obligations regarding ongoing matters and the orderly transfer of files survive termination.
9. Data protection
We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
10. Governing law and jurisdiction
These Terms and each engagement are governed by the laws of Latvia. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Rīga, Latvia, without prejudice to mandatory rules on consumer protection.
11. Contact
For any question regarding these Terms, contact us at contact@dbl-avocats.org.