──────────────
Arunima Jha
──────────────

The following Standard Terms of Engagement apply when you engage Arunima Jha (advocate and legal counsel) to represent you. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, these terms form an integral part of our engagement agreement. The terms may be updated periodically and any revised version will be made available here. Please review these provisions carefully before confirming engagement.

​

1. The Agreement

These Standard Terms of Engagement, together with the engagement letter and any written supplements relating to specific matters, constitute the “Agreement.”

​

Any external billing requirements, client protocols, or third-party guidelines will apply only if expressly agreed to in writing.

This Agreement may be modified only through mutual written consent.

​

2. Parties to the Agreement

The client is strictly the individual or entity named in the engagement letter. Representation does not extend to affiliates, group companies, shareholders, directors, employees, or related parties unless expressly agreed to in writing.

Where the client is a company or other entity, communications with directors, officers, or employees in their representative capacity do not create a personal attorney-client relationship.

​

3. Client Responsibilities

The client is expected to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information relevant to the matter.

• Cooperate honestly and in good faith throughout the engagement.

• Abide by applicable laws, judicial directions, and professional ethics.

• Pay fees and expenses as agreed.

Clients must not request or instruct the firm to act in any manner that is illegal, unethical, or misleading.

All fees remain payable by the client irrespective of any cost orders passed by a court or any reimbursement by a third party, unless otherwise agreed in writing. If multiple clients are named, they are jointly and severally liable for all fees and out-of-pocket expenses.

​​

4. Scope of Services

Representation is limited to the matter specifically described in the engagement letter.
The engagement does not create an ongoing obligation to advise you on:

• General changes in law

• Developments affecting other matters or transactions

• Filing or regulatory reporting obligations, unless expressly retained for such services.

Any subsequent advice or matter will require a separate engagement understanding.

​

5. Fees, Costs, and Disbursements

Professional fees are charged as per the fee structure set out in the engagement letter, exclusive of applicable taxes and disbursements.

Disbursements may include official filing costs, courier and photocopying charges, research costs, expert fees, travel expenses, and other third-party expenses.

Where third-party vendors or experts are appointed (e.g., valuers, accountants, surveyors, or consultants), their fees and obligations will be directly between you and such third party.

​

All invoices are payable on presentation unless otherwise stated. Late payments may attract interest as per the engagement terms.

​​

6. Trust Retainers and Client Funds

Retainers or client funds, if applicable, may be held in a designated client account in accordance with professional standards.
No interest will accrue to the client unless otherwise required by law.
Funds will be used only for the specific purpose for which they are provided.

​

7. Client Files and Record Retention

All documents and records reasonably necessary for representation form the Client File, which will remain on record for a minimum of seven (7) years from matter closure unless otherwise required by law.
Originals of title deeds, contracts, or share certificates will be returned to the client at matter closure.
Work product including notes, drafts, research, and internal correspondence remains the property of the counsel.

​

8. Attorney’s Lien

In accordance with the Advocates Act, 1961 and applicable professional conduct rules, an attorney’s lien may be exercised over unpaid fees, recoveries, or documents until settlement of outstanding dues.

​

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All information shared by the client will be treated as confidential in accordance with the Bar Council of India Rules, Information Technology Act, 2000, and applicable data protection laws.
Confidential information will not be disclosed to third parties except as required by law, regulatory obligation, or judicial order.

Electronic communications (including email or cloud storage) involve inherent risks of interception or compromise. By engaging us, you consent to the use of such channels and agree to maintain your own secure practices while sharing confidential information.

​

10. Duration and Termination

The engagement continues until completion of the agreed professional services or until terminated by either party.
Either party may terminate by written notice.
Termination does not affect the obligation to pay fees for work performed and expenses incurred up to the termination date.
Upon termination, reasonable cooperation will be extended to enable transition to new counsel.

​

11. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute or claim arising out of this Agreement shall first be attempted to be resolved amicably through negotiation.
If unresolved, the dispute shall be governed by the laws of India, with exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Mumbai, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The prevailing party may recover reasonable legal costs, subject to applicable limits.

​

12. Miscellaneous

• Opinions or projections provided are professional judgments, not guarantees of outcome.

• The client may not assign or transfer rights under this Agreement without prior written consent.

• Communications from time to time regarding legal updates shall not revive or continue the attorney-client relationship beyond the agreed term.

• Independent legal advice is recommended before entering this Agreement.

 

For any queries regarding these terms, please contact:
Arunima Jha