Terms & Conditions

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of Ridgeway's website and the engagement of our legal services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms.

If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or engage our services.

Definitions

• "Firm," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Ridgeway and its lawyers.
• "Client" or "you" refers to any individual or organization engaging our legal services.
• "Services" refers to legal advisory and consultation services provided by our firm.
• "Website" refers to the Ridgeway website and all associated pages.
• "Agreement" refers to the engagement agreement or retainer letter between the firm and client.

Use of Services

Permitted Use

Our services are provided to assist clients with legal matters in Manitoba and Canada. You agree to use our services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these terms.

Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age to engage our services independently. Services for minors may be provided through a parent or legal guardian.

Accuracy of Information

You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information to the firm. Inaccurate or incomplete information may affect our ability to represent you effectively and could impact the outcome of your matter.

Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use our services for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable laws
• Misrepresent your identity or provide false information
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or client information
• Interfere with the proper functioning of our website or services
• Use our services to harass, threaten, or harm others
• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our website content without permission
• Use automated systems to access our website excessively or disruptively

Engagement of Legal Services

Retainer Agreement

A lawyer-client relationship is established only upon execution of a written engagement agreement or retainer letter. Initial consultations or website inquiries do not create a lawyer-client relationship.

Scope of Services

The specific services to be provided will be outlined in your engagement agreement. We provide services only within our areas of practice: immigration law, commercial real estate, and employment law.

Limitations

We do not provide services outside our practice areas. If your matter falls outside our expertise, we will inform you and may suggest alternative resources.

Intellectual Property

Firm Ownership

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by Ridgeway or our licensors and is protected by Canadian copyright and intellectual property laws.

Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website for personal, non-commercial purposes. This license does not include rights to reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works.

Client Documents

Documents prepared specifically for you as part of our legal services belong to you. However, internal work product, research memoranda, and similar materials remain the property of the firm.

Fees and Payment

Fee Structure

Our fees are outlined in your engagement agreement. We may charge fixed fees for certain services or hourly rates depending on the nature of the matter. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Payment Terms

Payment is due as specified in your engagement agreement. We accept payment by cheque, bank transfer, or credit card. A retainer may be required before work begins.

Disbursements

You are responsible for reimbursing reasonable disbursements incurred on your behalf, including filing fees, courier charges, and other necessary expenses.

Late Payment

Overdue accounts may be subject to interest charges as permitted by Law Society of Manitoba rules. Continued non-payment may result in withdrawal from representation, subject to professional obligations.

Fee Disputes

If you have concerns about fees, please contact us promptly. Fee disputes may be referred to the Law Society of Manitoba's fee mediation program.

Refund Policy

Refunds are handled in accordance with Law Society of Manitoba rules:

• Retainers: Unused portions of retainers are refundable after deducting fees for work performed and disbursements incurred
• Fixed Fees: Generally non-refundable once work has commenced, unless otherwise specified in the engagement agreement
• Processing Time: Refunds are typically processed within 30 days of matter conclusion or file closure
• Method: Refunds are issued using the original payment method when possible

Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

No Guarantees

Legal matters involve inherent uncertainties. We cannot and do not make representations about the outcome of any legal matter. While we work diligently on your behalf, results depend on numerous factors beyond our control.

Website Information

Information on our website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice requires consideration of your specific circumstances and can only be provided through a lawyer-client relationship.

Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, our liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the fees paid for the specific matter giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of linked sites.

Termination

Client Termination

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees for work performed and disbursements incurred up to the termination date.

Firm Termination

We may withdraw from representation in accordance with Law Society of Manitoba Rules of Professional Conduct, including situations involving:

• Non-payment of fees
• Loss of client confidence
• Irreconcilable differences regarding case conduct
• Conflicts of interest
• Client conduct that makes continued representation impracticable

Effects of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide you with your file and cooperate with transfer to new counsel. You remain obligated to pay outstanding fees and disbursements.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

We encourage clients to raise concerns directly with us. Most issues can be resolved through open communication.

Law Society Resources

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, you may access resources provided by the Law Society of Manitoba, including fee mediation and complaint procedures.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Manitoba and Canada. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Manitoba.

General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These terms, together with any engagement agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and the firm regarding use of our website and services.

Severability

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

No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations with reasonable notice to you.

Notices

Notices to the firm should be sent to the contact information provided below. Notices to you may be sent to the contact information you have provided.

Changes to Terms

We may update these terms periodically. Updated terms will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

For existing client matters, changes to terms will not affect rights and obligations established in existing engagement agreements without your consent.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us: