Terms and Conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR LEGAL SERVICES AND WEBSITE USE
Effective Date: 10 January 2026
Version: 1.0
Solicitor: Geoffrey Caesar, Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales
Regulatory Status: Freelance Solicitor, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Individual SRA ID: 483394;
Freelance SRA ID: 666497)
Contact: geoffrey@geoffreycaesar.com | www.geoffreycaesar.com
Service Address: 3rd Floor, 45 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, Westminster W1S 4JL
1. APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Application of Terms
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all legal services provided by Geoffrey Caesar unless expressly replaced or supplemented by written terms agreed with you. By instructing me, booking a consultation, or using my website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1.2 Definitions
In these Terms, unless the context otherwise requires:
“I”, “me”, “my” means Geoffrey Caesar, freelance solicitor.
“You”, “your” means the client identified in the engagement correspondence, booking confirmation, or order form.
“Engagement Letter” means my written confirmation of your instructions (including email or online booking confirmation) describing the scope of work, fees, and any special terms.
“Services” means the legal services I agree to provide as set out in the Engagement Letter and these Terms.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday in England.
1.3 Hierarchy
If there is any conflict or inconsistency between these Terms and any Engagement Letter or expressly agreed written variation, the order of precedence shall be:
a) the written variation,
b) the Engagement Letter,
c) these Terms.
1.4 Headings
Clause, schedule, and paragraph headings shall not affect the interpretation of these Terms.
1.5 References
A reference to legislation is a reference to it as amended, extended, or re-enacted from time to time, and includes all subordinate legislation made under it.
2. REGULATORY STATUS AND PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE
2.1 I practise as a freelance solicitor, regulated by the SRA. I am not an SRA-authorised firm or LLP.
2.2 I maintain professional indemnity insurance appropriate to my practice. Details of my insurer and limits can be provided on request.
2.3 I do not operate a client account and do not hold client money. You will pay disbursements directly to third parties or, where I arrange payment facilities, via a third-party processor so funds are not held by me as client money.
3. ENGAGEMENT MECHANICS
3.1 Formation of Contract
A contract for Services is formed when I accept your instructions, whether by email, Engagement Letter, or online booking confirmation. I may require identity and verification information before commencing work and at any time thereafter. I may refuse or cease acting if information is not provided or where required by law or regulation.
3.2 Client Identification
I act only for the client named in the Engagement Letter or booking confirmation. No other person may rely on my advice without my prior written agreement and a duty-of-care letter on terms I approve.
3.3 Instructions and Information
You will provide instructions, information, and documents promptly and ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate. I may rely on such information without independent verification unless otherwise agreed.
3.4 Communication
I may communicate with you by email or other electronic means. While I use reasonable measures, I cannot guarantee that communications will be secure, error-free, or virus-free. Please notify me if you require encryption or special security arrangements.
4. SCOPE OF SERVICES AND LIMITATIONS
4.1 The scope of the Services is as set out in the Engagement Letter or booking confirmation. Any changes must be agreed in writing.
4.2 I do not provide regulated financial services, audit services, investment advice, tax advice, or services in any jurisdiction where I am not qualified or permitted. Where needed, I may recommend that you obtain specialist advice.
4.3 I do not assume responsibility for advice given by third parties or for implementing advice unless expressly agreed.
4.4 My advice:
(a) is given solely for your benefit and solely for the purpose described in the Engagement Letter;
(b) is based on English law unless I expressly agree otherwise;
(c) reflects the law and information available at the time it is given;
(d) does not constitute business, accounting, or technical advice.
4.5 You must not disclose or allow reliance on my advice by any third party without my prior written consent and a duty-of-care letter on terms I approve.
5. ONLINE BOOKINGS AND CONSULTATIONS
5.1 Booking Process
When you book online, you will see the service description, duration, price, and any special terms. You will receive a confirmation email on acceptance and a separate email if rescheduling is required.
5.2 Rescheduling and Cancellations (Business Clients)
You may reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before the appointment without charge. Within 24 hours, I may charge 100% of the fee to cover the time reserved.
5.3 Rescheduling and Cancellations (Consumer Clients)
You have statutory cancellation rights as described in Clause 8. If you request an appointment within the statutory cancellation period, you acknowledge you may be charged for work performed before cancellation and may lose your right to cancel once the service is fully performed.
5.4 No-Shows
If you do not attend a scheduled consultation without prior notice, I may charge the full fee.
5.5 Scope of Consultations
Short consultations are intended for preliminary advice only and do not include document drafting, transaction steps, or substantive follow-up unless expressly agreed and scoped.
6. FEES, ESTIMATES, AND DISBURSEMENTS
6.1 Fee Basis
The basis for fees (hourly, fixed, capped, or blended) will be stated in the Engagement Letter or booking page. Hourly rates may be revised periodically on reasonable notice. Time is recorded in 6-minute units.
6.2 Estimates
Estimates are not binding caps unless stated to be caps. I will inform you if it appears that an estimate will be exceeded.
6.3 Disbursements and Expenses
You are responsible for all disbursements (e.g., counsel, court or registry fees, experts, couriers, travel). You will pay these directly to third parties when requested or reimburse me where I have paid them with your authority.
6.4 VAT
Fees and disbursements are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise. VAT will be added where applicable.
6.5 Price Transparency
Where required, I will provide information about service descriptions, typical pricing, and factors affecting cost and timescales.
7. BILLING AND PAYMENT
7.1 Invoices
Invoices may be issued in advance, on milestones, monthly, or on completion. I may require payment on account before starting or continuing work.
7.2 Payment Terms
Invoices are payable within 14 days of issue unless the invoice states otherwise.
7.3 Late Payment
I may charge interest on overdue sums at 4% above the Bank of England base rate from the due date until payment. You will reimburse reasonable costs of collection.
7.4 Suspension/Termination for Non-Payment
I may suspend work or terminate the Services on reasonable notice if invoices are unpaid.
7.5 Set-Off
All amounts due under these Terms shall be paid in full without any set-off, counterclaim, deduction, or withholding (other than any deduction or withholding of tax as required by law).
8. CONSUMER INFORMATION AND CANCELLATION (DISTANCE/OFF-PREMISES CONTRACTS)
8.1 This Clause applies where you are a consumer, and you instruct me at a distance (e.g., online or by email/phone).
8.2 Pre-Contract Information
Before you are bound, I will provide my identity and contact details, the main characteristics of the Services, the total price (or basis of calculation), payment and performance terms, the duration of the contract, complaint handling information, and your cancellation rights.
8.3 Right to Cancel
You may cancel within 14 days after the day of contract conclusion without giving any reason.
8.4 Early Performance
If you ask me to begin work during the 14-day cancellation period:
(a) you agree to pay a proportionate amount for Services performed up to cancellation; and
(b) if the Services are fully performed within the cancellation period, you acknowledge you will lose the right to cancel.
8.5 How to Cancel
Email me at geoffrey@geoffreycaesar.com to request cancellation, or use the model cancellation form in Schedule 1. I will confirm receipt on a durable medium.
8.6 Refunds
I will refund any amounts due promptly and within the required statutory timeframes to the original payment method, less any proportionate amount for Services already performed at your request.
9. RELIANCE, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND COMMUNICATIONS
9.1 Confidentiality
I will keep your affairs confidential, subject to legal and regulatory duties (including reporting, identity checks, or where disclosure is required by law, regulation, or court order).
9.2 Electronic Communications
I may communicate via email and online platforms. While I use reasonable measures, I cannot guarantee that systems are secure or error-free. Please notify me if you require encryption or special security arrangements.
9.3 File Retention
I generally retain files for 6 years after matter closure, after which they may be securely destroyed without further notice, except original documents you have asked me to return or store.
9.4 Intellectual Property
I retain copyright and other IP in my work product. On payment of all fees, I grant you a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use my work product for your internal purposes in connection with the matter. Any wider use requires my written consent.
9.5 Third-Party Rights
No person other than the client has any rights under these Terms (Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act is excluded to the extent permitted).
10. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING, SANCTIONS, AND CONFLICTS
10.1 I carry out proportionate identity and verification checks and may use third-party providers for these checks. You agree to provide the requested information and consent to checks being undertaken.
10.2 I may decline or cease acting where continuing would be unlawful or in breach of applicable sanctions or professional obligations.
10.3 I seek to avoid conflicts of interest. If a conflict arises, I will discuss options and may need to cease acting.
11. LIABILITY AND RISK ALLOCATION
11.1 Duty of Care
I will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services.
11.2 Aggregate Liability Cap
My total aggregate liability to you in connection with any matter (including negligence, breach of contract, misrepresentation, or otherwise) will not exceed the lower of:
(a) the limit of my applicable professional indemnity insurance for the claim; and
(b) 100% of the fees paid for the relevant matter.
11.3 Exclusions
(a) I do not exclude or limit liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
(b) I will not be liable for: loss of profit, revenue, business, goodwill, anticipated savings, or any indirect or consequential loss, except to the extent such exclusion is prohibited by law.
(c) I am not liable for acts or omissions of third parties, or for losses arising from your provision of incomplete, inaccurate, or late information.
11.4 Apportionment
If you or any third party has contributed to the loss, my liability will be limited to the proportion attributable to my failures.
11.5 Consumer Clients
Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights or seeks to exclude liability where such exclusion would be unfair or unlawful.
12. CONSULTANCY AND IN-HOUSE LEGAL ENGAGEMENTS
12.1 Status
For consultancy assignments (including in-house work), I act as an independent contractor. Nothing creates an employment relationship, partnership, or joint venture.
12.2 Control and Authorisations
I am not authorised to bind you to any agreement or commitment unless you expressly authorise me in writing for a specified purpose.
12.3 Working Methods
I may work on or off your premises and may use my own devices and systems, subject to reasonable security protocols agreed with you.
12.4 Materials and IP
Unless otherwise agreed in the Engagement Letter, IP in advice remains with me and is licensed under Clause 9.4. If you require assignment of IP in specified deliverables, this must be agreed expressly in writing.
12.5 On-Site Policies
While on your premises or systems, I will comply with your reasonable written policies notified in advance, provided they do not conflict with my professional obligations.
13. USE OF COUNSEL, EXPERTS, AND DELEGATION
13.1 I may, with your consent, instruct counsel or experts. You are responsible for their fees and terms.
13.2 I may use third-party service providers for administrative support (e.g., typing, secure storage, ID checks) under confidentiality obligations. I will not delegate legal advice or reserved legal activities to individuals who are not appropriately qualified or supervised.
14. DATA PROTECTION
14.1 I am a data controller in respect of personal data processed in providing the Services.
14.2 I will process personal data in accordance with my Privacy Notice available on my website.
14.3 You will ensure that any personal data you provide to me has been collected and provided lawfully, with appropriate notices given to data subjects.
15. COMPLAINTS AND OMBUDSMAN
15.1 I am committed to providing a high-quality service. If you are dissatisfied, please raise this with me in the first instance.
15.2 My complaints process is set out at https://geoffreycaesar.com/complaints-process.
15.3 If your complaint is not resolved, you may be able to refer it to the Legal Ombudsman. Details of eligibility, time limits, and process are provided in my complaints information and are available at legalombudsman.org.uk.
16. TERMINATION
16.1 You may terminate the engagement at any time on written notice.
16.2 I may terminate on reasonable written notice, including where:
(a) a conflict arises;
(b) continuing would be unlawful or contrary to professional duties;
(c) you fail to pay invoices or provide instructions; or
(d) there is a breakdown in trust and confidence.
16.3 On termination, you will pay for work done and disbursements incurred up to the termination date and reasonable costs of transfer of papers. I may retain papers and materials until amounts due are paid (subject to professional rules).
17. FORCE MAJEURE
17.1 I am not liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond my reasonable control, provided I notify you and take reasonable steps to mitigate.
18. MARKETING, REFERENCES, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
18.1 I will not disclose your identity as a client or the nature of your matter in marketing without your prior consent, except where information is already public or anonymised.
19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, VARIATION, AND NOTICES
19.1 These Terms and the Engagement Letter constitute the entire agreement for the relevant Services and supersede prior understandings relating to their subject matter.
19.2 Any variation must be agreed in writing and signed by both parties.
19.3 Notices may be delivered by hand or sent by email or post to the addresses set out in the Engagement Letter. Email notices are deemed received when sent unless a delivery failure notice is received.
20. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
20.1 These Terms and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction. For consumer clients, you may also have the benefit of mandatory consumer protections in your place of residence.
WEBSITE TERMS OF USE – GEOFFREYCAESAR.COM
A. ABOUT ME AND THE SITE
Operator: Geoffrey Caesar (contact details above).
Regulatory disclosure: Solicitor of England and Wales; freelance status; SRA IDs as stated above.
Purpose: The Site provides information about my legal services and allows users to make enquiries and bookings.
B. CONTENT AND NO RELIANCE
The Site provides general information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Viewing or using the Site does not create a solicitor-client relationship. I only act for you once I confirm acceptance of your instructions in writing.
C. ONLINE ORDERS/BOOKINGS VIA THE SITE
I will set out the steps to place a booking, the price, applicable taxes, how to correct errors before submission, and languages offered.
You will receive an acknowledgement of your order and a separate confirmation when the booking is accepted.
D. ACCEPTABLE USE
You must not:
• use the Site in any way that is unlawful, fraudulent, harmful, or infringes rights of others;
• introduce viruses, malware, or attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Site or related systems;
• use bots or scraping tools without my prior written consent.
I may suspend or withdraw access to the Site for operational or security reasons.
E. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LINKING
All Site content is owned by me or my licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may view, download, and print content for personal use only; all other use requires my consent.
You may link to the Site home page in a way that is fair and legal and does not damage my reputation or suggest association or endorsement. I may withdraw linking permission at any time.
Framing the Site or linking to protected content without consent is prohibited.
F. THIRD-PARTY SITES AND TOOLS
The Site may contain links to third-party websites or use third-party tools (e.g., payment processors, scheduling platforms). I am not responsible for their content, availability, terms, or privacy practices. Use is at your own risk.
G. PRIVACY AND COOKIES
Your use of the Site is subject to my Privacy Notice and Cookies Policy (available on the Site), which explain what data is collected, how it is used, and your choices.
H. DISCLAIMERS AND LIABILITY (WEBSITE)
The Site is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. I use reasonable efforts to keep content accurate and available, but make no promise that it is complete, up-to-date, or uninterrupted.
I do not exclude or limit liability to the extent it would be unlawful. Otherwise, I exclude all implied conditions and warranties relating to the Site and limit liability for your use of the Site to £1, except that nothing limits liability for fraud or for personal injury or death caused by negligence.
I. CHANGES TO THE SITE AND THESE TERMS
I may update the Site and these Website Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Site indicates acceptance of the updated terms.
J. GOVERNING LAW
These Website Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales and the English courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
SCHEDULE 1 – MODEL CANCELLATION FORM (CONSUMERS ONLY)
Complete and return this form only if you wish to cancel the contract during the statutory cancellation period.
To: Geoffrey Caesar, Email: geoffrey@geoffreycaesar.com, Address: 3rd Floor, 45 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, Westminster W1S 4JL
I/We hereby give notice that I/We cancel my/our contract for the supply of the following services:
• Ordered on [insert date] / received on [insert date]
• Name of consumer(s):
• Address of consumer(s):
• Email/Telephone:
• Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper):
• Date:
SCHEDULE 2 – INFORMATION FOR DISTANCE CONTRACTS (CONSUMERS)
The following key information will be provided before you are bound, and is incorporated by reference:
• Identity and contact details of the trader: see the header of these Terms and the Site footer.
• Main characteristics of the services: as described on the relevant booking page or in the Engagement Letter.
• Total price of the services or the manner in which it is calculated; all taxes and charges: as displayed before you place your order/booking.
• Payment, performance, and timeframes: as set out on the booking page or Engagement Letter; performance will commence within agreed timescales.
• Complaints policy and after-sales service: see Clause 15 and https://geoffrecycaesar.com/complaints-process.
• Right to cancel, period, and how to exercise it: see Clause 8 and Schedule 1.
• Cost of returning items (not applicable to services).
• Digital content (if any): any digital content supplied as part of the Services will be described, with functionality and technical protection measures stated where relevant.
• Duration of the contract, conditions for termination and minimum duration: as set out in the Engagement Letter and these Terms.
• Compatibility and interoperability requirements (if relevant to any online tools or digital content): described on the Site or booking page.
SCHEDULE 3 – DISBURSEMENT HANDLING AND NO CLIENT MONEY
• I do not hold client money. You will:
- pay third-party fees (e.g., court, registry, counsel) directly to the relevant provider; or
- authorise payment via a third-party payment processor so funds are not held by me as client money.
• Where I arrange a payment facility, I do so as your agent to transmit funds to the third party on your behalf.
• Any payments described as “on account” in my invoices are fees on account for Services and are earned as stated in the invoice or on completion of the specified stage.
SCHEDULE 4 – CONSULTANCY ENGAGEMENT PARTICULARS
If applicable, the Engagement Letter may specify:
• Location(s) of services; security clearances or policies; access to systems;
• Deliverables and ownership (licence or assignment);
• Hours/availability, reporting lines, and escalation;
• Approval rights and authorised signatories;
• Any additional insurance required by you (subject to my agreement) and expenses policies.