Terms and Conditions for Users of the Legal Clinic

General

1. Where an application for assistance under the QICDRC Legal Clinic Scheme (the ‘Scheme’) has been accepted, the matter will be referred to a law firm (a ‘Panel Law Firm’). The Panel Law Firm will contact the client to arrange the consultation. It is a matter for the Panel Law Firm how such consultations are conducted but it is to be expected that they will take place either at the Panel Law Firm’s offices or remotely.
2. After the initial consultation has taken place, it is a matter for the Panel Law Firm as to what further advice, assistance, or representation it provides to client. As a minimum, however, the Panel Law Firm should write to the pro bono client to inform them of the outcomes of the initial consultation including any advice as to potential next steps.
3. Consultations will ordinarily be conducted in English or Arabic. However, if a client has a different preferred language, this should be notified to the QICDRC when the client first makes contact.
4. If a client has any other requirements in order to facilitate the smooth conduct of the consultation (such as those relating to a disability), this should also be explained as part of their application.

Withdrawal and termination of pro bono legal assistance

1. A Panel Law Firm will have the right to refuse to provide legal assistance under the Scheme to a particular person for a good reason that is related to the prospective user in question. What constitutes a good reason will be decided by the Registrar. This of course does not prevent the Panel Law Firm from refusing to provide a consultation to a person due to legal or regulatory obligations.
2. If a client no longer wishes to receive pro bono assistance, they must notify the Panel Law Firm and the QICDRC immediately.
3. The client must notify the Panel Law Firm and the QICDRC if, at any stage during the period, they receive other pro bono legal assistance, the client finds or receives legal assistance through other means, or the client becomes financially able to engage the services of a lawyer.
4. Failure to comply with paragraph 7 above may result in the client being asked to pay the legal costs incurred under the Scheme.
5. Clients must behave courteously, calmly and respectfully towards Panel Law Firms and those who administer the Scheme. Behaviour which is discourteous, aggressive or disrespectful by the client and/or any accompanying person will not be tolerated. Legal assistance will be terminated immediately at the absolute discretion of Panel Law Firm or the Scheme in the event of any such behaviour taking place.

Additional terms and conditions of pro bono legal assistance

1. The Scheme is not responsible for meeting any deadlines in any legal proceedings in which a client is involved.
2. Communication with anyone at the Scheme who is not licensed to provide legal advice does not constitute legal advice.
3. A Panel Law Firm cannot provide legal assistance where there is a conflict of interest or where the matter is not within their competence.
4. Clients understand and agree that:
   1. There is no right to legal assistance under the Scheme and that, where legal assistance has been granted, it may be terminated at any time.
   2. Legal assistance under the Scheme is brief and summary in nature.
   3. Legal assistance provided formally under the Scheme will be restricted to an initial consultation with a Panel Law Firm although the Panel Law Firm may agree, at their discretion, to provide ongoing assistance and/or representation to the client.
   4. Initial consultations will usually be short, i.e. 30 minutes.
   5. The Panel Law Firm has the right to end a consultation with a client at any time.
   6. Consultations may or may not include assistance with document preparation or discussions with an opposing lawyer or party.
   7. The notarisation or certification of documents does not fall within the ambit of the Scheme.
   8. Neither the QICDRC nor the Panel Law Firm will serve or accept service of documents in legal proceedings.
   9. Clients who receive legal assistance are not forming an ongoing lawyer-client relationship, unless that is specifically agreed at a later time in a written engagement letter between the client and Panel Law Firm.
   10. In the event that a written engagement letter (or similar arrangement) is entered into between the Panel Law Firm or client, the legal assistance provided under the Scheme shall be deemed to have come to an end.
5. In their application for legal assistance, clients are required to certify that they understand and agree to the following terms before any advice can be given under the Scheme:
   1. The Scheme is intended to provide legal advice to people who cannot afford to pay for legal advice. I cannot afford to pay for this legal advice but, if this situation changes, I will inform the Scheme and any Panel Law Firm immediately.
   2. I am seeking legal assistance in my own capacity and not on behalf of another.
   3. Any advice provided by Panel Law Firms is not intended to replace or supplement legal advice obtained from outside the Scheme, particularly legal advice provided on a professional, paid-for basis. Panel Law Firms will advise you at their discretion, including any decision to reject your request for assistance on the basis of a conflict of interest. The Scheme will make all reasonable efforts to find a Panel Law Firm to advise you if you qualify, but there may be occasions on which no Panel Law Firm can be found.
   4. The advice provided by a Panel Law Firm is based on information believed by the Panel Law Firm to be complete and accurate, and the most recent information available. I will explain the full circumstances of my issue, give any information required for my assistance, and will answer questions honestly.
   5. I will not hold liable in any way, whether in the law of contract, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation, restitution or otherwise in any jurisdiction, any of the Panel Law Firms, their employees and/or agents, and/or the QICDRC or the Scheme including their agents, employees and representatives, for the acts and/or omissions of any Panel Law Firm who gives me advice in consultation under this Scheme, or in the course of any representation I may have under this Scheme. I acknowledge that the QICDRC is not responsible in any way for the content or accuracy of the legal advice provided by the Panel Law Firm.
   6. I acknowledge that the QICDRC Registrar may refuse to approve my entry into the Scheme or may terminate my involvement with the Scheme at any time within his absolute discretion.