Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of accord chmb' website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not use our website or services.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and accord chmb. You must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements to use our services.

2. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

• "We," "Us," "Our" refers to accord chmb, its practitioners, and authorized representatives.
• "You," "User," "Client" refers to the individual or entity accessing our website or using our services.
• "Services" includes mediation facilitation, arbitration representation, ADR clause drafting, and related dispute resolution services.
• "Website" refers to all pages and content hosted under the accord chmb domain.

3. Services Description

3.1 Scope of Services

accord chmb provides professional dispute resolution services in Hong Kong, including mediation facilitation, arbitration representation, and ADR clause drafting. Service descriptions on our website are for informational purposes and do not constitute professional advice.

3.2 Service Availability

We make reasonable efforts to maintain service availability but do not warrant uninterrupted access to our website or services. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of our services without prior notice.

3.3 Geographic Limitations

Our services are primarily offered in Hong Kong. While we may handle cross-border matters, services are provided in accordance with Hong Kong law and professional standards applicable in this jurisdiction.

4. Client Engagement and Responsibilities

4.1 Engagement Process

Formal engagement of our services begins upon mutual agreement, typically documented through an engagement letter or service agreement. Initial consultations do not create an attorney-client relationship unless explicitly agreed.

4.2 Client Obligations

When engaging our services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information
• Cooperate in good faith throughout the dispute resolution process
• Maintain confidentiality where required
• Comply with agreed timelines and procedures
• Pay fees as agreed

4.3 Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Use our services for unlawful purposes
• Provide false or misleading information
• Interfere with dispute resolution proceedings
• Violate confidentiality obligations
• Reproduce or distribute our materials without permission

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Our Content

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and design elements, is owned by accord chmb or used under license. This content is protected by Hong Kong and international copyright laws.

5.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website for personal, informational purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without written permission.

5.3 Client Materials

You retain ownership of materials you provide to us. By providing materials, you grant us license to use them as necessary to deliver our services. We maintain confidentiality of client materials in accordance with professional obligations.

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Fee Structure

Our fees are specified in engagement agreements. Pricing indicated on our website represents starting points and may vary based on matter complexity and specific circumstances. All fees are in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) unless otherwise specified.

6.2 Payment Terms

Payment terms are outlined in engagement agreements. Generally, fees are payable upon completion of services or according to agreed milestones. We may require deposits or retainers before commencing work.

6.3 Late Payment

Overdue payments may incur interest charges as specified in engagement agreements. We reserve the right to suspend services if payment obligations are not met.

7. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality standards in accordance with professional obligations and Hong Kong law. Information disclosed during dispute resolution proceedings, consultations, and service delivery is treated as confidential, subject to legal exceptions.

Confidentiality obligations survive termination of services and continue indefinitely unless disclosure is required by law or authorized by you.

8. Disclaimers

8.1 No Guarantees

While we strive for positive outcomes, we cannot warrant specific results from mediation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution services. Dispute resolution involves multiple parties and various factors beyond our control.

8.2 Website Content

Information on our website is provided for general informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. You should not act on website information without seeking appropriate professional guidance for your specific situation.

8.3 "As Is" Provision

Our website and services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Hong Kong law, accord chmb, its practitioners, and representatives shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from use of our website or services.

Our liability for direct damages shall be limited to the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim. This limitation does not apply where prohibited by law or in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless accord chmb, its practitioners, and representatives from claims, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your use of our services, violation of these terms, or violation of any rights of another party.

11. Termination

11.1 Client Termination

You may terminate our services at any time with written notice. You remain responsible for fees for services rendered up to termination date.

11.2 Our Termination Rights

We may terminate services if you breach these terms, fail to pay fees, or if continuing services would violate professional obligations or legal requirements.

11.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination, we will provide you with your files and documents. Confidentiality obligations, payment obligations for services rendered, and other provisions that by their nature should survive termination will continue to apply.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Dispute Resolution Process

Any disputes arising from these terms or our services should first be addressed through good faith negotiation. If negotiation is unsuccessful, disputes shall be resolved through mediation administered by the Hong Kong Mediation Centre.

12.3 Arbitration

If mediation does not resolve the dispute within 60 days, either party may submit the matter to binding arbitration under the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in English in Hong Kong.

12.4 Jurisdiction

You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong for any matters not subject to arbitration.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with engagement agreements and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and accord chmb regarding use of our website and services.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Invalid provisions will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make them valid and enforceable.

13.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. No waiver shall be effective unless in writing.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

13.5 Notices

Notices under these terms should be sent to us at [email protected] or to our physical address. We will provide notices to the contact information you have provided.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date and may notify you through our website or by email.

Your continued use of our website or services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified terms. If you do not agree to modified terms, you should discontinue use of our website and services.

15. Contact Information

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