Service and Billing

1.1The person or entity we represent is the person or entity identified in our engagement letter. Absent express written agreement, we do not represent any affiliates. You agree our relationship is with you and not your affiliates.

1.2If you do not execute our engagement letter or otherwise confirm representation, Sentinel Law providing legal services on your behalf and your acceptance creates an attorney-client relationship and acceptance of the engagement letter and Memorandum.

1.3We do not represent you in any other matters other than those specifically agreed to in writing. We are not obligated to advise you concerning legal developments after completion of a matter.

1.4You agree to waive any conflict regarding Sentinel Law’s current or future representation of other clients on any non-litigation matter not substantially related, so long as we have not received confidential information material to the other matter.

1.5Our relationship on a matter ends at completion of services for that matter, whether or not we send confirmation, and whether or not we represent you on other matters.

2.1At the beginning of our relationship, where appropriate, we will establish a Client Service Team led by a Client Service Manager. Assignments may be delegated at the Manager’s discretion.

2.2If we decide it is necessary to consult with our firm counsel, you consent that we may do so at our expense without waiving attorney-client privilege.

3.1We will keep you informed and comply with reasonable requests for information. You will timely read, respond to, and cooperate with our requests. We rely on complete and truthful information you provide.

3.2You will have 24-hour access to attorney telephone numbers, email, and voicemail. We are authorized to communicate by email or cell phone unless you instruct otherwise.

3.3You must keep us informed of current mailing/physical address, phone, and email and keep it accurate. We rely on your last contact information.

3.4Any communications between us by social media are not legal advice.

3.5You must protect communications from disclosure to non-clients and ensure electronic addresses you provide are secure.

4.1Any statements concerning outcome are expressions of professional judgment, not guarantees, limited by knowledge of facts and state of law at the time.

5.1We consider: time/labor and difficulty, customary locality fees, amount involved/results, time limitations, longevity of relationship, experience/reputation, and whether fee is fixed/contingent.

5.2Time and effort are weighted most heavily — fees typically hourly rate × time spent, recorded in fractions of an hour.

5.3We establish hourly rate ranges for attorneys and legal assistants, adjusted periodically, typically in January.

5.4Upon request we will furnish a non-binding estimate — not a maximum or fixed-fee quotation; ultimate cost frequently exceeds estimate.

5.5Any maximum or fixed fee must be expressly agreed in writing with scope and amount explicitly set forth.

6.1We may also charge for ancillary services: computerized research, e-discovery/document hosting, photocopying. Charges do not always reflect out-of-pocket cost but will be at or below fair market rates.

7.1We will bill you without mark-up for out-of-pocket expenses (filing fees, court costs, mileage, delivery). You may be asked to pay third-party costs directly (experts, consultants).

8.1Payment is due upon receipt. Unpaid fees accrue interest at 7% per year from 30 days overdue. Each client named is jointly and severally liable.

8.2Invoices typically sent monthly; one billing attorney coordinates; billing can be composite or by subject matter.

8.3Raise any objection in writing within 90 days of receipt — failure to object constitutes acceptance.

8.4Sentinel Law accepts several methods of payment including electronic options at /payments.

8.5If past due, you are expected to bring account current; we may withdraw and pursue collection including costs and attorney fees.

8.6Sentinel Law may impose a lien on real property, retainers, proceeds, claims, and files for unpaid fees; recoveries will be jointly payable and held in trust.

9.1You consent to credit reports and may be asked to pay a retainer or sign a personal guaranty.

9.2Clients are commonly asked to pay a replenishing retainer credited toward unpaid invoices; increase may be necessary if insufficient.

9.3Failure to replenish after notice is grounds for termination.

9.4At conclusion or when retainer is unnecessary, the remaining balance will be returned.

9.5Deposits for specific items will be disbursed as agreed and you will be notified.

9.6By court rule, most retainers go to pooled IOLTA accounts with limited FDIC insurance, aggregated with your funds.

9.7Other trust/escrow funds go to FDIC-insured accounts; interest may be credited for your benefit with similar FDIC limits.

10.1You may terminate at any time by notifying us; you remain responsible for services rendered and transition fees.

10.2We may also withdraw per ethics rules with written notice.

11.1Client Property — materials you provided will be returned upon request; we may retain copies/ESI and may destroy at discretion per retention policy.

11.2Sentinel Law Property — firm administrative records, time/expense reports, drafts, research, work product are retained or destroyed per policy.

11.3You are responsible for reasonable costs to retrieve retained materials after completion.

12.1We protect nonpublic information; updated policy: www.sentinellaw.com/privacy-policy

12.2California Residents: Privacy Notice for California Residents.

12.3-12.9We collect info you provide, marketing info, log/device/cookie data via Google Analytics, combine with other sources, do not sell your info, use it to operate/ improve site, respond, send advisories, monitor usage, fulfill obligations, and share only with service providers bound by confidentiality, for safety/legal compliance/business transfer/billing, with reasonable security.

13.1At your request we may engage third parties (title, appraisers, experts, etc.) on your behalf; you are responsible for costs.

13.2We make no warranty concerning third-party providers; you retain right to terminate them.