1. General

These Terms and Conditions (“T&Cs”) govern all legal consulting services provided by The Community Schemes Advisory Inc. (“The Advisory”, “we”, “us”). No variation to these T&Cs is effective unless agreed upon in writing by us.

By engaging our consulting services, you agree to these T&Cs. If you represent a community scheme, managing agency, or other legal entity, you warrant that you have the authority to contract with us.

These T&Cs are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. The courts of the Republic have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from our services.

If any provision of these T&Cs is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply. For queries, contact Tim at tim@theadvisory.co.za.

2. Your obligations

1. You must provide complete and accurate information and documents as requested. We are not responsible for delays or issues arising from inaccurate or incomplete information.
2. You consent to receive all communications electronically via the email address you provide. You are responsible for ensuring your contact details remain up to date.
3. Payments must be made via direct transfer to our designated bank account, as reflected on our quotes/invoices. Services will only be rendered after full payment has been received.
4. Any quotation provided is subject to change until accepted by full payment and remains confidential. If you instruct us to proceed and later cancel, we may claim any costs incurred.
5. You must review all drafted documents and notify us of errors within three working days. Corrections due to incorrect instructions will be subject to additional fees.

3. Cancellation:

1. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before a scheduled consultation for a full refund or rescheduling.
2. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 10% administration fee. This fee must be paid before rescheduling or will be deducted from any refund.

4. Our obligations

1. We will treat all non-public information submitted by you as confidential.
2. We do not verify the truth of your statements before providing advice and are not liable for any third-party claims against you.
3. We aim to deliver advice promptly, considering the priority of the matter. If delays arise, we will notify you as soon as possible.
4. Our liability is limited to direct damages only and cannot exceed the total fees paid by you. We are not liable for any indirect or consequential losses.
5. Legal opinions are provided in good faith and reflect our interpretation of the law. We do not guarantee outcomes.
6. We may refuse to provide advice or opinions at our discretion. If we cancel a service, we will refund any payments made, but you will have no further claims against us.
7. If a document we prepare contains an error that renders it unusable, and you notify us within three days, we will correct it at no charge or issue a refund. This is the full extent of our liability.

5. Consultation & Travel Policies

1. Group consultations may incur additional charges if more time is required.
2. In-person consultations outside our Cape Town office are quoted on a case-by-case basis, including travel time and disbursements.
3. Meetings outside office hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM) may be charged at double our standard consulting rate.
4. Our turnaround time for any written document is a maximum of 15 working days from receipt of payment and/or requested documentation and/or date of consultation.

6. Retainers

1. If the full retainer is not used, a refund may be issued, but standard hourly rates will apply to time incurred.
2. Any unused retainer funds expire after three months unless otherwise agreed.
3. Consultations are subject to availability.
4. Meetings outside office hours (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM) are billed at double the retainer hourly rate.
5. Travel time and disbursements for meetings outside our Cape Town office will be deducted from the retainer.

7. Urgency fees

1. We reserve the right to charge an urgency fee for requests requiring completion sooner than our standard 15-working-day turnaround.
2. The urgency fee and completion date will be confirmed before payment.
3. Once payment is received, the consultant will proceed with the instruction.
4. The urgency fee applies to legal opinions, letters, and confirmatory opinions.

These T&Cs ensure clarity in our engagements and protect both parties’ interests. By using our services, you acknowledge and accept these terms.