Ludmila Yamalova - U.S. & Dubai Qualified Lawyer

The Consultation fee is payable prior to the Consultation and is subject to the T&Cs listed below.

Scope and Duration:

1. Advice is limited in scope to the duration of the Consultation.
2. The Consultation can be extended in either half-hour, or one (1)-hour increments, payable in advance.

Thank you for choosing to consult (“Consultation”) with our law firm, HPL Yamalova & Plewka FZCO (“Firm”), in connection with your matter in the United Arab Emirates (“U.A.E.”).

The terms and conditions governing the Consultation are set out below (“Terms and Conditions”). For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the person(s) booking or attending the Consultation are referred to as the “Consultation Client”.

Where a Consultation has not yet been scheduled, and you are reviewing these Terms and Conditions in advance of booking, you may proceed via the Firm’s booking link here: https://lylawyers.cal.com/legal.

I. NATURE OF CONSULTATION

1. The Consultation is a limited legal service, that is restricted to the allocated meeting time only.

2. The Consultation is intended to provide legal advice, based on the facts and documents shared by the Consultation Client during, or prior to, the Consultation.

3. The Consultation is provided by the Firm as a legal entity. The Firm may involve one or more of its team members in the Consultation, as it deems appropriate, and all advice is provided on behalf of the Firm.

4. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Firm, the Consultation does not create an ongoing attorney-client relationship beyond the scheduled Consultation. For the avoidance of doubt, the Firm will maintain the confidentiality of all information shared, in accordance with the applicable laws and professional obligations, as further detailed below.

5. Any continued involvement by the Firm, including further advice, strategy, drafting, negotiations, correspondence, document review, or representation, requires a separate Engagement Agreement and Know-Your-Client (“KYC”) Form with the Consultation Client. Such services are subject to separate fees and billing structures, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature and scope of the matter. Further details regarding the Firm’s billing structures are set out in these Terms and Conditions.

6. The Firm does not guarantee any specific outcome, result, or resolution during or after the Consultation.

7. The Consultation is generally preliminary in nature and based on the information provided. In many cases, it may be sufficient to fulfill the Consultation Client’s objectives. However, it does not replace a full legal review where more detailed analysis is required, and further review may be necessary depending on the circumstances.

II. CONSULTATION OPTIONS AND FORMAT

1. The Firm offers the following Consultation options:
a. 30-Minute Consultation

· AED 3,150.00 (VAT inclusive)

· Conducted online only, via Microsoft Teams, with limited exceptions, at the Firm’s discretion.

b. 1-Hour Consultation

· AED 4,200.00 (VAT inclusive)

· Conducted either online, via Microsoft Teams; or

· In person, at the Firm’s office (Unit 1805, Reef Tower, Cluster O, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai).

2. The Consultation format (online or in-person, where applicable) must be selected at the time of booking.

III. FEES AND PAYMENT

1. All Consultation fees must be paid in advance of the scheduled Consultation.

2. The Firm accepts payment via: a) online payment link, b) bank transfer, or c) cash.

3. All fees are inclusive of VAT, unless otherwise stated.

4. The Firm’s base currency is AED. The Consultation Client is responsible for accounting for any bank charges, transfer fees, exchange rate deductions, or similar costs, such that the full Consultation fee is received by the Firm.

5. The Consultation fee covers only the time allocated for the Consultation session. Any additional services or add-ons, as further described in these Terms and Conditions, are charged separately.

IV. BOOKING CONFIRMATION AND COMPLIANCE

1. The Consultation will only be confirmed upon: a) receipt of full payment, and b) receipt of all compliance documents and information requested by the Firm.

2. As part of its compliance obligations, the Firm requires the Consultation Client to provide identification documents, contact details, corporate documents (where relevant), details of the opposing party, and any other supporting records the Firm deems necessary (“Compliance Requirements”).

3. The Firm reserves the right to delay, decline, or cancel the Consultation if the Consultation Client fails to satisfy the Firm’s compliance requirements.

4. The Firm is subject to anti-money Laundering (“AML”) regulations and financial compliance laws in the U.A.E., U.S.A., and other relevant jurisdictions (“Financial Regulations”). All payments are subject to the Firm’s compliance protocols and applicable laws and regulations.

V. SCOPE AND DURATION

1. Advice is limited in scope to the duration of the Consultation.

2. The Consultation does not include any written follow-up, notes, summaries, or post-session documentation of any kind.

3. The Consultation may be extended in half-hour, or one (1)-hour increments, subject to the Firm’s availability and advance payment. The applicable extension fees are:

a. AED 2,100.00 (VAT inclusive) for thirty (30) minutes; and

b. AED 4,200.00 (VAT inclusive) for one (1) hour.

4. The Firm retains full discretion over the structure, flow, and conduct of the Consultation, including how information is presented, discussed, and addressed during the allocated time.

VI. PRIOR DOCUMENT REVIEW

1. The Consultation excludes prior document review and written follow-up.

2. Should the Consultation Client wish for a limited review of documents prior to the Consultation, this is available as an add-on service, for an additional fee of AED 2,100.00 (VAT inclusive) (“Prior Document Review”). The Prior Document Review service allows for a maximum of (1) hour of document review before the scheduled time of the Consultation.

3. Any document review requiring more substantive review or legal analysis beyond the one (1) hour limit may require a separate engagement and additional fees.

VII. TRANSLATION SERVICES

1. Should the Consultation Client require translation assistance for Arabic documents during the Consultation, this is an additional service, and may require the involvement of another member of the Firm’s team (“Translation Services”).

2. Translation Services are available for an additional fee of AED 1,050.00 (VAT inclusive), regardless of the duration of the Consultation, and limited to the Consultation session.

3. The Firm’s primary language of legal representation is English. Any communication in another language is provided only for convenience. In the event of any discrepancy, the English version shall prevail.

VIII. REFUNDS, CANCELLATIONS, AND RE-SCHEDULING

1. The Firm relies on confirmed Consultations, evidenced by the Firm’s receipt of funds and Compliance Requirements (“Confirmed Consultation”). Once confirmed, the Firm blocks that timeslot for that particular Consultation Client and allocates its resources accordingly.

2. If the Consultation Client wishes to cancel a Confirmed Consultation (“Cancellation”), the Firm requires at least twenty-four (24) hours’ prior notice, before the Confirmed Consultation (“24-Hour Notice”). Such notice allows the Firm to manage its resources accordingly.

3. If the Consultation Client provides the required 24-Hour Notice and requests a refund, the Firm will refund 100% of the Consultation fee (“Refund”).

4. Refunds are processed within ten (10) to twenty-one (21) business days from the date of the Refund request.

5. If the Consultation Client cancels without the required 24-Hour Notice, the full Consultation fee becomes non-refundable. This is required to compensate the Firm for the loss suffered due to the late Cancellation.

6. If the Consultation Client wishes to re-schedule the Consultation, rather than cancel it, the 24-Hour Notice requirement does not apply (“Re-Scheduled Consultation”). In such cases, no penalty applies and the Firm will do its best to accommodate a new timeslot.

7. Re-Scheduled Consultations do not qualify for a Refund.

8. If the Consultation Client fails to attend the Consultation, arrives more than fifteen (15) minutes late, or is unavailable at the scheduled time, the Firm reserves the right to treat the booking as completed and the fee as non-refundable.

IX. NO ONGOING REPRESENTATION

1. Booking or attending a Consultation does not create an ongoing attorney-client relationship.

2. The Firm is not obligated to take any action, monitor deadlines, communicate with third parties, or protect the Consultation Client’s legal position beyond the Consultation, unless separately engaged by way of an Engagement Agreement.

3. The Consultation Client remains solely responsible for taking any action arising from the Consultation, including observing deadlines, preserving rights, and deciding whether to retain further legal counsel, unless and until the Firm is formally engaged under a separate Engagement Agreement.

X. CONFIDENTIALITY

1. The Firm adheres to strict confidentiality obligations (“Confidentiality”), as governed by the California Rules of Professional Conduct, Dubai Legal Affairs Department (“LAD”), and other applicable laws and regulations relating to legal confidentiality.

2. The Firm treats all information shared by the Consultation Client with strict confidentiality, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional obligations.

3. Any documents and information shared with the Firm for purposes of the Consultation will be treated as confidential, subject to legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements.

4. The Firm may disclose information where required by law, court order, regulatory authority, financial institution, or compliance obligation, or where necessary to protect or defend the Firm or its team members.

5. The Consultation Client is responsible for providing accurate and complete information. The Firm is entitled to rely on such information.

XI. NO GUARANTEE AND RELIANCE ON INFORMATION

1. Legal advice is based on the information provided by the Consultation Client.

2. The Firm is not responsible for any consequences, outcomes, or decisions arising from incomplete, inaccurate, misleading, or untimely information provided by the Consultation Client.

3. Legal matters are fact-specific and subject to change. The Firm does not guarantee that all risks or issues will be identified within the scope of the Consultation.

4. Any preliminary legal position may change if additional facts or documents emerge.

XII. DATA HANDLING AND FIRM SYSTEMS

1. The Firm may collect, store, review, and process the Consultation Client’s personal data and documents for purposes including: a) conflict checks, b) compliance and KYC requirements, c) internal recordkeeping, d) legal analysis, e) billing and administration, and f) provision of legal services.

2. The Firm manages Consultation Client information in accordance with its professional obligations and applicable laws and regulations in the U.A.E. and Dubai.

3. The Firm may use secure third-party systems and platforms to manage Consultations, communications, documents, and payments.

4. By booking a Consultation, the Consultation Client acknowledges and agrees to such use, to the extent reasonably required for the Firm’s operations.

XIII. AI CONSULTATION RECORDINGS AND NOTES (AUDIO)

1. Consultations conducted through Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or similar platforms, may be recorded or transcribed, in whole or in part, using Artificial Intelligence ("AI") tools in audio, and/or text format (“Meeting Recording”).

2. Any Meeting Recording is created solely for the Firm's internal purposes, including note-taking, file management, accuracy, and internal reference.

3. The Meeting Recording does not form part of the Consultation deliverables and will not be shared with the Consultation Client or any third party.

4. The Firm does not accept responsibility or liability for any transcription errors, omissions, summaries, or inaccuracies generated by AI tools.

5. The Firm reserves the right to determine how it conducts Consultations, including whether and how it records, documents, or retains any Meeting Recording.

4. The Consultation Client will be notified of the use of Meeting Recording upon their admission to the Consultation.

5. The Consultation Client reserves the right to object to the use of AI Meeting Recording ("Objection to Meeting Recording"). Any Objection to Meeting Recording must be submitted in writing, prior to the Consultation.

XIV. FIRM’S BILLING AND ENGAGEMENT OPTIONS (POST-CONSULTATION)

1. The Consultation is a standalone service. It is typically the first step in understanding the Consultation Client’s matter and determining the appropriate legal strategy and recommended course of action.

2. Following the Consultation, and where further legal assistance is required, the Consultation Client may wish to engage the Firm under a separate Engagement Agreement, which governs the full terms of work, representation, and billing structures.

3. In general, the Firm operates under the following billing structures, upon formal engagement, under the Firm’s Engagement Agreement:

a. Hourly Rate Basis. The Firm’s standard and default billing structure is based on hourly rates. Under this model, the Firm can be as little or as much involved as the client requires, and provides legal support on a need-basis.

b. Fixed Fee Basis. For specific projects that are limited in scope and sufficiently defined, the Firm may offer a fixed fee. Fixed fees are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the scope, complexity, and level of involvement required.

c. Retainer. In certain cases, clients may engage the Firm on a retainer basis, which is based on hourly billing, but limited to a pre-agreed budget.

4. The availability and suitability of any billing structure depends on the nature, scope, and certainty of the Consultation Client’s matter, and is determined at the Firm’s discretion.

5. The Consultation Client acknowledges the following:

a. Legal fees are based on the time, expertise, and resources required;

b. Legal matters may evolve, and fees may vary accordingly; and

c. Any estimates provided are indicative only and not binding.

XV. NO COMMISSIONS, CONTINGENCY, OR REFERRAL FEES

1. The Firm does not accept cases on a contingency fee basis, due to regulatory restrictions and practical considerations.

2. The Firm does not charge, accept, or agree to any percentage of recoveries, transactions, or outcomes.

3. The Firm operates with the highest standards of professional integrity and ethics, and does not accept any commissions or referral fees from any third parties.

4. The Firm’s recommendations, referrals, and professional dealings are based exclusively on merit and the client’s best interests, without any financial incentive or external influence.

XVI. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND MUTUAL RESPECT

1. The Firm is committed to professionalism, integrity, clarity, and respect.

2. The Firm expects the same level of professionalism and respect from Consultation Clients and their representatives.

3. The Firm has zero tolerance for abusive, offensive, harassing, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate conduct toward any member of its team.

4. The Firm reserves the right to suspend, end, or refuse a Consultation in the event of inappropriate conduct by the Consultation Client.

XVII. LICENSING AND JURISDICTION

1. The Firm and its Managing Partner are subject to the rules and regulations of the Dubai Legal Affairs Department, Dubai International Financial Center Courts (“DIFC Courts”), Dubai Multi Commodities Center (“DMCC”), the State Bar of California, U.S.A. (“CA Bar”), and other applicable U.A.E. and U.S.A. laws.

2. The Firm is licensed in the U.A.E. as a legal consultancy by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (Ruler’s Court).

3. The Firm provides legal advisory services and strategic guidance and assistance in the U.A.E.

4. The Firm does not have rights of audience before Dubai onshore courts. Where court representation is required, a local advocate may need to be engaged.

5. The Firm and its Managing Partner are registered with the DIFC Courts and DIFC Wills Registry, granting them the rights of audience before the DIFC Courts.

6. The Firm’s Managing Partner is also registered as an arbitrator at the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (“DIAC”), and an ADR Center-accredited mediator.

XVIII. MANDATORY ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

1. By booking a Consultation, the Consultation Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

2. The Consultation Client’s acceptance may be recorded electronically, including through a mandatory checkbox, booking platform, or email confirmation.

3. The Firm may retain records of such acceptance for administrative, legal, and evidentiary purposes.

XIX. UPDATES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The Firm reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

2. The version in effect at the time of booking shall apply to the relevant Consultation.

3. The most current version of these Terms and Conditions is available on the Firm’s website (www.lylawyers.com) and the relevant booking platform (www.cal.com), and the Consultation Client is encouraged to review them prior to booking.

The Consultation fee is payable prior to the Consultation and is subject to the T&Cs listed below.

Scope and Duration:

1. Advice is limited in scope to the duration of the Consultation.
2. The Consultation can be extended in either half-hour, or one (1)-hour increments, payable in advance.

Thank you for choosing to consult (“Consultation”) with our law firm, HPL Yamalova & Plewka FZCO (“Firm”), in connection with your matter in the United Arab Emirates (“U.A.E.”).

The terms and conditions governing the Consultation are set out below (“Terms and Conditions”). For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the person(s) booking or attending the Consultation are referred to as the “Consultation Client”.

Where a Consultation has not yet been scheduled, and you are reviewing these Terms and Conditions in advance of booking, you may proceed via the Firm’s booking link here: https://lylawyers.cal.com/legal.

I. NATURE OF CONSULTATION

1. The Consultation is a limited legal service, that is restricted to the allocated meeting time only.

2. The Consultation is intended to provide legal advice, based on the facts and documents shared by the Consultation Client during, or prior to, the Consultation.

3. The Consultation is provided by the Firm as a legal entity. The Firm may involve one or more of its team members in the Consultation, as it deems appropriate, and all advice is provided on behalf of the Firm.

4. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Firm, the Consultation does not create an ongoing attorney-client relationship beyond the scheduled Consultation. For the avoidance of doubt, the Firm will maintain the confidentiality of all information shared, in accordance with the applicable laws and professional obligations, as further detailed below.

5. Any continued involvement by the Firm, including further advice, strategy, drafting, negotiations, correspondence, document review, or representation, requires a separate Engagement Agreement and Know-Your-Client (“KYC”) Form with the Consultation Client. Such services are subject to separate fees and billing structures, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature and scope of the matter. Further details regarding the Firm’s billing structures are set out in these Terms and Conditions.

6. The Firm does not guarantee any specific outcome, result, or resolution during or after the Consultation.

7. The Consultation is generally preliminary in nature and based on the information provided. In many cases, it may be sufficient to fulfill the Consultation Client’s objectives. However, it does not replace a full legal review where more detailed analysis is required, and further review may be necessary depending on the circumstances.

II. CONSULTATION OPTIONS AND FORMAT

1. The Firm offers the following Consultation options:
a. 30-Minute Consultation

· AED 3,150.00 (VAT inclusive)

· Conducted online only, via Microsoft Teams, with limited exceptions, at the Firm’s discretion.

b. 1-Hour Consultation

· AED 4,200.00 (VAT inclusive)

· Conducted either online, via Microsoft Teams; or

· In person, at the Firm’s office (Unit 1805, Reef Tower, Cluster O, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai).

2. The Consultation format (online or in-person, where applicable) must be selected at the time of booking.

III. FEES AND PAYMENT

1. All Consultation fees must be paid in advance of the scheduled Consultation.

2. The Firm accepts payment via: a) online payment link, b) bank transfer, or c) cash.

3. All fees are inclusive of VAT, unless otherwise stated.

4. The Firm’s base currency is AED. The Consultation Client is responsible for accounting for any bank charges, transfer fees, exchange rate deductions, or similar costs, such that the full Consultation fee is received by the Firm.

5. The Consultation fee covers only the time allocated for the Consultation session. Any additional services or add-ons, as further described in these Terms and Conditions, are charged separately.

IV. BOOKING CONFIRMATION AND COMPLIANCE

1. The Consultation will only be confirmed upon: a) receipt of full payment, and b) receipt of all compliance documents and information requested by the Firm.

2. As part of its compliance obligations, the Firm requires the Consultation Client to provide identification documents, contact details, corporate documents (where relevant), details of the opposing party, and any other supporting records the Firm deems necessary (“Compliance Requirements”).

3. The Firm reserves the right to delay, decline, or cancel the Consultation if the Consultation Client fails to satisfy the Firm’s compliance requirements.

4. The Firm is subject to anti-money Laundering (“AML”) regulations and financial compliance laws in the U.A.E., U.S.A., and other relevant jurisdictions (“Financial Regulations”). All payments are subject to the Firm’s compliance protocols and applicable laws and regulations.

V. SCOPE AND DURATION

1. Advice is limited in scope to the duration of the Consultation.

2. The Consultation does not include any written follow-up, notes, summaries, or post-session documentation of any kind.

3. The Consultation may be extended in half-hour, or one (1)-hour increments, subject to the Firm’s availability and advance payment. The applicable extension fees are:

a. AED 2,100.00 (VAT inclusive) for thirty (30) minutes; and

b. AED 4,200.00 (VAT inclusive) for one (1) hour.

4. The Firm retains full discretion over the structure, flow, and conduct of the Consultation, including how information is presented, discussed, and addressed during the allocated time.

VI. PRIOR DOCUMENT REVIEW

1. The Consultation excludes prior document review and written follow-up.

2. Should the Consultation Client wish for a limited review of documents prior to the Consultation, this is available as an add-on service, for an additional fee of AED 2,100.00 (VAT inclusive) (“Prior Document Review”). The Prior Document Review service allows for a maximum of (1) hour of document review before the scheduled time of the Consultation.

3. Any document review requiring more substantive review or legal analysis beyond the one (1) hour limit may require a separate engagement and additional fees.

VII. TRANSLATION SERVICES

1. Should the Consultation Client require translation assistance for Arabic documents during the Consultation, this is an additional service, and may require the involvement of another member of the Firm’s team (“Translation Services”).

2. Translation Services are available for an additional fee of AED 1,050.00 (VAT inclusive), regardless of the duration of the Consultation, and limited to the Consultation session.

3. The Firm’s primary language of legal representation is English. Any communication in another language is provided only for convenience. In the event of any discrepancy, the English version shall prevail.

VIII. REFUNDS, CANCELLATIONS, AND RE-SCHEDULING

1. The Firm relies on confirmed Consultations, evidenced by the Firm’s receipt of funds and Compliance Requirements (“Confirmed Consultation”). Once confirmed, the Firm blocks that timeslot for that particular Consultation Client and allocates its resources accordingly.

2. If the Consultation Client wishes to cancel a Confirmed Consultation (“Cancellation”), the Firm requires at least twenty-four (24) hours’ prior notice, before the Confirmed Consultation (“24-Hour Notice”). Such notice allows the Firm to manage its resources accordingly.

3. If the Consultation Client provides the required 24-Hour Notice and requests a refund, the Firm will refund 100% of the Consultation fee (“Refund”).

4. Refunds are processed within ten (10) to twenty-one (21) business days from the date of the Refund request.

5. If the Consultation Client cancels without the required 24-Hour Notice, the full Consultation fee becomes non-refundable. This is required to compensate the Firm for the loss suffered due to the late Cancellation.

6. If the Consultation Client wishes to re-schedule the Consultation, rather than cancel it, the 24-Hour Notice requirement does not apply (“Re-Scheduled Consultation”). In such cases, no penalty applies and the Firm will do its best to accommodate a new timeslot.

7. Re-Scheduled Consultations do not qualify for a Refund.

8. If the Consultation Client fails to attend the Consultation, arrives more than fifteen (15) minutes late, or is unavailable at the scheduled time, the Firm reserves the right to treat the booking as completed and the fee as non-refundable.

IX. NO ONGOING REPRESENTATION

1. Booking or attending a Consultation does not create an ongoing attorney-client relationship.

2. The Firm is not obligated to take any action, monitor deadlines, communicate with third parties, or protect the Consultation Client’s legal position beyond the Consultation, unless separately engaged by way of an Engagement Agreement.

3. The Consultation Client remains solely responsible for taking any action arising from the Consultation, including observing deadlines, preserving rights, and deciding whether to retain further legal counsel, unless and until the Firm is formally engaged under a separate Engagement Agreement.

X. CONFIDENTIALITY

1. The Firm adheres to strict confidentiality obligations (“Confidentiality”), as governed by the California Rules of Professional Conduct, Dubai Legal Affairs Department (“LAD”), and other applicable laws and regulations relating to legal confidentiality.

2. The Firm treats all information shared by the Consultation Client with strict confidentiality, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional obligations.

3. Any documents and information shared with the Firm for purposes of the Consultation will be treated as confidential, subject to legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements.

4. The Firm may disclose information where required by law, court order, regulatory authority, financial institution, or compliance obligation, or where necessary to protect or defend the Firm or its team members.

5. The Consultation Client is responsible for providing accurate and complete information. The Firm is entitled to rely on such information.

XI. NO GUARANTEE AND RELIANCE ON INFORMATION

1. Legal advice is based on the information provided by the Consultation Client.

2. The Firm is not responsible for any consequences, outcomes, or decisions arising from incomplete, inaccurate, misleading, or untimely information provided by the Consultation Client.

3. Legal matters are fact-specific and subject to change. The Firm does not guarantee that all risks or issues will be identified within the scope of the Consultation.

4. Any preliminary legal position may change if additional facts or documents emerge.

XII. DATA HANDLING AND FIRM SYSTEMS

1. The Firm may collect, store, review, and process the Consultation Client’s personal data and documents for purposes including: a) conflict checks, b) compliance and KYC requirements, c) internal recordkeeping, d) legal analysis, e) billing and administration, and f) provision of legal services.

2. The Firm manages Consultation Client information in accordance with its professional obligations and applicable laws and regulations in the U.A.E. and Dubai.

3. The Firm may use secure third-party systems and platforms to manage Consultations, communications, documents, and payments.

4. By booking a Consultation, the Consultation Client acknowledges and agrees to such use, to the extent reasonably required for the Firm’s operations.

XIII. AI CONSULTATION RECORDINGS AND NOTES (AUDIO)

1. Consultations conducted through Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or similar platforms, may be recorded or transcribed, in whole or in part, using Artificial Intelligence ("AI") tools in audio, and/or text format (“Meeting Recording”).

2. Any Meeting Recording is created solely for the Firm's internal purposes, including note-taking, file management, accuracy, and internal reference.

3. The Meeting Recording does not form part of the Consultation deliverables and will not be shared with the Consultation Client or any third party.

4. The Firm does not accept responsibility or liability for any transcription errors, omissions, summaries, or inaccuracies generated by AI tools.

5. The Firm reserves the right to determine how it conducts Consultations, including whether and how it records, documents, or retains any Meeting Recording.

4. The Consultation Client will be notified of the use of Meeting Recording upon their admission to the Consultation.

5. The Consultation Client reserves the right to object to the use of AI Meeting Recording ("Objection to Meeting Recording"). Any Objection to Meeting Recording must be submitted in writing, prior to the Consultation.

XIV. FIRM’S BILLING AND ENGAGEMENT OPTIONS (POST-CONSULTATION)

1. The Consultation is a standalone service. It is typically the first step in understanding the Consultation Client’s matter and determining the appropriate legal strategy and recommended course of action.

2. Following the Consultation, and where further legal assistance is required, the Consultation Client may wish to engage the Firm under a separate Engagement Agreement, which governs the full terms of work, representation, and billing structures.

3. In general, the Firm operates under the following billing structures, upon formal engagement, under the Firm’s Engagement Agreement:

a. Hourly Rate Basis. The Firm’s standard and default billing structure is based on hourly rates. Under this model, the Firm can be as little or as much involved as the client requires, and provides legal support on a need-basis.

b. Fixed Fee Basis. For specific projects that are limited in scope and sufficiently defined, the Firm may offer a fixed fee. Fixed fees are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the scope, complexity, and level of involvement required.

c. Retainer. In certain cases, clients may engage the Firm on a retainer basis, which is based on hourly billing, but limited to a pre-agreed budget.

4. The availability and suitability of any billing structure depends on the nature, scope, and certainty of the Consultation Client’s matter, and is determined at the Firm’s discretion.

5. The Consultation Client acknowledges the following:

a. Legal fees are based on the time, expertise, and resources required;

b. Legal matters may evolve, and fees may vary accordingly; and

c. Any estimates provided are indicative only and not binding.

XV. NO COMMISSIONS, CONTINGENCY, OR REFERRAL FEES

1. The Firm does not accept cases on a contingency fee basis, due to regulatory restrictions and practical considerations.

2. The Firm does not charge, accept, or agree to any percentage of recoveries, transactions, or outcomes.

3. The Firm operates with the highest standards of professional integrity and ethics, and does not accept any commissions or referral fees from any third parties.

4. The Firm’s recommendations, referrals, and professional dealings are based exclusively on merit and the client’s best interests, without any financial incentive or external influence.

XVI. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND MUTUAL RESPECT

1. The Firm is committed to professionalism, integrity, clarity, and respect.

2. The Firm expects the same level of professionalism and respect from Consultation Clients and their representatives.

3. The Firm has zero tolerance for abusive, offensive, harassing, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate conduct toward any member of its team.

4. The Firm reserves the right to suspend, end, or refuse a Consultation in the event of inappropriate conduct by the Consultation Client.

XVII. LICENSING AND JURISDICTION

1. The Firm and its Managing Partner are subject to the rules and regulations of the Dubai Legal Affairs Department, Dubai International Financial Center Courts (“DIFC Courts”), Dubai Multi Commodities Center (“DMCC”), the State Bar of California, U.S.A. (“CA Bar”), and other applicable U.A.E. and U.S.A. laws.

2. The Firm is licensed in the U.A.E. as a legal consultancy by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (Ruler’s Court).

3. The Firm provides legal advisory services and strategic guidance and assistance in the U.A.E.

4. The Firm does not have rights of audience before Dubai onshore courts. Where court representation is required, a local advocate may need to be engaged.

5. The Firm and its Managing Partner are registered with the DIFC Courts and DIFC Wills Registry, granting them the rights of audience before the DIFC Courts.

6. The Firm’s Managing Partner is also registered as an arbitrator at the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (“DIAC”), and an ADR Center-accredited mediator.

XVIII. MANDATORY ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

1. By booking a Consultation, the Consultation Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

2. The Consultation Client’s acceptance may be recorded electronically, including through a mandatory checkbox, booking platform, or email confirmation.

3. The Firm may retain records of such acceptance for administrative, legal, and evidentiary purposes.

XIX. UPDATES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The Firm reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

2. The version in effect at the time of booking shall apply to the relevant Consultation.

3. The most current version of these Terms and Conditions is available on the Firm’s website (www.lylawyers.com) and the relevant booking platform (www.cal.com), and the Consultation Client is encouraged to review them prior to booking.