Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legal agreement between you ("Client" or "you") and SBlocPortM Limited ("SBlocPortM," "we," "us," or "our"), a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number [Company Number].

By engaging our services, accessing our website, or entering into any agreement with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not use our services.

1.1 Regulatory Status

SBlocPortM Limited is authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under registration number [SRA Number]. We are subject to the SRA Principles and Code of Conduct, which govern our professional obligations.

1.2 Professional Indemnity Insurance

We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by our regulatory obligations, with minimum coverage of £6 million per claim.

2. Definitions

In these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Advisory Services" means our legal and investment advisory services relating to natural resource investments;
• "Confidential Information" means all non-public information disclosed by either party;
• "Engagement Letter" means the specific terms agreed for each client engagement;
• "Natural Resources" includes oil, gas, rare earth metals, and other mineral resources;
• "Professional Standards" means the standards required by the SRA and applicable law;
• "Services" means all services provided by SBlocPortM as described herein.

3. Our Services

SBlocPortM provides specialized legal and investment advisory services focused on natural resource investments in the United Kingdom.

3.1 Scope of Services

Our services include but are not limited to:

• Legal advisory services for oil and gas investments
• Due diligence and compliance consulting
• Investment structuring and documentation
• Regulatory compliance advisory
• Transaction support and execution
• Market analysis and investment research

3.2 Professional Standards

All services are provided in accordance with:

• SRA Principles and Code of Conduct
• Applicable UK laws and regulations
• Professional standards of care and diligence
• Best practices in investment advisory services

3.3 Specific Engagement Terms

Each client engagement will be governed by a specific Engagement Letter that details the scope, terms, and conditions applicable to that particular matter. In case of conflict, the Engagement Letter takes precedence over these general Terms.

4. Client Obligations

As our client, you agree to the following obligations:

4.1 Information Provision

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information relevant to our services
• Update us promptly of any material changes in circumstances
• Respond to our requests for information within reasonable timeframes
• Ensure all documentation provided is authentic and complete

4.2 Cooperation

• Cooperate fully with our advisory process
• Attend meetings and consultations as reasonably required
• Provide access to relevant personnel and records
• Act in good faith throughout our professional relationship

4.3 Compliance

• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Implement our recommendations in good faith
• Maintain appropriate internal controls and procedures
• Report any compliance concerns promptly

4.4 Decision Making

You acknowledge that all investment decisions remain your responsibility. We provide advice and recommendations, but the final decision to proceed with any investment rests with you.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fee Structure

Our fees are determined based on:

• Complexity and scope of services required
• Time and resources committed to your matter
• Value and size of transactions involved
• Market rates for comparable services

5.2 Fee Arrangements

We offer various fee arrangements including:

• Hourly Rates: Based on senior partner and associate time
• Fixed Fees: For defined scope projects
• Success Fees: Performance-based arrangements (where permitted)
• Retainer Arrangements: For ongoing advisory relationships

5.3 Payment Terms

• Invoices are issued monthly unless otherwise agreed
• Payment is due within 30 days of invoice date
• Late payments may incur interest at 4% above Bank of England base rate
• We reserve the right to suspend services for overdue accounts

5.4 Expenses

Reasonable expenses incurred in providing services will be charged separately, including travel, accommodation, expert fees, and court costs.

6. Confidentiality

6.1 Our Obligations

We are bound by strict confidentiality obligations under:

• Solicitor-client privilege
• SRA Code of Conduct
• Professional ethical standards
• Contractual confidentiality obligations

6.2 Permitted Disclosures

We may disclose confidential information only when:

• Required by law or court order
• Necessary to prevent crime or protect public safety
• You provide explicit written consent
• Required by our professional obligations

6.3 Data Protection

We process personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including UK GDPR.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Our Intellectual Property

We retain ownership of:

• Our methodologies and processes
• Template documents and precedents
• Research and analysis methodologies
• Software and technology platforms

7.2 Client Materials

You retain ownership of all materials and information provided to us, subject to our right to use such information for providing services.

7.3 Work Product

Documents and advice prepared specifically for you become your property upon full payment of fees, subject to our right to retain copies for professional records.

8. Limitations and Disclaimers

8.1 Scope of Liability

Our liability is limited to the scope of services explicitly agreed in each engagement. We are not liable for:

• Investment performance or returns
• Market fluctuations or economic conditions
• Actions of third parties
• Consequential or indirect losses

8.2 Professional Standards

Our services are provided with reasonable care and skill expected of competent legal and investment professionals. We do not guarantee specific outcomes or results.

8.3 Third-Party Reliance

Our advice is provided solely for your benefit and may not be relied upon by third parties without our explicit written consent.

8.4 Market Risks

Natural resource investments involve inherent risks including:

• Commodity price volatility
• Regulatory changes
• Operational and technical risks
• Environmental and political risks

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms or any Engagement Letter
• Your failure to comply with applicable laws
• Inaccurate or incomplete information provided by you
• Your use of our advice for purposes outside the agreed scope

10. Termination

10.1 Termination Rights

Either party may terminate our relationship by providing 30 days' written notice, subject to:

• Completion of urgent matters in progress
• Payment of outstanding fees and expenses
• Proper handover of files and documents
• Compliance with professional obligations

10.2 Effect of Termination

Termination does not affect:

• Accrued payment obligations
• Confidentiality obligations
• Our right to retain professional records
• Any claims arising before termination

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

11.2 Dispute Resolution

We encourage early resolution of any concerns through direct communication. For formal disputes, we follow the SRA dispute resolution procedures.

11.3 Professional Complaints

Complaints about our services should be addressed to our Complaints Handling Partner. If unresolved, you may refer the matter to the Legal Ombudsman.

11.4 Limitation Period

Any claims against us must be brought within 6 years of the date when the cause of action accrued, or 3 years from when you became aware of the facts giving rise to the claim.

12. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact:

SBlocPortM Limited

Phone: +44 20 7946 0958
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sblocportm.com

Regulatory Information

SRA Number: [SRA Registration Number]
Company Number: [Companies House Number]
VAT Number: [VAT Registration Number]

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Details of our professional indemnity insurance are available upon request.