Effective Date: 21-04-2025

Version: 1.0

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Lawyer-Talk, an online platform designed to connect users with legal professionals for a wide range of legal services. These Terms and Conditions of Use (hereinafter referred to as the “Terms”) govern the access and use of the Platform, services provided through the website www.barrister24.com (the “Website”), mobile applications, and associated services. By using the Platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms.

Lawyer-Talk is owned and operated by Vidhivrtti Solutions LLP, registered under the laws of India. Our services are intended to facilitate legal consultations, document drafting, and other legal services provided by registered legal professionals.

2. UPDATION OF TERMS

2.1 Right to Amend

Lawyer-Talk reserves the right to modify, update, or revise these Terms at any time and without notice. Any such amendments will take effect immediately upon their posting on the Website or notification via email or platform notification. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. Continued use of the Platform after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2.2 Notification of Changes

While we may attempt to inform users about significant changes to these Terms, it remains the responsibility of users and lawyers to review the Terms regularly to remain informed of any updates or amendments.

3. USER CONSENT AND REGISTRATION

3.1 Acceptance of Terms

By registering for or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you are using the Platform on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have the authority to bind such organization to these Terms.

3.2 Registration and Account Setup

To access the Platform and utilize its full functionality, both users and lawyers are required to create an account. During the registration process, users and lawyers must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information. The following details will be collected:

• For Users: Full name, email address, phone number, billing information (if applicable), and legal concerns for consultation.
• For Lawyers: Full name, professional credentials (such as Bar Council registration), practice area specialization, education, and professional history.

3.3 User and Lawyer Eligibility

• Users: You must be at least 18 years old to use the Platform. Minors may not create an account or access services unless authorized by a parent or guardian.
• Lawyers: Lawyers must be duly licensed and authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction they specify on their profile.

3.4 User Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account and login credentials. Any activity conducted under your account will be deemed as your responsibility, including but not limited to unauthorized access or misuse of your account. If you believe your account has been compromised, it is your responsibility to notify Lawyer-Talk immediately.

4. SERVICES PROVIDED BY LAWYER-TALK

4.1 Legal Services

Lawyer-Talk provides an online platform for users to access professional legal services offered by registered lawyers. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Legal Consultations: Live chat, phone, video calls, and email consultations to discuss legal queries.
• Document Drafting and Review: Lawyers can assist users in drafting or reviewing legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and legal notices.
• Legal Advice: General and specialized legal advice in areas such as family law, business law, criminal law, civil rights, intellectual property, etc.
• Specialized Legal Services: On-demand or customized services as per user requirements.

4.2 Free and Paid Services

• Free Services: Users may access certain free resources, such as the ability to browse lawyer profiles and schedule initial consultations. A limited number of free consultations may be offered as part of promotional campaigns or through special offers.
• Paid Services: Services like in-depth consultations, personalized legal advice, and document drafting are offered on a paid basis. The cost will be clearly disclosed before booking any service.

4.3 Third-Party Services

Some services on the Platform may be offered through third-party providers (e.g., payment gateways, external legal document providers). Lawyer-Talk is not responsible for the services, actions, or omissions of such third parties.

5. REGISTRATION AND ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

5.1 Account Creation

To fully access the services, users and lawyers must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, truthful, and up-to-date information during registration. Falsifying or omitting key details may result in termination or suspension of your account.

5.2 User Responsibilities

As a user, you must:

• Use the Platform only for lawful purposes.
• Provide accurate information when seeking legal consultations.
• Honor all payments and service fees for consultations or services requested through the Platform.

As a lawyer, you must:

• Provide authentic credentials and professional information when registering.
• Comply with all legal and ethical standards while delivering services through the Platform.
• Uphold professional standards of confidentiality, integrity, and fairness in all consultations.

6. DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY

6.1 Data Collection and Usage

Lawyer-Talk collects personal information during registration and usage of the Platform. This includes but is not limited to:

• Personal Information: Full name, email, phone number, address, and payment details.
• Service Usage Data: Information about your interactions with the Platform, such as consultations, document drafts, and payment history.
• Legal Data: Information related to the specific legal issues and concerns that you discuss with lawyers.

This data is used for:

• Providing services and consultations
• Processing payments
• Personalizing user experience
• Legal compliance, such as maintaining records of consultations

6.2 Privacy Policy

Lawyer-Talk respects your privacy and implements industry-standard security measures (such as encryption, firewalls, and secure servers) to protect your personal data. Our Privacy Policy, which can be reviewed separately, outlines how we collect, store, and use your data.

6.3 Sharing of Data

Lawyer-Talk will not share or sell your personal information with third parties without your consent, except as required by law or to facilitate the services requested (such as through payment processors).

7. PAYMENT TERMS

7.1 Fees and Charges

• Users are responsible for paying all fees associated with consultations, document drafting, and other services requested through the Platform.
• Lawyer-Talk charges a commission fee of 35% to 55% on payments made to lawyers for services rendered.
• Fees for consultations and services are set by the individual lawyers, but users will be informed of the costs in advance.

7.2 Payment Methods

Payments for services are processed through secure third-party payment gateways, including credit/debit cards, net banking, or other payment methods. Users will be billed according to the service charges displayed before the consultation.

7.3 Refund Policy

• Refunds are offered only for services not provided or incomplete consultations.
• Refund requests must be submitted within 7 business days after the service has been provided.
• If a user disputes a charge or seeks a refund, it will be subject to an investigation and resolution based on the Platform’s dispute resolution policy.

8. USER CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

8.1 Compliance with Laws

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes. Any actions that are illegal or violate the rights of others, including fraudulent activities, will result in immediate termination of your account.

8.2 Prohibited Actions

Users and lawyers are prohibited from engaging in any of the following:

• Fraudulent activities: Providing false or misleading information, unauthorized use of services, or identity theft.
• Defamation or abuse: Posting defamatory, offensive, or harmful content about lawyers or other users.
• Inappropriate behavior: Harassment, threats, or any form of abusive conduct towards other users or lawyers.
• Unauthorized sharing of content: Uploading or sharing content that infringes on intellectual property rights.

8.3 Confidentiality of Consultations

Users and lawyers are both obligated to maintain the confidentiality of all communications, documents, and information shared during consultations or services provided on the Platform.

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

9.1 Ownership of Content

The Platform and its content, including logos, designs, text, and software, are the intellectual property of Lawyer-Talk and are protected by copyright and trademark laws. Users and lawyers agree not to reproduce, copy, or distribute any of this content without permission.

9.2 User-Generated Content

By submitting reviews, comments, or content (such as legal articles, feedback, etc.) on the Platform, you grant Lawyer-Talk the right to use, display, distribute, and promote such content without compensation or further consent.

10. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND SERVICES

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated by Lawyer-Talk. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or any aspects of third-party services. It is the user’s responsibility to review third-party terms and conditions before using these services.

11. TERMINATION OF ACCOUNT

11.1 Grounds for Termination

Lawyer-Talk reserves the right to suspend or terminate user accounts for:

• Violation of these Terms.
• Engaging in fraudulent or illegal activities.
• Non-payment or non-compliance with Platform requirements.

11.2 Effects of Termination

Upon termination of an account, users may lose access to services, and their data may be permanently deleted. However, records of payments and legal services may be retained for compliance and legal purposes.

12. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms will be governed by the laws of India. Any disputes arising from the use of the Platform will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Hyderabad, Telangana.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Lawyer-Talk will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use or inability to use the Platform, services provided, or any interactions between users and lawyers.

14. FORCE MAJEURE

Lawyer-Talk will not be held liable for any failure or delay in providing services due to causes beyond its control, including natural disasters, strikes, power failures, government regulations, or internet outages.

15. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

15.1. Mediation and Arbitration

In case of disputes between users and Lawyer-Talk, the parties agree to first seek mediation. If unresolved, the matter will proceed to binding arbitration as per the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

16. GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM

For any issues or concerns regarding services or terms, users may contact our Grievance Officer at:

Name: Kajal Singh
Email: support@barrister24.com
Contact Number: +91 72075 83477 (WhatsApp Only)
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST

17. INDEPENDENT STATUS

Lawyers providing services on the Platform are independent contractors, and not employees of Lawyer-Talk. They are responsible for their own legal practice and compliance with relevant professional regulations.

18. TAX COMPLIANCE

Lawyers are responsible for paying all taxes associated with the income earned through the Platform, including GST and income tax obligations in their respective jurisdictions.

19. TERMINATION OF SERVICES

Lawyer-Talk reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue services at its sole discretion. Users and lawyers will be notified in advance of any significant service interruptions.

20. DISCLAIMER – BCI COMPLIANCE

20.1 Regulatory Compliance
In accordance with the Bar Council of India Rules under the Advocates Act, 1961, particularly Rule 36, legal professionals are prohibited from soliciting work or advertising their services. Lawyer-Talk respects and adheres to these professional standards.

20.2 No Solicitation or Advertisement
By using the Platform (including the website www.barrister24.com and the mobile application), you acknowledge that:

• You are accessing this information voluntarily, of your own accord.
  
  
• There has been no solicitation, advertisement, personal communication, or inducement of any kind from Lawyer-Talk, its team, or the legal professionals listed on the Platform.
  
  
• The purpose of the Platform is to provide access to legal professionals for informational and facilitation purposes only and not to advertise or promote legal services in a manner prohibited by the Bar Council of India.
  
  

20.3 User Acknowledgment
At the time of signing up or registering for the Platform, all users are required to review and explicitly acknowledge the following message before proceeding:

Disclaimer:
The Bar Council of India does not permit advertisement or solicitation by advocates in any form or manner.
By accessing this website, www.barrister24.com, you acknowledge and confirm that you are seeking information relating to Lawyer-Talk.com of your own accord and that there has been no form of solicitation, advertisement, or inducement by Lawyer-Talk.com or its members.

[I Agree] [Exit Site]

Users who do not accept this disclaimer will not be permitted to proceed further on the Platform.

21. Misuse of Platform
    Lawyers must not engage in any activity that undermines the integrity, security, or purpose of the Lawyer-Talk platform. This includes but is not limited to:

• Circumventing platform systems to engage clients off-platform
  
  
• Using bots or third parties to inflate ratings or manipulate visibility
  
  
• Sharing login credentials or allowing unauthorized access