📄 Private Client Terms of Service
Law Office of Sheila D. Brown, Esq.
Effective: April 2025
I. Scope of Legal Services
Legal services are provided on a limited or full-scope basis as outlined in a written engagement agreement. No attorney-client relationship exists until a signed agreement and retainer (if required) have been received and accepted by the firm.
Services may include, but are not limited to:
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Estate Planning
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Probate Administration
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Real Estate Transactions
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Trust Review & Strategy
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Property Rights Consultation
Services outside the agreed scope will not be performed unless expressly authorized and confirmed in writing.
II. Engagement and Communication
Once retained, our firm will:
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Clearly define the scope of services
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Maintain open and timely communication
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Keep your information confidential within legal and ethical guidelines
Clients are expected to:
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Respond promptly to requests for documents or information
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Keep the firm informed of address or contact changes
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Be truthful and cooperative throughout the representation
III. Fees and Payment
Services are billed at an hourly rate or flat-fee basis, as specified in your agreement. Unless otherwise agreed:
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Hourly rates range from$225 to $350 depending on complexity.
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Flat-fee engagements are due in full before work begins.
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Payments can be made via credit card, ACH, or law firm trust account.
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Late payments may result in a pause or termination of services.
The client is responsible for all third-party costs such as:
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Filing or recording fees
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Court costs
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Notary, courier, postage, and document fees
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Expert consultants, title research, or public records requests
All external costs must be paid in advance or promptly upon invoice.
IV. Termination of Services
Either party may terminate the attorney-client relationship at any time, subject to applicable legal obligations. Upon termination, the client remains responsible for payment of all services rendered and costs incurred through the date of termination.
V. Confidentiality & Privacy
We protect client confidentiality in accordance with Texas law and the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Information shared during the course of representation will not be disclosed without consent, except as required by law or court order.
Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
VI. Disclaimers & Limitations
Legal outcomes cannot be guaranteed. All legal strategies are based on available facts, laws, and regulations at the time of service. Clients are advised to ask questions and seek clarity on all advice and recommended actions.
Communications by email, phone, or intake forms do not create an attorney-client relationship unless and until a signed engagement letter is executed.
VII. Jurisdiction & Governing Law
All services are governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Disputes arising under these terms are subject to Texas jurisdiction and venue.
VIII. Contact
For questions or clarification about these Terms of Service, please contact:
The Law Office of Sheila D. Brown, Esq.
📧[email protected]
Based in Houston, TX – Serving Clients Virtually and Statewide
