Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 10/03/2024

1. No Attorney-Client Relationship

The information provided on our website, including any forms, articles, videos, or communications, is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship between you and the Law Offices of John C. Martin, P.C. You should not provide us with any confidential information through our website’s contact forms, email, or any other electronic means. An attorney-client relationship will only be established through a written attorney/client engagement agreement, after a conflict of interest check has been conducted and a formal agreement has been signed by both parties.

2. Legal Advertising and No Guarantees

This website may be considered legal advertising under applicable laws and ethical rules. Any testimonials or case results listed on the website do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Laws, including tax and estate planning laws, are subject to change, and the legal information provided on the website may become outdated over time. For advice specific to your jurisdiction or legal situation, please consult a licensed attorney.

3. Jurisdiction and Practice Limitations

The Law Offices of John C. Martin, P.C., provides legal services exclusively in the state of California. We do not offer legal advice or representation outside of California. Any disputes arising out of the use of this website or legal services provided shall be governed by the laws of the state of California.

4. Initial Consultations and Fees

Initial consultations with our firm may result in fees being charged if legal advice is provided, in compliance with the California State Bar rules. In some cases, a complimentary meet and greet can be scheduled free of charge. Any applicable fees will be confirmed at the time the appointment is scheduled. For all credit card payments, we add applicable merchant fees. Payments into an IOLTA trust account cannot be made via credit card and must be made through check, including money orders or certified checks.

5. Engagement and Retainer Agreements

Legal services are provided only after a written engagement agreement is executed between you and our firm. In flat fee matters, fees will be deposited into our general operating account and may be refundable in accordance with the terms of the written engagement agreement. In hourly or retainer-based matters, fees will be deposited into an IOLTA trust account. Funds will be withdrawn from the IOLTA account only as fees are earned or costs are incurred, following the California State Bar rules and the terms of the engagement agreement.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on this website, including articles, newsletters, videos, and any other original materials created by the Law Offices of John C. Martin, P.C., is protected by copyright law. You may reference or cite our content with proper attribution, but you may not copy, reproduce, or distribute any materials without express permission.

7. Restrictions on User Content

We do not permit user-generated content or comments on our website. If you post any content or provide any information through our website, you agree that it does not include confidential or proprietary information and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

8. Use of Sharefile and Confidential Information

We may use a Sharefile secure portal for the exchange of confidential information. Please do not submit confidential information through the standard contact form or by email unless specifically instructed to do so using our secure Sharefile system.

9. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

The information provided on our website is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and is not intended to serve as legal advice. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The Law Offices of John C. Martin, P.C., shall not be liable for any damages arising out of or in connection with your use of this website or reliance on any information provided.

10. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

All attorney-client disputes, including disputes related to legal services or fees, are subject to arbitration through JAMS and shall be conducted in the County of Santa Clara, California. All fee-related disputes are subject to mandatory arbitration through the San Mateo County Bar Association, pursuant to the California State Bar Rules.

11. Changes to the Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time without prior notice. Any changes to these Terms will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the website following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

12. Privacy Policy

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect personal information obtained through our website. The Privacy Policy is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms or need further clarification, please contact us at:

Law Offices of John C. Martin, P.C.

636 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto, CA 94301

Tel. (650) 329-9500

Email: Melody@johncmartinlaw.com