1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Meridian Fund Recovery website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
Meridian Fund Recovery is a licensed body authorised for all legal services, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, registered in England and Wales.
2. Website Terms of Use
2.1 General Use
You may use our website for lawful purposes only. You must not:
- Use the website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
- Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
- Engage in automated data collection without our written permission
- Interfere with or disrupt the website or servers
- Impersonate any person or entity
- Use the website to distribute spam or unsolicited messages
2.2 Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Meridian Fund Recovery or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our express written permission.
2.3 No Formal Client Agreement Until Confirmed
Important: Using this website or contacting us does not create a formal service agreement. A relationship is established only when:
- We assess your case and confirm we can assist
- We agree to engage your case in writing
- You sign a service agreement
- We provide you with full engagement terms
Do not send sensitive financial documents until a formal service agreement has been confirmed.
3. Legal Services Terms
3.1 Retainer Agreement
When you engage our services, we will provide you with:
- A written retainer agreement outlining the scope of work
- Client care letter with key information
- Details of fees, billing arrangements, and payment terms
- Information about complaints procedures
- Terms specific to your case
3.2 Scope of Services
Our services include:
- Legal consultation and advice
- Blockchain forensic investigation using specialist blockchain analytics tools
- Evidence gathering and case preparation
- Negotiations with third parties
- Court proceedings and litigation
- Fund recovery and asset tracing
- Regulatory compliance and reporting
The specific services will be detailed in your retainer agreement.
3.3 Client Obligations
As our client, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information
- Cooperate fully with our investigation
- Respond promptly to requests for information or documents
- Pay fees and expenses as agreed
- Follow our professional advice
- Inform us of any material changes to your case
- Not withhold relevant information
- Comply with anti-money laundering verification requirements
4. Fees and Payment
4.1 Fee Structure
Our fees may include:
- Fixed Fees: Set amount for specific services (e.g., initial consultation, case assessment)
- Hourly Rates: Charged based on time spent on your case
- Success Fees: Percentage of recovered funds (contingency basis)
- Expenses: Disbursements for court fees, expert witnesses, blockchain analysis, etc.
All fees will be clearly explained in your retainer agreement before you engage our services.
4.2 Payment Terms
- Invoices are payable within 14 days unless otherwise agreed
- We may require a retainer payment before commencing work
- Interest may be charged on overdue accounts
- We reserve the right to suspend services for non-payment
- You remain responsible for fees even if your case is unsuccessful
4.3 Success-Based Fees
For contingency cases:
- Success fee is calculated as a percentage of funds actually recovered
- No success fee is payable if no recovery is achieved
- You may still be responsible for certain expenses and disbursements
- Success fee terms will be clearly stated in your service agreement
5. No Guarantee of Results
Important Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee specific results or outcomes. Recovery success depends on many factors including:
- The nature and complexity of your case
- Whether stolen funds can be traced and located
- Cooperation from financial institutions and exchanges
- Actions taken by fraudsters to conceal funds
- Applicable laws and jurisdictional issues
- Availability of assets for recovery
- Court decisions and legal processes
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and assessed on its individual merits.
6. Confidentiality and Data Protection
6.1 Client Confidentiality
All information you share with Meridian Fund Recovery is treated as strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party except where:
- You provide consent to disclose
- Disclosure is required by law or court order
- Disclosure is necessary to prevent serious crime
- We need to defend ourselves against allegations
6.2 Data Protection
Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR. We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information.
6.3 Anti-Money Laundering
We are required to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. This means:
- We must verify your identity before providing services
- We must understand the source of your funds
- We may be required to report suspicious activity without informing you
- We cannot accept cash payments over certain thresholds
- We maintain records for regulatory compliance
7. Conflicts of Interest
We conduct thorough conflict checks before accepting new clients. We cannot represent you if:
- We already represent an opposing party
- We have confidential information that creates a conflict
- Our duty to another client would be compromised
- There is a significant risk our independence would be affected
If a conflict arises during representation, we will discuss options with you, which may include referring you to another firm.
8. Termination of Services
8.1 Your Right to Terminate
You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. Upon termination:
- You remain responsible for fees and expenses incurred up to termination
- We will provide you with your file and documents
- We will cooperate with your new legal representative
- Confidentiality obligations continue after termination
8.2 Our Right to Terminate
We may terminate representation if:
- You fail to pay fees or provide requested funds
- You fail to cooperate or provide necessary information
- A conflict of interest arises
- You engage in fraudulent or illegal conduct
- The relationship breaks down irretrievably
- You refuse to follow essential advice
We will provide reasonable notice unless immediate termination is required.
9. Complaints Procedure
9.1 Internal Complaints
If you are unhappy with our services:
- Contact your case handler to discuss concerns
- If unresolved, email us at support@meridianfundsrecovery.com with the subject line "Complaint"
- We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days
- We aim to resolve complaints within 8 weeks
- You will receive a formal written response
9.2 External Complaints
If you remain dissatisfied after our internal process, you may refer your complaint to:
9.3 SRA Concerns
For concerns about our professional conduct, you may contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority at www.sra.org.uk.
10. Professional Standards
We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by the SRA. As an SRA-regulated licensed body, we adhere to the SRA Standards and Regulations. Details of our insurance coverage are available upon request. If we cease trading, contact the SRA for details of how to make a claim.
11. Limitation of Liability
11.1 Website Content
While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that website content is complete, accurate, or up-to-date. We are not liable for:
- Errors or omissions in website content
- Technical problems or unavailability of the website
- Actions taken based on website information alone
- Third-party website content accessed through our links
11.2 Recovery Services
Our liability for recovery services is limited to:
- The limits of our professional indemnity insurance
- Losses directly caused by our negligence or wilful misconduct
- Foreseeable losses at the time of engagement
We are not liable for losses caused by factors outside our control, including actions of third parties, financial institution decisions, or changes in law.
12. Third-Party Services
We may engage third-party experts and service providers including:
- Blockchain forensic analysts (specialist blockchain analytics providers)
- Barristers and counsel
- Expert witnesses
- Foreign legal advisors
- Private investigators
- Process servers
You authorize us to engage these services on your behalf. You are responsible for their fees as part of your case expenses.
13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
14. Regulatory Information
Trading Name: Meridian Fund Recovery
Type: Licensed body authorised for all legal services
Regulator: Solicitors Regulation Authority
We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The SRA Standards and Regulations can be viewed at www.sra.org.uk.
15. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The updated version will be posted on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
For existing clients, material changes to service terms will be communicated directly and may require your written consent.
16. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms and Conditions:
17. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
18. Entire Agreement
For website users, these Terms constitute the entire agreement regarding website use. For legal services clients, your retainer agreement and these Terms together form the complete agreement, with the retainer agreement taking precedence in case of conflict.