Limited Scope Engagement Terms
Law Office of Stephen Ruotsi
1209 24th St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Thank you for choosing the Law Office of Stephen Ruotsi (the “Firm”). This document describes the terms of our limited-scope engagement and the specific services included. Please review it carefully before acknowledging acceptance.
1. Scope of Representation
The Firm’s engagement is limited to up to one (1) hour of time reviewing and providing legal services, which may include:
- Reviewing and providing feedback on documents generated through AI tools (up to 10 pages); and/or
- Conducting a consultation to discuss a specific legal question or situation.
Any broader representation (for example, ongoing business or dispute support) must be separately agreed in writing (including by email).
This engagement does not include tax advice, litigation, immigration, non-U.S. law, or other specialty areas outside the Firm’s regular practice.
If, after acknowledgment, it is determined that your matter is outside this scope, the engagement will be voided and any unearned portion of the fee refunded.
If you and the Firm later agree to proceed with additional services such as drafting, negotiation, or other legal work, that work will be covered by a separate written confirmation (including by email) describing the scope and fee.
2. Fees and Billing
The flat fee of $349 covers up to one (1) hour of attorney time, which may be applied to (a) review and finalization of one AI-generated document (up to 10 pages) and/or (b) one consultation by Zoom.
Additional time, follow-on projects, or drafting may be added upon written agreement (including by email) confirming the scope and fee.
The flat fee is deemed earned on receipt and may be deposited into the Firm’s operating account. You may request in writing that the flat fee instead be deposited into the Firm’s client trust account to be withdrawn as work is performed. If the representation ends early, any unearned portion of the fee will be refunded.
Follow-on services beyond the initial one-hour flat fee may be billed on an hourly or flat-fee basis, as agreed in writing (including by email).
3. Attorneys and Firm Staff
Other attorneys or staff within the Firm may assist as needed under the supervision of Stephen Ruotsi. If work is referred to any outside attorney or professional, this will only occur with your prior knowledge and consent.
The Firm may use AI tools to assist in preparing drafts or feedback, but all legal analysis and final review are performed under attorney supervision.
4. Client Responsibilities
You agree to cooperate with the Firm, respond promptly to requests for information or documents, and inform us of any new developments relevant to your matter.
You remain responsible for the accuracy and completeness of factual information in any materials you provide, including AI-generated drafts.
5. Conflicts, Confidentiality, and Communication
A conflict check will be conducted promptly after you acknowledge this agreement and before substantive work begins. If a conflict of interest is identified, this engagement will be voided and any unearned fees refunded.
All information and documents you provide will be kept strictly confidential. The Firm takes commercially reasonable measures to protect confidentiality, including when using secure AI tools.
Communications will often occur by email or other electronic means. While the Firm takes reasonable precautions, you acknowledge the inherent risks of electronic communication.
The Firm maintains an electronic copy of your file for seven (7) years after a matter closes, after which it may be securely destroyed.
6. Term and Termination of Engagement
Either you or the Firm may terminate this engagement at any time, with or without cause, by written notice. You will remain responsible for fees and costs incurred through the date of termination.
This engagement automatically concludes upon completion of the agreed limited services unless extended by written agreement (including by email).
Upon termination, the Firm will return any client-provided documents upon request.
Nothing in this agreement is a promise or guarantee of any particular outcome.
7. Agreement and Acknowledgment
By checking the acknowledgment box provided through the Firm’s platform, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms. No work will begin until your acknowledgment is received and the Firm confirms that no conflicts or scope limitations prevent representation.
8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
This is a limited scope representation agreement under California law. This agreement is governed by California law, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.
Any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement, the Firm’s services, or the attorney-client relationship shall first be discussed informally for resolution.
If unresolved, the dispute will be submitted to binding arbitration in Los Angeles County, California, under the California State Bar’s Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program or another mutually agreed arbitration provider.
NOTICE: By agreeing to these terms, you are waiving your right to a trial in court, including your right to a jury trial. Other rights that you would have in court may also be unavailable or limited in arbitration.
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us before acknowledging. We look forward to working with you.