General
This document constitutes the agreement between yourself (Client) and Work Law Limited t/a Work Law. These terms apply to any current engagement and also to any future engagement whether or not we send you another copy of them.
Conditions
This Agreement will not take effect, and Work Law will have no obligation to provide services, until Client returns a signed copy of this Agreement.
Scope of Services
Client hires Work Law to provide employment law/advocacy services and Work Law will provide those services reasonably required to represent Client. Work Law will take reasonable steps to keep Client informed of progress and to respond to Client’s inquiries.
Payment
Invoices are payable within 14 days unless alternative arrangements have been made with us. Interest will be paid on any amount which is not paid by the due date and will be calculated at 10% per annum. Work Law also reserves the right to charge Client for Director’s time incurred on chasing the debt at $350 per hour (including Dispute Tribunal time) and any debt collection agency charges and legal costs incurred.
Work Law may ask Client to pre-pay amounts to us, or to provide security for our fees and expenses. If Client is a company Work Law asks for personal guarantees of fees. The person signing this agreement on behalf of the company agrees to act as a personal guarantor for fees.
Third Parties
Although Client may expect to be reimbursed by a third party for our fees and expenses, and although Work Law invoices may, at Client’s request or with Client’s approval, be directed to a third party, Client will remain responsible for payment to Work Law if the third party fails to pay us.
Fees and Billing Practices
Option One: Client agrees to pay for services at a hourly rate of $350 plus GST for all time spend on Client’s matter by Work Law.
Option Two: Client agrees to pay a flat fee (plus GST) for services as set forth below:
- $1,500 for taking instruction and drafting initial letter(s);
- $1,750 for attending mediation and/or negotiating settlement including any related work;
- $1,500 for filing SOP or SIR including conducting all related work required;
- $1,500 for attending further mediation by direction (if any);
- $4,500 for participating in proceedings related to interlocutory applications (if any);
- $10,000 (up to three days) for participating in Authority investigation process (attending hearings, drafting and filing witness statement and submissions;
- $25,000 for Employment Court proceedings (up to three days) or $35,000 (for over three days)
Work Law is entitled to change the rates for the Authority and Employment Court proceedings from time to time, in which case we will discuss with you and send you amended Terms.
Costs and Other Charges
Work Law will incur various costs and expenses in performing the services under this Agreement. Client agrees to pay for all costs, disbursements and expenses in addition to the fees. The costs and expenses commonly include, court filing fees, translator/interpreter fees, long distance telephone charges, delivery fees, postage and travel costs including parking, mileage, transportation, meals and hotel costs. Upon agreement, advance payments for these types of disbursements or expenses will be required to be made by you to Work Law.
Conclusion of Services
When Work Law’s services conclude, whether by completing the services covered by this Agreement, or by discharge or withdrawal, all unpaid charges for fees or costs will be due and payable immediately.
Retention of Files and Documents
Client authorises Work Law to destroy all files and documents one year after the engagement ends, or earlier if we have converted those files and documents to an electronic format. Client can uplift their file at any time prior to destruction. Work Law is entitled to hold Client’s file and documents until any fees owing to us for any reason are paid in full.
THE PARTIES HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE FOREGOING TERMS AND AGREE TO THEM AS OF THE DATE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS ASSISTANCE LIMITED FIRST PROVIDED SERVICES.
