Terms of Service

Welcome to Give Me A Lawyer. These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("you," "user," or "User") and Give Me A Lawyer ("we," "us," or "our") regarding your use of the website located at https://givemealawyer.com(the "Site") and all associated services, features, and content (collectively, the "Platform").

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing the Site, creating an account, or using any part of the Platform, you represent that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any other legal notices published by us on the Platform. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must immediately cease all use of the Platform.

2. Eligibility and Jurisdiction

The Platform is intended solely for users located within the United States. We make no representation that the Platform is appropriate or available for use in other locations.

• Age: You must be at least 18 years of age and possess the legal authority to enter into these Terms.
• Legal Standing: If you are an attorney, you must be a member in good standing of the bar in the state(s) where you practice.
• Capacity: If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of a law firm or professional corporation, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms.

3. Description of Service

Give Me A Lawyer provides an online legal directory and advertising platform.

• For Consumers:The Platform allows individuals and businesses ("Consumers") to search for, browse, and contact attorneys who have listed themselves on the Platform.
• For Attorneys:The Platform allows licensed attorneys ("Attorneys") to claim, create, and manage professional profiles to advertise their services.

CRITICAL DISCLOSURE: NOT A LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE. Give Me A Lawyer is an advertising directory. We are NOT a lawyer referral service as defined by the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct (e.g., Rule 7.2) or any state-specific equivalent.

• We do not recommend or endorse specific attorneys.
• We do not screen "leads" or evaluate the legal merits of a Consumer's matter.
• We do not receive any portion of attorney fees (fee-splitting).
• We do not receive "referral fees" for connecting Consumers with Attorneys.

All communications and potential attorney-client relationships are formed directly between the Consumer and the Attorney outside of the Platform's control.

4. No Attorney-Client Relationship or Legal Advice

The Platform and its content are for informational and advertising purposes only.

• No Legal Advice:Nothing on the Platform—including profile information, blog posts, or search results—constitutes legal advice.
• No Relationship: Your use of the Platform to search for or contact an Attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Give Me A Lawyer, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between you and any Attorney until such relationship is formally established and documented by that Attorney.
• Confidentiality: Do not send sensitive or confidential information through the initial contact forms on the Platform. Give Me A Lawyer does not guarantee the confidentiality of communications sent via the Platform.

5. Account Registration and Security

To access certain features, you must register for an account.

• Accuracy: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate.
• Security: You are responsible for safeguarding your password and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately at legal@givemealawyer.com of any unauthorized use.
• Verification: Attorneys claiming a profile must undergo our verification process, which includes confirming bar admission status. We reserve the right to request additional documentation to verify your identity and professional standing.

6. Attorney Responsibilities and Professional Conduct

Attorneys using the Platform represent and warrant that:

• Bar Standing: You are an active member in good standing of the State Bar in every jurisdiction where you represent yourself as being licensed. You must notify us immediately if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you are subject to public discipline.
• Truthful Advertising:All information in your profile is truthful and not misleading. You are solely responsible for ensuring your profile complies with the Rules of Professional Conduct in your jurisdiction, including rules regarding "Specialization," "Certifications," and "Attorney Advertising" disclosures.
• Profile Maintenance: You must regularly review your profile to ensure contact information, office locations, and practice areas are current.
• Independent Judgment: You will exercise independent professional judgment in your communications with Consumers.

7. Subscription Tiers and Pricing

We offer various subscription tiers for Attorneys. We reserve the right to modify the features and pricing of these tiers at any time, subject to Section 22.

• Free Tier: Limited profile visibility and features as described on our pricing page.
• Pro Plan ($2.99/mo): Lifetime Price Lock for the first 1,000 sign-ups (see Section 9). Includes enhanced profile features.
• Verified Plan ($29/mo): Includes verification badges and priority in standard search results.
• Featured Plan ($149/mo): Highest visibility, featured placement in search results for specific practice areas or geographies.
• Profile Boost ($25): A one-time add-on that provides a 24-hour visibility boost. This is a non-recurring, non-refundable purchase.

8. Billing, Auto-Renewal, and Cancellation

• Payment Processor:All payments are processed via Stripe. By subscribing, you agree to Stripe's terms and conditions.
• Auto-Renewal: Subscription plans are billed in advance on a recurring monthly basis. Your subscription will automatically renew each month unless you cancel it.
• Cancellation: You may cancel your subscription at any time through your account dashboard. Cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle. You will retain access to your paid features until the cycle ends.
• Taxes: All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes, which you are responsible for paying.

9. Pro Plan Lifetime Price Lock Terms

The "Pro Plan" offered at $2.99/month is subject to a "Lifetime Price Lock" for the first 1,000 qualifying sign-ups.

• Scope of Lock:The $2.99/month rate applies only to the "Pro" tier as defined at the time of your sign-up.
• Lapse and Forfeiture: If your subscription is canceled by you, or terminated by us due to a payment failure (after reasonable grace periods provided by Stripe) or a breach of these Terms, the price lock is permanently forfeited.
• Re-activation: If you wish to re-subscribe after a lapse or cancellation, you must pay the then-current market rate for the Pro Plan.
• Transferability: The price lock is non-transferable and applies only to the specific Attorney account that originally qualified.

10. Refund Policy

• Subscriptions: Except as required by law, all subscription fees are non-refundable. We do not provide pro-rated refunds for partial months of service upon cancellation.
• Profile Boosts: One-time Profile Boost fees are non-refundable once the boost period has commenced.
• Errors: If you believe you have been billed in error, you must contact legal@givemealawyer.com within 30 days of the charge.

11. User Content and License Grants

"User Content" includes profile descriptions, photos, law firm logos, and (if enabled) consumer reviews.

• Ownership: You retain ownership of the User Content you post to the Platform.
• License to Give Me A Lawyer: By posting User Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, and display that content in connection with the Platform and our business, including for marketing and redistribution of the Platform.
• License to Other Users: You grant other users a non-exclusive license to access your User Content through the Platform for their personal, non-commercial use.
• Removal Rights: We reserve the right, but not the obligation, to remove or modify User Content that we determine, in our sole discretion, violates these Terms or is otherwise harmful to the Platform.

12. Acceptable Use Policy

You agree not to:

• Post false, misleading, or deceptive information, particularly regarding legal credentials or bar admissions.
• Use the Platform to transmit "spam," chain letters, or unsolicited advertising.
• Post any content that is defamatory, obscene, harassing, or violates the privacy or intellectual property rights of others.
• Upload any "client-confidential" or "privileged" information. Consumers should only provide general descriptions of their legal needs.
• Attempt to interfere with the proper working of the Platform, including through the use of bots, scrapers, or viruses.
• Impersonate any person or entity, including our employees or other Attorneys.

13. DMCA and Intellectual Property

We respect intellectual property rights. If you believe that any content on our Site infringes upon your copyright, please follow the procedures outlined in our DMCA Policy. Our designated agent for notice of alleged copyright infringement is:

• Email: legal@givemealawyer.com
• Subject Line: DMCA Takedown Request

14. Attorney Advertising Disclosures

Users acknowledge that:

• Attorney profiles on this Site may be considered "Attorney Advertising" under the laws and ethical rules of various states.
• Prior results described in profiles do not guarantee a similar outcome.
• The selection of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements or profile listings.

15. Third-Party Services and Hosting

The Platform utilizes third-party providers for hosting (Hetzner), payment processing (Stripe), email delivery (Resend), analytics (Google), and security (Cloudflare).

• Data Location: While our primary hosting is located in Germany (Hetzner), you acknowledge that your data may be processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate.
• Third-Party Terms: Your use of the Platform is also subject to the terms and conditions of these third-party providers where applicable.

16. Disclaimers and No Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, GIVE ME A LAWYER DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY ATTORNEY PROFILE DATA.
• THAT AN ATTORNEY LISTED ON THE SITE IS SUITABLE FOR YOUR LEGAL NEEDS.
• THAT THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE.
• THAT THE SITE WILL MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR LEAD GENERATION OR CLIENT ACQUISITION.

WE DO NOT VET OR VALIDATE ATTORNEYS BEYOND BASIC BAR ADMISSION CHECKS AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION. CONSUMERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE HIRING AN ATTORNEY.

17. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL GIVE ME A LAWYER, ITS AFFILIATES, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, OR EMPLOYEES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM.

LIABILITY CAP: OUR AGGREGATE LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS RELATING TO THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FEES PAID BY YOU TO US DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRIOR TO THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE LIABILITY, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Give Me A Lawyer and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from:

• Your use of and access to the Platform.
• Your violation of any term of these Terms.
• Your violation of any third-party right, including copyright, trademark, or privacy rights.
• Any claim that your User Content caused damage to a third party.
• (For Attorneys) Any professional malpractice claim or disciplinary action related to your interactions with Consumers found through the Platform.

19. Termination

• By You: You may terminate your account at any time by following the instructions in your dashboard.
• By Us: We may terminate or suspend your access to the Platform immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including if you breach these Terms.
• Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. All provisions of the Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive (including ownership, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability).

20. Dispute Resolution: Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS.

• Initial Dispute Resolution: We are available at legal@givemealawyer.com to address any concerns you may have. Most concerns are quickly resolved in this manner. The parties shall use their best efforts to settle any dispute directly through consultation.
• Binding Arbitration: If the parties do not reach an agreed-upon solution within thirty (30) days from the time informal dispute resolution is pursued, then either party may initiate binding arbitration. All claims arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be finally settled by binding arbitration administered by JAMS (under the JAMS Streamlined Arbitration Rules) or the American Arbitration Association (AAA), at the election of the party initiating the claim.
• Individual Basis: The arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve all disputes. The arbitration shall be conducted on an individual basis only and not as a class action or other representative action.
• Jury Trial Waiver: You and Give Me A Lawyer expressly waive the right to a trial by jury.
• Opt-Out: You have the right to opt out of the provisions of this Section by sending written notice of your decision to opt out to legal@givemealawyer.com within thirty (30) days after first becoming subject to these Terms. Your notice must include your name and address, your username (if any), and an unequivocal statement that you want to opt out of this arbitration agreement.

21. Governing Law

[REVIEW: Delaware vs. Other State] These Terms and any dispute arising from them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Delaware.

22. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms from time to time.

• Notice: For material changes, we will notify you by posting a notice on the Site or by sending an email to the address associated with your account at least thirty (30) days before the changes take effect.
• Acceptance: Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to the new terms, you must stop using the Platform before the changes take effect.

23. Notices

All notices to Give Me A Lawyer must be in writing and sent via email to legal@givemealawyer.com. We will send notices to you at the email address provided in your account profile. Notice is deemed given 24 hours after the email is sent.

24. General Provisions

• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these Terms will otherwise remain in full force and effect.
• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Give Me A Lawyer regarding the Platform and supersede all prior communications.
• No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of those rights.
• Assignment: You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms at our discretion.

25. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact:

Give Me A Lawyer
Legal Department
Email: legal@givemealawyer.com
Website: https://givemealawyer.com

[REVIEW: Ensure physical address requirements for specific states (e.g., California) are met if a physical office is established.]