This Limited-Scope Engagement Agreement (the “Agreement”) is between you (the “Client”) and The Law Office of Patrick T. Donovan (the “Firm”). It applies when you select a paid tier (Solo, Guided, or Emergency), accept this Agreement, and submit payment. Using the website or the free AI intake does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship; that relationship is formed only under this Agreement.
1. Limited scope of representation
You are engaging the Firm for limited-scope legal services under Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.2(c): preparation of an attorney-reviewed hearing-preparation packet for a Massachusetts G.L. c. 258E harassment-prevention-order matter, and, for the Guided and Emergency tiers, a consultation with the reviewing attorney. The Firm does not agree to file an appearance, represent you at your hearing, or handle any related criminal, custody, appeal, or other matter unless you and the Firm sign a separate written agreement for that work.
2. What each tier includes
Solo ($149): AI-assisted intake, an incident-by-incident response to the plaintiff’s affidavit, an evidence checklist and timeline, a preparation memo, and attorney review with flagged issues. Guided ($299): everything in Solo, plus an up-to-30-minute consultation with the reviewing attorney and additional motion and appeal-preparation tools. Emergency ($499): everything in Guided, plus a 30-minute consultation and delivery within 24 hours of the Firm’s acceptance, subject to attorney availability.
3. No guarantee of outcome
The Firm will provide services with reasonable skill and care. No particular result is promised or guaranteed. Court outcomes depend on facts, evidence, and the judge.
4. Fees, trust account, and refunds
Fees are flat fees by tier, as stated above and at checkout. Your payment is deposited into the Firm’s IOLTA client trust account under Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.15 and is not earned until the Firm accepts your matter after a conflict check and begins work. If the Firm cannot accept your matter for any reason, you receive a full refund from the trust account. Once your packet has been delivered, the flat fee is earned.
5. Conflict check
Your engagement is contingent on a conflict-of-interest check. If a conflict prevents the Firm from assisting you, the Firm will decline the matter and refund any payment in full.
6. Your responsibilities
You agree to provide accurate and complete information, to respond promptly so the Firm can meet your hearing date, and to obey any order currently in effect — including having no contact with the opposing party — until a court changes it. You are responsible for appearing at your own hearing and for any filing deadlines.
7. Confidentiality
Communications and information you share with the Firm after this Agreement is formed are protected by the attorney-client privilege and the Firm’s duty of confidentiality under Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.6. Information shared through the website or free intake before this Agreement is formed is handled as described in our Privacy Policy.
8. Termination
You may end this engagement at any time. The Firm may withdraw consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Fees for work already completed are handled as described in Section 4.
9. Governing law and entire agreement
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, together with our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, is the entire agreement between you and the Firm for this limited-scope matter. By checking the acceptance box and submitting payment, you agree to this Agreement electronically.
Contact
The Law Office of Patrick T. Donovan, 234 Copeland Street, Suite 230, Quincy, MA 02169. Phone: (617) 479-1800.