1. APPLICATION OF THE GENERAL TERMS OF SERVICE
These general terms of service shall apply between the Asianajotoimisto Sotka Legal (hereinafter “Sotka Legal”) and the client, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2. SERVICE PROVIDER
Attorneys-at-Law Sotka Legal
Erottajankatu 15-17 A, 4th Floor
00130 Helsinki
Tel +358 40 544 0610
Sotka Legal (Business ID 1885403-9, VAT ID FI18854039) is registered with the Finnish Trade Register and the Finnish Bar Association.
The competent supervisory authority is the Finnish Bar Association, P.O. Box 194 (Mikonkatu 25), FI-00101 Helsinki, tel. +358 9 686 6120, info@asianajajat.fi.
3. PERFORMANCE OF THE ENGAGEMENT
The attorney-client relationship is established between the client and Sotka Legal. A responsible lawyer is appointed for the matter, and other personnel of Sotka Legal may assist in the assignment unless otherwise agreed.
If necessary, Sotka Legal may engage external experts (e.g., technical reports, assessments, cost calculations) and other third parties. The use of such parties requires prior consent from the client. Any contractual relationship arises directly between the client and the external party, and Sotka Legal shall not be liable for any related costs.
4. LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE
At the client’s request, Sotka Legal may submit an application for legal expenses coverage under the client’s insurance policy. The client must provide Sotka Legal with the information required by the insurer.
The contractual relationship in such cases remains between the client and the insurance company. Sotka Legal is not bound by the insurer’s payment terms or compensation criteria.
If the insurance decision includes limitations, the client must inform Sotka Legal of any actions not covered.
Sotka Legal may address its invoice directly to the client regardless of insurance.
5. FEES
Unless otherwise agreed, the fee is based on the time and expertise required to complete the assignment, and on the nature of the matter. The client is responsible for payment according to Sotka Legal’s current price list and itemized statement. The valid price list is available upon request. Sotka Legal reserves the right to change pricing.
Direct costs such as travel, court fees, official charges and significant copying costs are charged separately.
The client is obliged to pay Sotka Legal’s invoice regardless of whether the opposing party is ordered to reimburse legal costs. The client’s payment obligation is not affected by:
- the outcome of the matter;
- legal expenses insurance agreements or decisions (e.g., coverage limits, hourly caps, deductibles); or
- any agreement made with a third party.
Termination of the engagement does not release the client from paying for work performed prior to the termination notice being received or prior to receiving notice of a new attorney.
6. BILLING
Sotka Legal invoices monthly for the work performed and costs incurred, regardless of any legal expenses decision.
If legal expenses coverage is granted, Sotka Legal will, upon request, report the client’s payments to the insurer at the end of the assignment or during staged billing.
If multiple clients are involved, they are jointly and severally liable unless otherwise agreed.
The client must pay invoices by the due date. Interest on late payments will accrue in accordance with the Finnish Interest Act.
7. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE CLIENT
The client must provide all information relevant to the engagement.
If the client becomes aware of new facts, they must inform Sotka Legal without delay.
Sotka Legal is not liable for any damages resulting from the client withholding or misrepresenting material information.
8. PERFORMANCE AND OUTCOME OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Sotka Legal will handle the assignment with due care, diligence, and promptness in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Finnish Bar Association: https://asianajajat.fi.
Sotka Legal is not obliged to follow the client’s instructions if they conflict with the client’s legal interest. Sotka Legal chooses the procedures and means to handle the assignment.
Sotka Legal is not responsible for the outcome of any proceedings or for the fulfillment of contractual terms. Nor is Sotka Legal responsible for any tax consequences deviating from expectations.
9. TERMINATION OF THE ENGAGEMENT
The client may terminate the engagement at any time without notice. Upon request, termination must be confirmed in writing.
Sotka Legal shall have the right to withdraw from the engagement if the client acts dishonestly, if the client’s conduct results in a loss of trust between the client and the service provider, or if there is any other specific reason for withdrawal. Such specific reasons shall include, in particular, situations where the client, after receiving a warning from the service provider:
- is materially of a different opinion from the service provider regarding how the assignment should be handled;
- acts materially contrary to the service provider’s advice and/or gives instructions or advice that are contrary to their own best interests and, despite a warning, fails to withdraw such instructions;
- the client neglects their cooperation obligations;
- behaves inappropriately or places an unreasonable burden on the service provider; or
- fails to pay advance fees or invoices despite reminders.
- acts materially contrary to the service provider’s advice and/or gives instructions or advice that are contrary to their own best interests and, despite a warning, fails to withdraw such instructions;
Sotka Legal shall be obliged to withdraw from the engagement if, after accepting it, a circumstance arises which renders the service provider conflicted or otherwise disqualified. The service provider shall also be obliged to withdraw if
- a legal impediment or other comparable compelling reason prevents the proper performance of the assignment; or
- if the client requires the service provider to act contrary to law or to the Code of Conduct of the Finnish Bar Association and, despite being warned, does not withdraw such requirement.
In such cases, Sotka Legal shall act to safeguard the client’s interests and allow reasonable time to retain new counsel.
Original documents will be returned as agreed. Client documents will be retained for a reasonable period after the assignment unless legislation requires longer retention.
10. CLIENT ASSETS
Sotka Legal shall keep all client funds, securities, and property received in the course of the engagement separate from its own assets.
Sotka Legal shall keep all client funds, securities, and property received in the course of the engagement separate from its own assets.
11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY
Sotka Legal is not liable for the use of advice or documents outside their intended scope.
Services are provided solely to the client, with no duty to third parties.
Sotka Legal is not responsible for work performed by third-party advisers.
Sotka Legal’s liability is limited to €200,000. It is not liable for indirect damages. Compensation requires proof of negligence. In cases of intentional or grossly negligent conduct, full damages may be required.
Sotka Legal holds professional indemnity insurance in accordance with the rules of the Finnish Bar Association.
Insurer: LähiTapiola Mutual Insurance Company, Helsinki Metropolitan Area (Business ID 2647339-1)
12. CONFIDENTIALITY
Sotka Legal is bound by a duty of confidentiality without time limit. The client may release Sotka Legal from this obligation.
Disclosure is permitted to the extent required by law, necessary to defend against legal claims, or to collect unpaid fees.
Disclosure for handling the assignment to relevant parties, authorities, or counterparties is not considered a breach of confidentiality.
13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All intellectual property rights to documents or materials prepared for the client remain with Sotka Legal. The client has a right to use such materials for their intended purpose.
14. DATA PROTECTION
Sotka Legal processes personal data as a controller in accordance with applicable data protection laws. For more information, see our privacy policy at www.sotkalegal.fi
15. CLIENT IDENTIFICATION
Under anti-money laundering legislation, Sotka Legal is obliged to identify clients, their representatives, and beneficial owners.
Collected information may be used for identification, monitoring, and compliance with AML obligations.
16. DISPUTES AND JURISDICTION
Finnish law applies, excluding its conflict of laws principles. Disputes shall be resolved by arbitration under the rules of the Arbitration Institute of the Finland Chamber of Commerce. One arbitrator, seat in Helsinki, Finland.
Notwithstanding the above, Sotka Legal may bring claims regarding fees, costs, or expenses before the Helsinki District Court or the court of the client’s domicile.
Consumer clients may submit disputes to the Finnish Consumer Disputes Board.
The client may refer disputes about fees or attorney conduct to the Finnish Bar Association’s Supervisory Board.