Booking Terms of Use
Introduction
These Booking Terms of Use (“Booking Terms”) apply to customers (“you” or “User”) who use ILA-Connect Limited’s services to schedule and manage Independent Legal Advice (ILA) appointments with external solicitors. By proceeding with an ILA booking through our platform (whether via the website’s booking form or through our client portal), you agree to be bound by these Booking Terms, as well as our general Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy (which are incorporated herein by reference). If you do not agree with any of these terms, you should not make a booking with us.
For clarity, “we”, “us”, or “ILA-Connect” refers to ILA-Connect Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 11500074, and registered office at 130 Aztec West, Park Avenue, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UB. ILA-Connect is not a law firm, but a facilitator that connects clients with independent solicitors for the purpose of obtaining required legal advice. The actual legal advice is provided by third-party solicitors, not by ILA-Connect.
These Booking Terms outline the process of scheduling an appointment, the respective responsibilities of ILA-Connect, the solicitors, and you as the client, as well as important terms regarding cancellation, liability, data protection, and the use of our client onboarding systems.
1. The Booking Process
1.1 Scheduling an Appointment
You can request an appointment through our online booking tool on the website. You’ll be asked to select the type of advice required, an available time slot, and provide contact details. Alternatively, you may contact us by phone or email, and we can book an appointment on your behalf.
1.2 Client Portal Access
Once a booking is made, a secure online client portal will be created for you. You will receive an invitation to access it. The portal is used to upload documents and complete pre-appointment tasks. This may include:
- A short questionnaire about your matter;
- Uploading valid photo ID and proof of address;
- Uploading any relevant documents (e.g. guarantee, agreement, or legal paperwork).
1.3 Portal Deadline
You must complete the required portal tasks no later than 2 hours before your scheduled appointment, though ideally earlier. For same-day bookings, completion should be immediate.
1.4 Solicitor Assignment
In most cases, you choose your solicitor at the time of booking (e.g. Brewer Wallace Solicitors, Kevin Ross Ogle, or others). If a change is required (e.g. due to conflict of interest or scheduling), we may offer an alternative, but no change will be made without your express consent.
1.5 Appointment Confirmation
Once documentation is uploaded and solicitor availability is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with:
- Appointment details (date, time, format);
- Assigned solicitor contact information;
- Any necessary instructions for the meeting.
2. Our Role – Important Legal Clarifications
2.1 ILA-Connect Does Not Provide Legal Advice
ILA-Connect is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. The independent legal advice you receive is provided entirely by a solicitor regulated by the SRA or equivalent body.
2.2 No Solicitor-Client Relationship with ILA-Connect
Booking with us does not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and ILA-Connect. That relationship exists solely between you and the appointed solicitor.
2.3 Independent Solicitors
Solicitors we introduce are independent contractors, not employees or agents of ILA-Connect. We are not a legal partnership or law firm.
2.4 Engagement Terms
While the solicitor’s engagement letter may be shared through the portal, it is entirely the solicitor’s responsibility to ensure that they have appropriately engaged you. If a solicitor proceeds without a signed engagement, that is their sole responsibility. ILA-Connect bears no liability for that.
2.5 Refusal of Bookings
Both ILA-Connect and the solicitor reserve the absolute right to refuse or cancel any booking at our full discretion, including where the complexity or nature of the advice sought may fall outside standard ILA appointments. This may occur even after a booking is initially confirmed, and without obligation to provide a reason.
3. Your Responsibilities as a Client
You agree to:
- Provide accurate and truthful information;
- Upload requested ID and documents in time;
- Be punctual and prepared for your appointment;
- Treat the solicitor and staff with courtesy;
- Follow any instructions from the solicitor to complete your matter.
If you miss your appointment or fail to upload the required information, the solicitor may cancel or reschedule your slot at their discretion.
4. Fees and Payment
4.1 ILA-Connect Does Not Handle Payments
ILA-Connect does not process or collect payment for legal services. All fees are payable directly to the solicitor. We are not involved in invoicing, billing, or payment disputes.
4.2 No Payment on Website
You will not be asked to enter payment information into the booking form or client portal. If a solicitor requires prepayment, they will arrange this independently.
4.3 No Confirmation Until Payment
The solicitor retains the right to withhold any signed certificate or confirmation of advice until full payment has been received.
5. Cancellations and Rescheduling
5.1 Flexible Cancellations
You may cancel or reschedule your appointment at any time prior to the start of the meeting, with no cancellation fee.
5.2 Short-Notice Rescheduling
We aim to accommodate short-notice changes but cannot guarantee the same solicitor or a new appointment slot immediately.
5.3 Solicitor Cancellations
If a solicitor must cancel, we will assist in assigning another solicitor or rescheduling as needed. If no suitable alternative is available, you may cancel without penalty.
6. Limitation of Liability
6.1 Scope of Responsibility
ILA-Connect facilitates the booking and administrative process only. We are not responsible for:
- The legal advice or conduct of the solicitor;
- Any loss caused by your reliance on such advice;
- Delays, errors, or unavailability of technology (e.g. client portal, email systems).
6.2 Maximum Liability
If ILA-Connect is found liable for any issue related to its services, our total liability will be capped at the amount of the administrative fee (if any) you paid to us, or £100 if no fee was charged.
6.3 No Indirect Loss
We are not liable for any indirect, special, or consequential loss, including financial loss arising from delays, technical issues, or solicitor performance.
6.4 No Responsibility for Advice Outcome
You accept that ILA-Connect is not responsible for the content, quality, or effect of the solicitor’s advice. All liability for the legal service rests with the advising solicitor.
7. Data Protection
Your data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We will share your information with the solicitor for the purpose of delivering the ILA. We use secure third-party platforms (e.g. for booking and onboarding) bound by confidentiality agreements. We do not share your information with lenders or third parties outside of what is required to deliver your appointment or as instructed by you.
8. Governing Law
These Booking Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
9. Contact Information
If you have questions about these Terms, please contact:
ILA-Connect Limited
130 Aztec West, Park Avenue
Almondsbury, Bristol
BS32 4UB
Email: contact@ila-connect.co.uk
Phone: 0333 300 1879