Refund Policy

1. Scope

This policy explains how fees paid in advance are handled if an engagement ends early or the agreed scope changes. It applies alongside your engagement letter. Where this policy and a signed engagement letter differ, the engagement letter controls.

2. How we charge

Most engagements are quoted and confirmed in writing before work begins, either as a flat fee for a defined scope or as a monthly fractional general counsel retainer. For matters where hourly billing is a better fit (such as open-ended or unpredictable work), we bill hourly against rates and terms confirmed in the engagement letter, with time recorded and available on request.

Which model applies is agreed with you upfront. For flat-fee and retainer work, a refund question is normally a question of how much of an agreed scope was completed. For hourly work, it is normally a question of how much time was actually billed against fees paid in advance.

3. Unearned fees

Fees paid in advance are held and applied as work is performed. If an engagement ends before the agreed scope is complete (whether you terminate it, we withdraw, or we agree to stop), any portion of the fee that has not yet been earned is refundable.

For flat-fee and retainer work, we calculate the earned portion by reference to the milestones set out in the engagement letter, and refund the balance. For hourly work, any advance payment not yet applied against billed time is refunded in full.

4. Monthly retainers

Retainers cover availability and standing support for a calendar month and are billed in advance. A retainer can be cancelled with 30 days' written notice, unless your engagement letter states a different period. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the notice period; the month in progress is not pro-rated unless the engagement letter says otherwise.

5. What is not refundable

• Work already completed and delivered in line with the agreed scope, or time already billed and recorded on hourly matters.
• Third-party costs already incurred on your behalf (filing fees, registry charges, search fees, and similar disbursements), whether or not the wider matter completes.
• Fees attributable to a scope increase you approved in writing.

Introductory calls are free of charge and no fee arises from them.

6. Requesting a refund

Send a written request to hello@azurelegal.xyz, identifying the matter and the reason. We will acknowledge within five business days and aim to confirm our position, including any calculation of earned and unearned fees, within fifteen business days. Approved refunds are returned by the original payment method where practicable.

7. Billing disputes

If you disagree with an invoice or a refund calculation, raise it with us in writing and we will review it directly with you. Nothing in this policy limits any right you may have to fee arbitration, fee dispute resolution, or another remedy available under the New York Rules of Professional Conduct.

8. Changes

We may update this policy from time to time. The version in force for your matter is the version in effect on the date your engagement letter was signed.