At the Law Offices of Yohana Saucedo we are committed to providing a personalized service for each of our clients. We have extensive experience in all aspects of immigration law, and we can help you navigate through the complex legal system. We receive our clients in our Austin and Laredo offices. The purpose of the terms and conditions is to establish the conditions of the services offered, and the responsibilities of the parties involved.

By engaging The Law Office Of Yohana Saucedo for legal services, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this document. Your continued use of our services constitutes your acceptance of these terms. If you do not agree to these terms, you must inform us immediately and refrain from engaging our services.

Legal Services Provided

• Family-based benefits
• Victims of crime and violence
• US citizenship and naturalization
• Temporary worker visa
• Green Card residence
• Work visas and other permits
• Business visa—investors
• DACA – Deferred Action
• Deportation defense

Client Responsibilities

• Clients are responsible for providing accurate and truthful information related to their case.
• Timely submission of documents, fees, and responses to requests.
• Clients must inform the firm of any changes in their circumstances that may affect their case.

Fees and Payment

• The firm’s fee structure is based in hourly rates and/or flat fees.
• Payment terms, including deadlines for payment, acceptable payment methods, and consequences of non-payment are indicated in the service provision contract since they are different depending on the type of case.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Explanation of Personal Data Usage and Protection

We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data in compliance with relevant data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable regulations.

How Your Personal Data Will Be Used: The personal data you provide to us will be used exclusively for the purpose of providing the legal services you have requested. This may include assessing your case, providing legal advice, preparing documents, and representing you in legal matters. We may also need to store your personal data for administrative purposes related to your legal case.

Data Storage and Security: Your personal data will be stored securely and only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined above. We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure.

Data Sharing: We will not share your personal data with third parties without your explicit consent, unless required by law or necessary for the provision of legal services (such as sharing data with court authorities or external legal experts).

Your Rights: Under applicable data protection laws, you have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data at any time. You may also withdraw your consent to the processing of your data, although this may impact our ability to provide legal services.

Consent for Data Collection and Use: By providing your personal information to us, you consent to the collection, use, and storage of your data for the purpose of providing legal services as described above.

Communication and Updates

The firm will communicate with the clients by email, phone and in-person meetings.

Regular Updates on Your Case Progress

We are committed to keeping you informed about the progress of your case. You can expect to receive regular updates from us at key stages, and we will make sure you are aware of any significant developments. Our team will be in touch with you as necessary to ensure you are fully updated and involved in the process. If you have any questions or need clarification on any aspect of your case, feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Responsibility to Maintain Up-to-Date Contact Information

To ensure that you receive these updates without delay, it is important that you provide and maintain accurate and up-to-date contact information with us. Please notify us immediately if any of your contact details (such as phone number, email address, or mailing address) change during the course of your case. This will help us ensure timely communication and avoid any missed updates or important notices.

No Guarantee of Outcomes

Disclaimer on Case Outcomes

While we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality legal services, we want to make it clear that the firm cannot guarantee specific outcomes, including but not limited to visa approvals, successful appeals, or any other immigration-related decisions. The outcome of your case depends on various factors, including government decisions, changing laws, regulations, and the specific circumstances of your situation.

We will work diligently to provide you with the best possible guidance and representation, but please understand that certain aspects of your case may be beyond our control, and results cannot be guaranteed.

Termination of Services

Conditions for Termination

Either party (the firm or the client) may terminate this agreement under the following conditions:

• By the Client: The client may terminate the agreement at any time by providing written notice to the firm. The client must ensure that all required documentation and information is provided to the firm up until the date of termination.
• By the Firm: The firm may terminate this agreement for any of the following reasons:
  • Non-payment of fees or failure to comply with payment terms.
  • Failure by the client to provide accurate or complete information necessary for the case.
  • Conflict of interest, ethical concerns, or any other situation that impedes the firm from continuing the representation.
  • Inability to reach the client after reasonable efforts to establish contact.

Procedures for Terminating Services

• Notice of Termination: Either party must provide written notice of termination. For the client, notice must be sent via email or postal mail to the firm’s official contact information. For the firm, notice will be sent to the client’s most recent contact details.
• Notice Period: In most cases, a minimum of 10 days’ written notice is required for termination. If the client wishes to terminate the agreement, they are encouraged to notify the firm promptly to allow for a smooth transition. The firm will make reasonable efforts to complete any pending matters within the notice period.

Outstanding Fees and Payments Due

• Client’s Financial Responsibility: If the client terminates the agreement before the services are completed, they are still responsible for all legal fees and costs incurred up to the termination date. This includes any retainer fees, hourly charges, and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Firm’s Financial Responsibility: If the firm terminates the agreement without cause, the client will be refunded any unused portion of a retainer fee or advance payment within 10 days. The firm is not responsible for any consequential damages or losses incurred due to the termination.
• Final Invoice: Upon termination of the agreement, the firm will issue a final invoice for any outstanding fees for services rendered or work performed up to the date of termination. Payment is due within 5 days of receipt of the final invoice.

Consequences of Termination

• Outstanding Obligations: All outstanding payments for services rendered up to the termination date must be paid by the client. Any unfulfilled obligations, such as the submission of documents or participation in hearings, will be the responsibility of the client to address.
• Completion of Pending Matters: The firm will make reasonable efforts to complete any outstanding tasks, such as filing documents with immigration authorities, prior to termination. However, any work that remains incomplete at the time of termination will be the client’s responsibility to address independently.
• Return of Documents: Upon termination, the firm will return any original documents provided by the client, along with any case files in the client’s possession. However, the firm retains the right to keep copies of documents for legal record-keeping purposes, as permitted by law.

Conflict of Interest

Firm’s Commitment to Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

At The Law Office of Yohana Saucedo, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and avoiding any conflicts of interest that may compromise our ability to represent you fairly and effectively. We prioritize our clients’ best interests and ensure that our services are provided with complete transparency and professionalism. We understand that conflicts of interest can arise in the course of legal representation, and we take proactive steps to prevent such situations.

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts

We will make every effort to disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest to you as soon as they arise. If a conflict of interest is identified, we will discuss it with you immediately and determine how to proceed in a manner that protects your interests.

Conflicts of interest may arise in situations such as: The firm representing clients with conflicting interests in a similar or related matter. A situation where a lawyer at the firm has a personal interest that could interfere with their professional judgment in your case.

If such a conflict is identified, we will work with you to find an appropriate resolution, which may include: Seeking your written consent to continue representing you, after fully disclosing the nature of the conflict. Referring you to another law firm or attorney if it is not possible to continue representation due to the conflict.

Steps to Address Potential Conflicts

To minimize the risk of conflicts of interest, we take the following proactive steps:

Comprehensive Conflict Checks: Before engaging with any new client or matter, we perform thorough conflict checks within our internal systems to ensure no existing conflicts with current clients or other matters handled by the firm.

Internal Procedures and Safeguards: If a potential conflict is identified, the firm may assign the matter to a different attorney or create an ethical wall (also known as a “Chinese wall”) to separate individuals working on conflicting matters.

Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout the course of representation, we continually monitor for any new conflicts of interest that may arise as circumstances evolve.

Client Consent

If a conflict is disclosed and we are unable to resolve it, we will offer you a full explanation of the situation and ask for your written consent to proceed. If you choose not to continue with the firm due to the conflict, we will cooperate with any referral or transition process necessary to protect your interests.

Limitation of Liability

Firm’s Limitation of Liability for Damages, Losses, or Costs

While The Law Office of Yohana Saucedo is committed to providing high-quality legal services, we make no guarantees regarding the outcome of any immigration matter. The client agrees that the firm’s liability for any damages, losses, or costs arising out of the provision of legal services will be limited to the amount of fees paid to the firm for the specific services directly related to the matter that gave rise to the liability.

The firm is not liable for:

• Any delays or errors caused by third-party service providers (such as government agencies, translation services, or medical examination centers).
• Indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from the firm’s legal services.
• Losses or damages caused by the client’s failure to provide complete or accurate information or documentation in a timely manner.
• Any actions or inactions of the client after the termination of the attorney-client relationship.

Limitation Related to Third-Party Services

While we may recommend or coordinate with third-party service providers such as translators, medical professionals, or immigration consultants, the firm is not responsible for the quality, timeliness, or accuracy of their services. Any third-party services used in relation to your case, including but not limited to:

• Translation services (e.g., document translations for visa applications)
• Medical exams (e.g., required for medical clearances or health-related visa requirements)
• Document notarization or certification

Are outside the scope of the firm’s responsibility. We do not provide these services directly, and we do not guarantee that these third parties will perform their services to the standards expected.

In the event that any issues arise related to third-party services, the client agrees to handle any claims or disputes with the relevant provider directly, and the firm will not be liable for any losses, delays, or damages caused by such third-party services.

No Guarantee of Outcome

The client acknowledges and agrees that while we will use our best efforts to assist with their immigration case, no attorney can guarantee a specific result or outcome. All services provided by the firm are subject to the decisions of immigration authorities or other relevant government bodies, and the firm cannot be held liable for any adverse decisions made by these entities.

Dispute Resolution

Procedure for Resolving Disputes

In the event of any disagreement, dispute, or claim arising between [Firm Name] and the client in connection with legal services, both parties agree to resolve the matter in the following manner:

• Initial Discussion: The client agrees to first attempt to resolve any concerns or disputes by discussing them directly with their assigned attorney or the firm’s management. The firm is committed to addressing any issues or misunderstandings in a timely and professional manner.
• Mediation: If the issue cannot be resolved through direct communication, both the client and the firm agree to engage in mediation before resorting to formal litigation. Mediation will be conducted by an impartial third-party mediator, and both parties will share the costs equally, unless otherwise agreed. The mediation process must be completed within [X] days from the date the dispute is formally raised.
• Arbitration: If mediation does not resolve the dispute, both parties agree to submit the matter to binding arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the [choose appropriate arbitration association, such as the American Arbitration Association (AAA)] and the decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding on both parties. Arbitration will take place in [location], and each party will bear its own costs of arbitration, except as otherwise determined by the arbitrator.
• Litigation: In the event that the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation or arbitration, either party may seek to resolve the matter through litigation. Any legal action will be filed in the courts of [specific jurisdiction or location], and both parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in this location.

Client’s Right to File Complaints or Seek Legal Recourse

The client has the right to file complaints or seek legal recourse in certain circumstances:

• Complaints to Regulatory Authorities: If the client believes that the firm has acted unethically or violated any rules of professional conduct, the client has the right to file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory body or bar association in the jurisdiction where the firm operates. The client can find information on how to file complaints with the [relevant bar association or regulatory authority].
• Right to Legal Action: In situations where the firm’s failure to provide competent or professional legal services results in harm or damage to the client, the client may seek legal recourse through the court system, subject to any applicable statutes of limitations.
• Right to Terminate: As outlined in the Termination section, the client has the right to terminate the agreement with the firm at any time by providing written notice. If there are disputes regarding fees or services, the client may also seek resolution through the dispute resolution procedures outlined above.

No Waiver of Rights

This dispute resolution process does not waive the client’s right to seek other remedies as permitted by law, including filing a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority or seeking legal action outside of the dispute resolution mechanisms described above.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

In the event of any legal dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the services provided, both parties agree that the exclusive jurisdiction and venue for resolving such disputes shall be in the courts located in Austin and Laredo, Texas. Both parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of the courts located in Austin and Laredo, Texas and waive any objections to such venue or jurisdiction.

Amendments and Modifications

The Law Office of Yohana Saucedo reserves the right to update, modify, or change these Terms and Conditions at any time, in whole or in part, at its sole discretion. Any changes or modifications will be effective immediately upon posting the updated terms on our website or notifying clients via email or other communication methods.

Clients are encouraged to review these Terms and Conditions periodically to stay informed about any updates or modifications. Continued use of the firm’s services after any such changes will be deemed acceptance of those changes. If any substantial modifications are made, we will make reasonable efforts to notify affected clients directly.

Contact Information

Austin Office
4100 Duval Rd Austin, TX 78759
(512) 476-9950

Laredo Office
201 W Hillside Rd. Suite 18, Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 723-6121

Email: [email protected]