Legal Policy

Disclaimer of Legal Advice

No Law Firm & No Legal Advice: Our website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All information on this site (including immediate guidance or suggestions like documents to gather) is for general informational purposes only. Using this site or communicating through it does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and us. If you need legal advice tailored to your situation, you should consult a licensed attorney. Any actions you take based on information on this site are at your own risk.

No Attorney-Client Relationship: Submitting information to the site or interacting with our case intake chat does not mean we are your attorneys. We do not offer legal representation, and no communication with us is protected by attorney-client privilege. Any attorney-client relationship will only form between you and a licensed attorney you choose to hire, not with this website or its owners. We facilitate connections to independent attorneys, but we do not endorse or guarantee their advice or services.

Case Intake Process

How We Collect Information: We provide a case intake platform (including a chat interface) for consumers seeking legal assistance. You will be asked to provide details about your case or legal matter (e.g. facts of the issue, location, your contact information) via our online chat or form. By submitting your information, you consent to our collection and use of these details as described in this policy.

Immediate Non-Legal Guidance: After you submit case details, our system may offer immediate guidance such as suggesting documents to gather or general next steps to prepare for speaking with an attorney. This guidance is automated and non-legal in nature – it is meant to help you organize information and understand the process, not to give legal advice or opinions on your case. Always defer to a licensed attorney for actual legal advice on your situation.

Processing Your Information: Once you provide your case details, we will process that information solely to facilitate a match with an attorney. Our team or system reviews the information to determine what type of legal issue you have and your location, then searches our vetted attorney network for lawyers who might be a good fit. We do not edit or alter the substance of your information, other than to format it for attorney review. We also do not make any legal judgments about your case – we simply use the facts you give to identify potential attorneys.

Consent to Share with Attorneys: By using our intake process, you agree that we may share the information you provide with one or more attorneys in our network for the purpose of matching you. We will only share your details with attorneys who are considering assisting you, and they are obligated to keep your information confidential. If you prefer not to share certain sensitive details at this stage, do not include them in your initial submission (you can discuss specifics directly with an attorney later).

Attorney Matching Process

Vetted Attorney Network: We maintain a network of independent, licensed attorneys across all 50 U.S. states. Each attorney in our network has been vetted before joining. Vetting means we have confirmed the attorney's identity, valid state license to practice law, and generally that they are in good standing with their state bar (e.g. no serious public disciplinary actions). Our vetting may also include reviewing experience or client ratings. However, we do not guarantee the quality of any attorney's services – you should evaluate any attorney's qualifications yourself before engaging them.

Matching You with an Attorney: After reviewing your case intake, our platform will attempt to match you with one or more attorneys who handle the type of legal matter you described and are licensed in your jurisdiction. Matching is typically based on practice area, location, and attorney availability. If a matching attorney is interested in your case, we will provide that attorney with your contact information (and/or provide you with the attorney's information) so that you can connect. Please note: While we strive to find a suitable attorney, we do not guarantee that a match will be found or that any attorney will accept your case.

No Guarantee of Representation or Outcome: Being matched with an attorney does not guarantee that the attorney will agree to represent you. Any attorney who contacts you through our service will make an independent decision about whether to offer you representation, typically after speaking with you directly. Likewise, a match through our site does not guarantee any outcome in your legal matter – the outcome will depend on the facts of your case and the legal process. Our service is simply a starting point to help you find an attorney; it is not a promise of a particular result.

Independence of Attorneys: Attorneys in our network are independent professionals and are not employees or agents of our website. We do not supervise or control the legal services they provide. Any attorney-client relationship that forms is between you and the attorney only, governed by the agreement you sign with that attorney. We are not a party to that agreement and have no control over how the attorney handles your case. We do not share in any legal fees between you and the attorney (attorneys pay only a flat subscription to us, described below, not a portion of your fees). The attorney is solely responsible for providing competent legal services and treating your information with the confidentiality required by law.

No Endorsement or Warranty: While we vet attorneys for basic qualifications, we do not endorse, recommend, or warrant any specific attorney's expertise or ability. We make no representation or warranty that any attorney you interact with through our platform will be successful in handling your matter or that they are the "best fit" – only that they meet our vetting criteria at the time of matching. You are encouraged to ask questions and independently assess any attorney's qualifications, and even speak with multiple attorneys if you wish, before deciding whom to hire.

Data Privacy and Security

Information We Collect: Through the case intake process, we collect personal information and details about your legal matter that you choose to provide (such as your name, contact information, facts of your case, and any documents or chat messages you submit). We only collect information that you voluntarily provide to us. We do not collect information from third parties about you without your knowledge.

How We Use Your Data: We use your data solely to provide and improve our matching service. This includes reviewing your case details to match you with attorneys and allowing those attorneys to review the information in order to decide whether to offer you a consultation or representation. We do not use your personal information for marketing other services, nor do we sell or rent your information to any third-party marketers. We may use aggregated or anonymized data (that does not identify you personally) to improve our services or for internal analysis, but we will not disclose your identifiable case details outside of the attorney-matching process.

Sharing with Attorneys: In order to connect you with legal help, we will share the relevant details of your case with attorneys in our network who are potential matches. We limit access so that only attorneys who are considering your case will see your information. These attorneys are required to handle your data as confidential and use it only for the purpose of evaluating and possibly contacting you about your legal needs. Aside from matched attorneys, our own staff, and service providers (e.g., secure hosting), we do not disclose your personal case information to anyone else unless required by law (for example, if compelled by a court order or to prevent fraud or illegal activity).

Data Security Measures: We take reasonable and industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information. This includes using encryption to protect data transmission (SSL/TLS for data you enter on our site) and encrypting sensitive data at rest on our servers. Our databases are secured with access controls so that only authorized personnel can access your information, and only for authorized purposes. We also implement firewalls and monitoring to guard against unauthorized access. While no method is 100% secure, we continuously update our security practices to mitigate risks and protect your data.

Storage and Retention: Your case information is stored securely in our system. We retain your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the matching service and any subsequently related services (for example, if you are matched, we may keep a record of that match). If you decide not to proceed with any attorney through our service, you may request that we delete your case details from our active database. However, note that due to backups and legal record-keeping requirements, some data may persist in secure archives for a period of time as allowed by law, after which it will be permanently deleted. We will not keep your personal data indefinitely unless there is a continuing need (such as an ongoing attorney engagement facilitated by us or a legal obligation).

User Responsibilities for Privacy: Please also take steps to protect your own privacy. Do not submit highly sensitive personal information unless it is necessary for understanding your case. When you do communicate with a matched attorney, verify you are doing so through secure and official channels. We will never ask for things like your social security number or financial account passwords through the intake chat – be cautious if anyone posing as the site or an attorney requests extremely sensitive data in an insecure manner.

Limitations of Liability

Use at Your Own Risk: Your use of this website and our services is at your own risk. We strive to provide a reliable platform, but we make no guarantees or warranties (express or implied) about the accuracy, reliability, or availability of the site or the information provided. The service is provided "as is" and "as available" without any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not guarantee that the site will be error-free, secure, or uninterrupted, or that it will meet your expectations.

No Liability for Platform Issues: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ami (and its owners, employees, and agents) will not be liable for any damages or losses arising from your use of the site or services. This includes, without limitation:

  • Technical Issues: We are not liable for any failure of the site, such as inability to access the intake chat, lost messages, data breaches despite our security measures, or viruses.
  • Information Accuracy: We are not responsible if the information (including any guidance or content on the site) is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated. While we try to keep information current, laws change and we do not guarantee all content reflects the latest legal developments.
  • Third-Party Links or Resources: If our site provides links to third-party resources or articles, those are for convenience; we are not responsible for the content or accuracy of third-party sites.

No Liability for Attorney Conduct: Ami is not responsible for the actions or omissions of any attorney or law firm that you may be matched with through our service. Since attorneys are independent and not our employees, we cannot be held liable for their conduct or advice.

No Guarantee of Results: By using our service, you agree that you will not hold Ami liable for not achieving your desired outcome or for any consequences arising from following general guidance provided on our site. For example, if you gather documents we suggested but an attorney or court finds they are insufficient, Ami is not liable for that result.

Limitation of Damages: In the unlikely event that a court holds Ami liable to you for any reason, you agree that our liability will be limited to the amount you paid (if any) for using our service, or $100, whichever is less. (Most consumers use our intake and matching service for free; we do not charge users.) We will not be responsible for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (such as lost opportunities, emotional distress, or attorney fees you incur) arising out of or in connection with your use of the site or any services or arrangements made through the site.

Indemnification: If a third party (such as another user) brings a claim against Ami related to your use of the site, your violation of these terms, or your violation of any rights of another user, you will indemnify and hold Ami harmless from any such claim. This means you will defend us and pay any damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that result from the claim. We will notify you of any such claim and cooperate in defense, and you may be required to assist in the defense as reasonably requested.

Attorney Subscription Terms

Eligibility and Vetting: Attorneys must meet our eligibility criteria to join the platform. By subscribing, an attorney represents and warrants that they are a licensed attorney in good standing in each state where they practice. We will verify the attorney's bar membership and standing as part of our vetting. We may also check for any public disciplinary history and require proof of malpractice insurance or other qualifications as we see fit. If an attorney fails to meet our standards or at any time ceases to be in good standing, we reserve the right to deny or revoke their access to the platform.

Independent Contractor Status: Attorneys who subscribe to our service are independent contractors and not employees, partners, or agents of Ami. Subscription to our service does not create any partnership or joint venture between the attorney and the website. Attorneys are solely responsible for complying with all laws and ethical rules governing their legal practice and use of our service (including advertising and solicitation rules in their jurisdiction). Using our platform does not exempt attorneys from any bar requirements; for example, attorneys must still ensure any communications or consultations with users comply with rules on confidentiality and conflicts of interest.

Subscription Fee and Access: Attorneys pay a monthly subscription fee to gain access to our platform and receive case leads/matches. The fee is a flat rate and is not contingent on the number of clients obtained or any legal fees the attorney earns, in compliance with professional ethics rules (we do not take a percentage of legal fees). Subscription fees are billed in advance on a monthly (or other agreed periodic) basis. Failure to pay the subscription fee when due may result in suspension or termination of the attorney's access to the platform. We reserve the right to adjust subscription fees or introduce new charges, but will provide reasonable prior notice to subscribing attorneys of any fee changes so they can cancel if they choose before the new fees take effect.

No Guarantee of Clients or Results (For Attorneys): We do not guarantee any minimum number of leads, contacts, or clients to subscribing attorneys. Paying the subscription fee grants access to the platform and potential client inquiries, but the attorney is responsible for following up and converting leads into clients. Attorneys understand that not every match will result in a consultation or retention, and users may choose not to hire any attorney or may speak with multiple attorneys. Ami also makes no guarantee regarding the legal outcomes of matters from leads obtained through the service; the outcome depends on the merits of each case and the attorney's work, which are outside our control.

Attorney Responsibilities and Conduct: By using our platform, attorneys agree to the following responsibilities:

  • Accurate Profile: Maintain an accurate and up-to-date profile on our platform, including contact information, practice areas, state licenses, and any other credentials or information we require. Do not misrepresent your qualifications or experience. If any information changes (e.g., you gain or lose a license, or face disciplinary action), you must update your profile and inform us immediately.
  • Prompt Contact: Make a good faith effort to respond promptly to users who are matched with you. If you receive a lead that you cannot or choose not to pursue, you should indicate that promptly so the user is not left waiting for a response. Professional courtesy is expected in all communications with users.
  • Confidentiality: Treat all information received about a user's case as confidential, just as you would with any prospective client. Even if you decide not to represent a particular user, you may not disclose their information to others or use it for any purpose outside of evaluating the case and contacting the user. Our platform's Privacy terms require that you handle user data securely.
  • No Unlawful Solicitation or Spam: Use the platform and leads only for lawful purposes. Do not engage in solicitation that violates state bar rules or send unsolicited communications beyond the platform's intended use. You may contact users who have been matched with you via the provided contact information, but you must not harass them or continue to contact if they indicate they are not interested. Any advertising or communication with a prospective client through our service must comply with your jurisdiction's ethical rules (e.g., include necessary disclaimers if required by law).
  • Compliance with Ethics Rules: Abide by all professional responsibility rules applicable to you. This includes, but is not limited to, rules on client confidentiality, conflict of interest checks (you are responsible for conducting conflict checks before agreeing to represent a user), competence, and honesty in communications. If you find that taking a lead from our platform would create a conflict of interest, you must decline that lead. It is solely the attorney's duty to ensure that using our service and contacting leads is in line with their ethical obligations.
  • No Fee Splitting: You agree that the subscription fee is a marketing or access fee for use of our platform and not a referral fee for any particular client. We do not participate in or facilitate fee-splitting. Any fee agreement you reach with a client from our service is strictly between you and the client. You may not charge the client any additional amount to recoup your subscription fee in a way that violates fee rules, and you should charge clients in accordance with your normal rates or agreements.

Termination of Attorney Access: We reserve the right to terminate or suspend an attorney's subscription at our discretion. Grounds for termination may include violation of this Legal Policy or any platform rules, unethical behavior, loss of license or good standing, excessive user complaints, or misuse of user data. In such cases, we may terminate access immediately to protect users and the integrity of our service. Attorneys may cancel their subscription at any time (effective at the end of the current billing period) through their account settings or by contacting us; however, no pro-rated refunds will be provided for mid-period cancellation except at our discretion or if required by law. Upon termination or cancellation, the attorney will no longer receive new case leads, and must cease use of any confidential user information obtained through the platform (aside from information regarding any client the attorney actually entered into an attorney-client relationship with).

No Agency or Endorsement: Listing an attorney in our network or suggesting them as a match does not mean we endorse or certify that attorney beyond the vetting described. Attorneys must not state or imply that they are in partnership with Ami or that the platform has referred or recommended them specifically. The platform is a neutral conduit to connect users and attorneys; it does not create an attorney-client relationship or a lawyer referral in the formal sense, and Ami is not responsible for the legal services provided. Attorneys are solely responsible for their interactions and agreements with users. If an attorney is sued or faces a claim due to their representation of a client from our service, the attorney must not join Ami into that dispute. In agreeing to these terms, attorneys further agree to indemnify Ami for any claims or liabilities that arise out of their professional services to clients sourced through our platform.

Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

Operability Across States: Ami operates in all 50 U.S. states. We strive to ensure our platform and practices comply with relevant laws and regulations in each state. However, the legal industry is regulated at the state level, and there may be variations in how attorney advertising, referrals, or matching services are treated. By using our service (whether as a consumer or an attorney), you acknowledge these terms are intended to comply with general U.S. law and principles.

Governing Law: Because our website is nationwide, for any dispute between you and Ami arising out of this Legal Policy or our services, the laws of California (where our company is headquartered) will govern unless superseded by applicable federal or state law requirements. This choice of law does not supersede any mandatory consumer protection laws in your state of residence that may apply.

Dispute Resolution: We hope that any disputes can be resolved informally and that involve Ami may be subject to a formal dispute resolution process. We may include an arbitration clause or other dispute mechanism in our full Terms of Use (refer to our Terms of Service page, if any, for details). By using this site, you agree to resolve disputes with us in accordance with those terms, which may include arbitration and waiver of certain class-action rights. (This section is a summary; please refer to the Terms of Service document for comprehensive dispute resolution terms if a separate terms document exists.)

Severability: If any part of this Legal Policy is found to be invalid or unenforceable under the law, that part will be interpreted in a manner consistent with applicable law to reflect, as closely as possible, the original intentions, and the remaining sections will continue in full force and effect.

Changes to This Policy: We may update this Legal Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. If we make material changes, we will notify users via the website or by other communication methods. Continued use of the site after any changes indicates acceptance of the new terms. We include a "Last Updated" date at the bottom of this policy so you can see when it was last revised.

Contact Us: If you have any questions about our policies or services, please contact us at team@ami.law for clarification. We value transparency and will gladly explain any part of this policy.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024