Basnet Attorneys & Law – A Premier Law Firm in Bhutan
PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION AND LICENSURE
All attorneys (Jabmis) at Basnet Attorneys and Law are duly licensed legal practitioners in accordance with the Jabmi Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2003 (as amended by the Jabmi Amendment Act 2016). Each attorney is registered with the Jabmi Tshogdey as required by law and maintains good standing with all relevant legal authorities. Our attorneys have satisfied all qualification requirements including legal education, successful completion of the Bar selection examinations, and adherence to professional standards of conduct.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
Please be advised that merely contacting our firm, visiting our offices, communicating with our staff, or accessing information on our website does not constitute the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is established only when:
- We have conducted a thorough conflict of interest check and determined no conflicts exist;
- We have formally agreed in writing to undertake your representation for specific legal matters;
- A written fee agreement has been executed pursuant to Sections 43-45 of the Jabmi Act; and
- We have formally acknowledged our acceptance of your case through written communication.
Until all these conditions are met, no attorney-client relationship exists, and no duty of representation has been undertaken by our firm.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE
In accordance with Section 33 of the Jabmi Act, all communications between our attorneys and clients within the scope of their professional relationship are confidential and privileged. We maintain strict protocols to safeguard client information. However, please note that:
- The attorney-client privilege may be subject to certain exceptions as prescribed by law;
- Communications made in the presence of third parties may not be protected;
- Information related to future crimes or fraudulent activities is not protected; and
- Court orders may, in limited circumstances, compel disclosure of otherwise confidential information.
Our firm takes all reasonable measures to protect confidential information in compliance with applicable laws and professional standards.
FEE STRUCTURE AND BILLING PRACTICES
As mandated by Section 44 of the Jabmi Act, our firm establishes clear fee arrangements prior to undertaking representation. In accordance with our ethical obligations:
- All fee arrangements are documented in a written agreement before commencing representation;
- Fees are determined based on factors including complexity, time requirements, expertise needed, and customary rates for similar services—never on the outcome of a case;
- Billing statements are provided regularly with itemized descriptions of services rendered;
- Client funds are maintained in separate accounts in accordance with legal requirements; and
- Unexpended retainers or advances will be promptly refunded upon conclusion of representation.
We are committed to transparency in our billing practices and welcome questions regarding our fee structure.
SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION
The scope of our representation is limited to the specific legal matters identified in our written engagement agreement. Unless explicitly agreed upon in writing:
- We do not undertake responsibility for matters outside the defined scope;
- We do not monitor legal developments after conclusion of the specified matter; and
- We do not undertake to update advice or opinions after representation has concluded.
Our duties and responsibilities are governed by the terms of our engagement agreement, the Jabmi Act, and applicable professional standards.
ETHICAL STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Our attorneys adhere strictly to the professional and ethical standards prescribed in Chapter 5 of the Jabmi Act. These include:
- Maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity, honesty, and respect;
- Conducting ourselves in a manner befitting the noble fraternity of Jabmis;
- Acting as officers of the Court to ensure proper administration of justice;
- Upholding legal rights diligently in accordance with the law;
- Avoiding conflicts of interest that would impair our professional judgment; and
- Providing competent and diligent representation to all clients.
We are committed to preserving the honor and dignity of the legal profession while ensuring just, fair, and prompt dispensation of justice.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMER
The information provided on our website, in publications, or during initial consultations is of a general nature only and cannot substitute for personalized legal advice. Specifically:
- Such information does not constitute legal advice for any particular situation;
- No warranties or representations are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information;
- Legal positions, regulations, and interpretations may change over time;
- Application of law to specific facts requires professional analysis; and
- Reliance on general information without personalized legal counsel is at your own risk.
Our professional liability is limited to the extent permitted by law and the terms of our engagement agreement.
COMMUNICATION PRACTICES
Our firm strives to maintain regular communication with clients. However, please note:
- Attorneys may not always be immediately available due to court appearances, meetings, or other professional obligations;
- Response times will vary based on urgency, complexity, and workload;
- Communications outside business hours may not receive immediate attention;
- Electronic communications are not guaranteed to be secure or confidential despite reasonable precautions; and
- Time-sensitive matters should not be communicated solely by email or voicemail.
We encourage clients to identify urgent matters clearly when communicating with our firm.
JURISDICTION AND GOVERNING LAW
Our attorneys are licensed to practice law exclusively in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Any communications with our firm or engagement of our services are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
TERMINATION OF REPRESENTATION
The attorney-client relationship may be terminated:
- Upon completion of the matter for which representation was sought;
- By mutual agreement of the client and the firm;
- At the client's request with reasonable notice;
- By the firm with client consent, court approval where required, or for good cause as permitted by law; or
- As provided in the written engagement agreement.
Upon termination, we will take reasonable steps to protect client interests, return client property, and comply with all ethical obligations regarding withdrawal from representation.
MODIFICATION OF TERMS
This disclaimer is subject to modification at our discretion. Any substantial changes to the terms of engagement during an active representation will be communicated to clients in writing.
CONTACT US
For any questions or requests regarding this Legal Disclaimer, please contact us:
📧 Email: office@basnetl.com
📞 Call Us: +97517661648
🌍 Website: www.basnetl.com
Last updated: 1st March 2025