Terms of Service

Effective Date: October 6, 2025
Last Updated: October 6, 2025

Terms of Service

Welcome to Polaris Resolutions. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and engagement of our advisory services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our website or services.

1. Definitions

• "We," "us," "our" refers to Polaris Resolutions Advisory Inc., a Canadian advisory practice operating under the laws of Nova Scotia and Canada
• "You," "your," "client" refers to the individual or entity using our services
• "Services" refers to advisory consultation, case review, dispute resolution support, coordination with regulated counsel, and related services provided by Polaris Resolutions
• "Website" refers to our public website and all associated pages

2. Advisory Services

2.1 Nature of Services

Polaris Resolutions is an advisory practice focused on digital and investment disputes, including but not limited to:

• Online platform disputes (trading and brokerage platforms, account holds, contested transactions)
• Crypto incident review (exchange disputes, on-chain matters, platform-side issues)
• Investment product disputes (private placements, structured products, online offerings)
• Cross-border digital matters and coordination with regulated counsel
• Advisory consultation and case strategy

2.2 Engagement Relationship

A formal engagement relationship is established only when:

• We have agreed in writing on the scope of work
• You have signed an engagement letter or retainer agreement
• We have confirmed acceptance of your matter

General information on our website does not create an engagement or solicitor-client relationship. The complimentary initial review does not create an engagement unless we subsequently agree on scope in writing. Where matters require regulated counsel, the solicitor-client relationship is formed with that counsel directly.

2.3 Scope of Engagement

The scope of our engagement will be defined in your engagement letter or retainer agreement. We will work with you only on the specific matters described in that agreement.

3. Eligibility and Requirements

3.1 Minimum Engagement Value

We generally engage on matters involving losses of $3,000 CAD or more. Matters below this threshold may be declined or referred to other resources.

3.2 Jurisdiction

Polaris Resolutions is a Canadian advisory practice. Where a matter requires representation by regulated counsel, we coordinate with counsel licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Cross-border digital matters are handled in coordination with counsel and case partners abroad as appropriate.

3.3 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to engage our services. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must engage our services on your behalf.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Fee Structures

We offer various arrangements depending on the matter:

• Hybrid Engagement: a modest retainer combined with a results-linked component
• Hourly Rate: for narrower advisory matters
• Flat Fee: fixed fee for specific scoped services
• Other: tailored to the matter where appropriate

The specific arrangement will be detailed in your engagement letter or retainer agreement before any work is performed.

4.2 Costs and Disbursements

In addition to advisory fees, you may be responsible for costs and disbursements including:

• Court filing fees (where applicable, via regulated counsel)
• Investigation and forensic costs
• Expert witness fees
• Translation services
• Travel expenses for cross-border matters
• Document production and courier fees

4.3 Payment Terms

• The initial review is complimentary and confidential
• Retainer fees (if applicable) are due upon signing the agreement
• Invoices are payable within 30 days unless otherwise specified
• Results-linked components are payable upon the outcome defined in the agreement

4.4 No Guarantee of Outcome

We do not guarantee specific outcomes in any matter. Advisory fees and pass-through costs may be incurred even if the matter is not resolved in your favour, depending on your fee arrangement.

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1 Truthful Information

You must provide complete, accurate, and truthful information about your case. Withholding information or providing false information may harm your case and violate this agreement.

5.2 Documentation

You are responsible for providing all relevant documentation, including:

• Transaction records
• Communications with the counterparty
• Bank, card, and on-chain statements
• Agreements and platform terms
• Any other evidence related to the matter

5.3 Cooperation

You must cooperate fully with our review and any procedural steps, including:

• Responding promptly to our requests
• Attending meetings and proceedings (in coordination with counsel) as required
• Providing testimony when necessary
• Following the agreed strategy and any advice provided by regulated counsel

5.4 Confidentiality

You must maintain confidentiality regarding case strategy and sensitive matter information unless disclosure is legally required or we authorize it.

6. Our Responsibilities and Limitations

6.1 Professional Standards

We will provide our services in accordance with:

• Applicable Canadian regulations governing advisory practices
• Rules of professional conduct, where regulated counsel is engaged on the matter
• Best practices in dispute resolution and asset recovery
• Confidentiality obligations and applicable solicitor-client privilege where regulated counsel is involved

6.2 Limitations

We are not responsible for:

• Delays caused by third parties (courts, banks, foreign jurisdictions)
• Changes in law that affect your case
• Actions of opposing parties or third parties
• Matters outside the scope of our retainer

7. Website Use

7.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes. You may not:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Transmit malicious code or viruses
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the website
• Collect information about other users
• Use automated systems to access the website without permission

7.2 Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is owned by Polaris Resolutions or our licensors and is protected by copyright and trademark laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without written permission.

8. No Legal Advice via Website

Information on our website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not rely on website content as a substitute for professional legal counsel.

Each matter is unique. Only after reviewing your specific circumstances — and where applicable, in coordination with regulated counsel — can tailored advice be provided.

9. Confidentiality and Privacy

All communications with Polaris Resolutions are subject to:

• Strict practice confidentiality
• Applicable solicitor-client privilege where regulated counsel is engaged
• Our Privacy Policy
• Applicable privacy legislation (PIPEDA)

See our Privacy Policy for detailed information about data handling.

10. Engagement and Termination

10.1 Right to Decline Engagement

We reserve the right to decline engagement for any reason, including:

• Conflicts of interest
• Insufficient documentation
• Matters below our minimum threshold
• Capacity constraints
• Matters outside our scope
• Jurisdictional limitations

10.2 Client Right to Terminate

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for:

• Fees for services already rendered
• Costs and disbursements incurred
• Any contractual obligations in the engagement agreement

10.3 Our Right to Withdraw

We may withdraw from an engagement in accordance with applicable professional rules (and any rules applicable to coordinated counsel), including situations where:

• You fail to pay fees as agreed
• You fail to cooperate or follow agreed strategy
• Continuing would violate professional ethics
• The relationship has irretrievably broken down

11. Disclaimers and Warranties

11.1 Website "As Is"

Our website is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that:

• The website will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Defects will be corrected
• The website is free from viruses or harmful components
• Information is complete, accurate, or current

11.2 No Guarantee of Outcome

We cannot and do not guarantee specific outcomes in any matter. Outcomes depend on many factors beyond our control, including:

• Availability of evidence
• Location and cooperation of counterparties
• Court and regulator decisions
• Cooperation of financial institutions and platforms
• Applicable laws and regulations across jurisdictions

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Our liability is limited to the fees paid by you for our services
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• We are not liable for losses resulting from third-party actions
• We are not liable for technical failures or website errors

This limitation does not apply where prohibited by law or to liability for fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Polaris Resolutions, its directors, employees, and agents (and any coordinated counsel) from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• False or misleading information you provide
• Your use of our website

14. Conflicts of Interest

We maintain strict conflict-checking procedures. We will not represent you if doing so would create a conflict of interest with existing or former clients, unless:

• All affected parties provide informed written consent
• We reasonably believe we can represent all parties competently
• The representation is not prohibited by law

15. File Retention and Destruction

We retain client files according to the requirements applicable to the matter:

• Active files: maintained for the duration of the engagement
• Closed files (where matters were coordinated with regulated counsel): retained per that counsel's law society requirements (typically a minimum of seven to ten years after closure)
• Closed files (advisory-only matters): retained for a typical period of seven years after closure
• After the applicable retention period: securely destroyed or returned to client upon request

16. Communication

16.1 Methods of Communication

We may communicate with you via:

• Email (encrypted when appropriate)
• Phone calls
• Postal mail
• Secure client portal (if available)
• Video conferencing

16.2 Response Times

We strive to respond to client inquiries within:

• Time-sensitive matters: within one business day
• Routine matters: within 2-3 business days
• Complex inquiries: within 5 business days

Response times may vary based on matter complexity and workload.

17. Third-Party Services

Our advisory work may involve engaging third parties such as:

• Private investigators
• Blockchain forensic experts
• Regulated counsel in the relevant jurisdictions
• Expert witnesses

While we carefully select professional service providers, we are not liable for their independent actions or errors, except to the extent required by law.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nova Scotia, Canada.

19. Dispute Resolution

19.1 Complaints

If you have concerns about our advisory services, please contact us first. Where regulated counsel is engaged on a matter, you may also file a complaint with the applicable law society in their jurisdiction (e.g., the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society).

19.2 Mediation

Before initiating litigation, parties agree to attempt resolution through mediation in good faith.

19.3 Arbitration

Fee disputes may be subject to arbitration in accordance with applicable professional rules.

20. Limitation Period

Any claim against Polaris Resolutions must be commenced within the time period specified by the applicable limitations legislation. In Nova Scotia, this is generally within two years of when you knew or ought to have known of the claim.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

22. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with your retainer agreement (if applicable) and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Polaris Resolutions regarding use of our services.

23. Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified through:

• Website notice
• Email to clients
• Updated "Last Updated" date

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

24. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters
• War or terrorism
• Government actions
• Internet or telecommunications failures
• Pandemics or public health emergencies

25. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.

26. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations with notice to you.

27. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact:

Polaris Resolutions Advisory Inc.
1959 Upper Water St, Suite 1300
Halifax, NS B3J 3N2
Canada

Phone: +1 (902) 482-7106
Or contact us via the secure form on our Contact page.

28. Acknowledgment

By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.