LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND NOTICES

FOR BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING COURSEWARE

[ATTORNEY/FIRM NAME]

[WEBSITE URL]

Last Updated: [Date]

IMPORTANT NOTICE

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY. By accessing or using our business succession planning courseware, website, or related services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these legal disclaimers and notices. These disclaimers protect both you and our firm by clearly defining the nature and limitations of the information and services provided.

1. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING NOTICE

THIS WEBSITE AND ITS CONTENT CONSTITUTE ATTORNEY ADVERTISING

This website, including the Business Succession Planning courseware and all related materials, may be considered attorney advertising under the laws of [STATE] and other jurisdictions. The information contained on this website and in the courseware is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

Key Points:

This is a marketing and educational platform, not a legal service provider
Content is designed to educate business owners about succession planning concepts
Prior results described in course materials do not guarantee similar outcomes
Receipt or viewing of this content does not create an attorney-client relationship
All information is subject to the disclaimers and limitations described in this document

2. ATTORNEY INFORMATION AND LICENSING

Licensed Attorney:

[ATTORNEY NAME]

[ATTORNEY TITLE]

Licensed in: [STATE]

State Bar License Number: [LICENSE NUMBER]

Office Location:

[FIRM NAME]

[STREET ADDRESS]

[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]

Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]

Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]

2.1 Jurisdictional Limitations

[ATTORNEY NAME] is licensed to practice law ONLY in [STATE].

If you are located outside of [STATE], you should be aware that:

The information provided may not be applicable to your situation
Different laws may govern your circumstances in your jurisdiction
[ATTORNEY NAME] cannot provide legal advice regarding laws in other jurisdictions
You should consult with an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice
Scheduling a consultation does not guarantee representation can be provided

The courseware content is based on general principles of business succession planning and [STATE] law. While many concepts may be relevant across jurisdictions, specific laws, procedures, and strategies vary significantly by state.

3. NO ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

NO CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP EXISTS

CRITICAL: Your use of this website, access to the courseware, communications through contact forms, emails, text messages, or attendance at an initial consultation DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and [ATTORNEY NAME] or [FIRM NAME].

3.1 Requirements for Establishing Attorney-Client Relationship

An attorney-client relationship is established ONLY when ALL of the following conditions are met:

1. You have executed a written engagement agreement with [FIRM NAME]

2. [ATTORNEY NAME] has explicitly agreed in writing to represent you

3. Any required retainer or initial fees have been paid

4. [FIRM NAME] has completed a conflicts check and confirmed no conflicts exist

5. You have received written confirmation that representation has begun

Until ALL of these conditions are satisfied, no attorney-client relationship exists, and [ATTORNEY NAME] owes you no duty of confidentiality, loyalty, or representation.

3.2 Confidentiality Warning

DO NOT SEND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Until an attorney-client relationship is formally established through a written engagement agreement:

Information you provide is NOT protected by attorney-client privilege
Communications are NOT confidential
Information may NOT be treated as privileged
[FIRM NAME] may not have a duty to protect your information

DO NOT send confidential, sensitive, proprietary, or time-sensitive information through:

This website or any web forms
Email communications
Text messages (SMS)
Phone voicemails
Initial consultation discussions

3.3 Internet Security Limitations

You acknowledge and understand that:

Internet transmissions are never completely secure or private
Email, web forms, and text messages may be intercepted by third parties
There is a risk of unauthorized access to your communications
Any information you transmit is sent at your own risk
[FIRM NAME] cannot guarantee the security of electronic communications

While we implement reasonable security measures, you accept the inherent risks of electronic communication and agree to hold [FIRM NAME] harmless for any unauthorized interception or access to your communications prior to the establishment of an attorney-client relationship.

4. EDUCATIONAL CONTENT ONLY - NOT LEGAL ADVICE

4.1 Nature of Content

All content provided through this website and the Business Succession Planning courseware, including but not limited to videos, written materials, presentations, worksheets, checklists, emails, text messages, and other resources, is provided SOLELY for educational and informational purposes.

This content is NOT:

Legal advice specific to your situation
Tax advice or tax planning guidance
Financial advice or investment recommendations
Accounting advice or business valuation services
A substitute for personalized professional counsel
An analysis of your specific circumstances
A recommendation to take or refrain from any specific action

4.2 General Information Only

The courseware presents general principles, concepts, and considerations related to business succession planning. This information:

Represents broad, generally applicable concepts in succession planning
May not apply to your specific business or personal situation
Cannot account for your unique facts, goals, and circumstances
Should not be relied upon as the basis for making legal or business decisions
Must be supplemented with personalized advice from qualified professionals

4.3 Individual Circumstances Vary

Every business succession situation is unique. Factors that make each situation different include:

State laws governing succession, estates, taxes, and business entities
Federal tax laws and regulations (which change frequently)
Business structure, ownership, and operational considerations
Family dynamics, relationships, and individual goals
Financial circumstances and tax positions
Timing, market conditions, and economic factors
Industry-specific regulations and considerations

What works well for one business owner may be inappropriate or harmful for another. Always consult with qualified professionals before making succession planning decisions.

5. NO GUARANTEE OF RESULTS

PAST RESULTS DO NOT PREDICT FUTURE OUTCOMES

The courseware may include references to case examples, client stories, planning strategies, or general outcomes related to business succession planning. These references are provided for educational purposes only to illustrate concepts and possibilities.

5.1 No Outcome Guarantees

[ATTORNEY NAME] and [FIRM NAME] cannot and do not guarantee:

Specific legal outcomes or results in your matter
Tax savings or financial benefits
Successful completion of business transactions or transfers
Family harmony or agreement on succession plans
Protection from all legal risks or liabilities
Resolution timeframes for legal matters
Achievement of business valuation targets
Avoidance of disputes or litigation

5.2 Each Case is Unique

Every legal matter depends on unique factors including:

The specific facts and circumstances of your situation
Applicable federal, state, and local laws
Current court decisions and legal interpretations
Market conditions and economic factors at the time
Individual client goals, priorities, and constraints
Cooperation and decisions of other parties involved
Quality and timing of implementation

Results that were achieved in one case may not be achievable in another case, even if the situations appear similar.

6. TAX AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION DISCLAIMERS

6.1 Tax Advice Limitation

[ATTORNEY NAME] is an attorney, not a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent, or tax specialist.

Any tax-related information provided in the courseware is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as tax advice specific to your situation.

Tax implications of business succession planning vary significantly based on numerous factors including:

Your individual and business tax circumstances
Current federal, state, and local tax laws (which change frequently)
Business structure and ownership arrangements
Timing and structure of transactions
Valuation of assets and businesses
Your personal income, estate, and gift tax situations

CONSULT TAX PROFESSIONALS: For specific tax advice tailored to your circumstances, you must consult with qualified tax professionals, including CPAs, enrolled agents, or tax attorneys who specialize in succession planning taxation.

6.2 Financial Planning Disclaimer

[ATTORNEY NAME] is not a financial advisor, investment advisor, or financial planner.

Any financial information provided in the courseware is educational only and should not be construed as financial advice or investment recommendations. For personalized financial advice regarding succession planning, retirement planning, or wealth management, consult with qualified financial professionals such as:

Certified Financial Planners (CFP®)
Registered Investment Advisors (RIA)
Wealth management professionals
Retirement planning specialists

6.3 Business Valuation Disclaimer

[ATTORNEY NAME] is not a business valuation expert or certified business appraiser.

Any business valuation information, examples, methodologies, or multiples mentioned in the courseware are provided for educational purposes only and represent general industry concepts.

Actual business valuations depend on numerous specific factors including:

Historical financial performance and trends
Current market conditions and industry factors
Management quality, depth, and succession
Customer base, market position, and competitive advantages
Asset values, liabilities, and working capital
Growth prospects, risks, and industry outlook
Purpose of the valuation (sale, gift, estate, etc.)

PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL REQUIRED: Accurate business valuation requires professional business appraisal by qualified experts such as Accredited Senior Appraisers (ASA), Certified Business Appraisers (CBA), or Certified Valuation Analysts (CVA).

7. CONSULTATION DISCLAIMERS

7.1 Initial Consultation Does Not Create Representation

Scheduling or attending an initial consultation does not:

Create an attorney-client relationship
Obligate [ATTORNEY NAME] to provide ongoing legal services
Guarantee that [ATTORNEY NAME] can or will represent you
Create any duty of confidentiality or privilege
Constitute legal advice specific to your situation

The initial consultation is an opportunity for both you and [ATTORNEY NAME] to determine if there is a good fit and whether representation is appropriate.

7.2 Attorney May Decline Representation

[ATTORNEY NAME] reserves the right to decline representation for any reason consistent with professional responsibility rules, including but not limited to:

Conflicts of interest
Matters outside of [ATTORNEY NAME]'s practice areas or expertise
Jurisdictional limitations
Scheduling or capacity constraints
Client's goals or expectations that cannot be met
Matters requiring expertise in other disciplines

7.3 Complimentary Consultation Disclaimer

If an initial consultation is offered at no charge, this is a courtesy to help you explore your succession planning needs. A complimentary consultation:

Does not diminish the disclaimers and limitations in this document
Is limited in time and scope
May not address all aspects of your situation
Does not include document review or detailed analysis
Does not create any ongoing obligation on either party

8. WEBSITE CONTENT LIMITATIONS

8.1 Currency of Information

While [FIRM NAME] strives to keep the courseware content current and accurate, laws change frequently, and some information may become outdated. This website and courseware content was last updated on [DATE].

Laws governing succession planning change regularly
Tax laws and regulations are subject to frequent modification
Court decisions may alter legal interpretations
Content may not reflect the most current legal developments

Always verify current law with a licensed attorney before relying on any information from the courseware.

8.2 Errors and Omissions

Despite reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, this website and courseware may contain errors, omissions, or outdated information. [FIRM NAME] disclaims any responsibility for such errors or omissions and any consequences resulting from reliance on inaccurate or incomplete information.

8.3 Third-Party Resources and Links

This website or courseware may contain links to third-party websites, resources, or references to other professionals (such as accountants, financial advisors, or business valuation experts).

[FIRM NAME]:

Does not endorse or control these external resources
Is not responsible for their content, accuracy, or availability
Does not guarantee the qualifications or performance of referenced professionals
Is not liable for any damages resulting from your use of third-party resources

Your use of third-party websites or engagement with referenced professionals is at your own risk and subject to their respective terms and policies.

9. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ETHICS

9.1 Ethical Obligations

[ATTORNEY NAME] is bound by the [STATE] Rules of Professional Conduct and ethical obligations to clients. When an attorney-client relationship exists, these professional responsibilities include:

Maintaining client confidentiality
Avoiding conflicts of interest
Providing competent representation
Communicating clearly and promptly with clients
Acting with reasonable diligence and promptness
Acting in clients' best interests
Charging reasonable fees

9.2 Conflict of Interest Policy

Before any attorney-client relationship can be established, [FIRM NAME] must confirm that no conflicts of interest exist that would prevent or limit representation. This includes conflicts with:

Current clients
Former clients
Other parties involved in your matter
Personal interests of the attorney

If a conflict is identified at any point, [ATTORNEY NAME] may be required to decline representation or withdraw from representation in accordance with professional responsibility rules.

10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

10.1 Website Use Disclaimer

Your use of this website and courseware is at your own risk. [FIRM NAME] provides this website and its content "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without any warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

Warranties of accuracy, completeness, or reliability
Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
Warranties of non-infringement
Warranties that the website will be uninterrupted or error-free
Warranties that defects will be corrected

10.2 Disclaimer of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, [FIRM NAME], [ATTORNEY NAME], and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates disclaim all liability for:

Any damages resulting from use of this website or courseware
Reliance on information provided in the courseware
Actions taken or not taken based on courseware content
Technical problems, website unavailability, or interrupted access
Loss of data or security breaches
Unauthorized access to your communications or information
Third-party content, links, or referenced resources

This limitation applies to all claims, whether based in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory, and whether or not [FIRM NAME] has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

11. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These disclaimers and notices, and your use of this website and courseware, are governed by the laws of the State of [STATE], without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising from or relating to this website, the courseware, or these disclaimers shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in [COUNTY], [STATE]. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts and waive any objection to venue.

12. UPDATES TO DISCLAIMERS

[FIRM NAME] reserves the right to modify these disclaimers and notices at any time without prior notice. Changes become effective immediately upon posting to this website. Your continued use of the website or courseware after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the modified disclaimers.

You are responsible for reviewing these disclaimers periodically to stay informed of any changes. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this document indicates when the most recent revisions were made.

13. CONTACT FOR LEGAL CONSULTATION

SEEKING ACTUAL LEGAL ADVICE?

If you need legal advice regarding business succession planning, estate planning, or related matters specific to your situation, please contact [FIRM NAME] to schedule a consultation:

[FIRM NAME]

[ATTORNEY NAME], [TITLE]

[STREET ADDRESS]

[CITY, STATE ZIP CODE]

Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]

Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]

During a formal consultation with a written engagement, we can:

Discuss your specific situation, goals, and concerns
Explain how [STATE] law applies to your circumstances
Provide legal advice tailored to your needs
Determine if our firm can assist with your legal needs
Establish an attorney-client relationship if appropriate

Consultation Fees: Please inquire about consultation fees and billing arrangements when scheduling your appointment.

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

By accessing or using this website, downloading course materials, registering for the Business Succession Planning courseware, scheduling a consultation, or engaging with our services in any way, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these legal disclaimers and notices.

If you do not agree with any part of these disclaimers, you should not use this website or the courseware.

You further acknowledge and agree that:

You understand the limitations and disclaimers set forth in this document
You will not rely on courseware content as legal, tax, or financial advice
You will consult appropriate professionals before making any decisions
You accept responsibility for your use of the information provided
You agree to hold [FIRM NAME] harmless from any damages arising from your use of this website

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Questions about these disclaimers?

Contact [FIRM NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER] or [EMAIL ADDRESS]

ATTORNEY CUSTOMIZATION CHECKLIST

DISCLAIMER: This checklist provides practical implementation guidance for using this template. It is not legal advice. Each attorney must review these legal disclaimers and notices, determine their appropriateness for their specific practice and jurisdiction, and consult with their professional liability carrier or legal counsel as needed before adopting any legal disclaimers.

Before publishing these Legal Disclaimers and Notices, please:

☐ Replace all bracketed placeholders [LIKE THIS] with your specific information
☐ Verify state bar license information is accurate and current
☐ Confirm all contact information is correct
☐ Review disclaimers to ensure compliance with your state's professional responsibility rules
☐ Verify governing law and jurisdiction provisions are appropriate
☐ Add any additional disclaimers required by your state bar
☐ Have this reviewed by your professional liability insurance carrier
☐ Consider having this reviewed by legal counsel familiar with attorney advertising rules
☐ Ensure this document is easily accessible from your website and courseware
☐ Link to this document from your website footer
☐ Include appropriate disclaimers in all email communications
☐ Set calendar reminder to review and update these disclaimers at least annually

IMPLEMENTATION NOTES

Placement and Visibility:

Create a dedicated page for these legal disclaimers on your website
Link prominently from your website footer (labeled "Legal Disclaimer" or "Legal Notices")
Include a link on the course sign-up page
Reference in consultation booking confirmation emails
Consider displaying key disclaimers on the course welcome page

Email Footers:

Include abbreviated disclaimer in all marketing emails from GHL:

"ATTORNEY ADVERTISING: This communication may constitute attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. The information contained herein is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential information until an attorney-client relationship has been established."

Course Materials:

Include disclaimer notice at the beginning of the video course
Add disclaimers to downloadable materials and worksheets
Remind users throughout the course that content is educational only

Professional Liability Considerations:

Your malpractice carrier may have specific requirements for disclaimers
Some carriers may require additional language or notifications
Review your policy and consult with your carrier before publishing
Keep documentation of your disclaimer implementation for your files

State Bar Requirements:

Check your state bar's rules on attorney advertising
Some states have specific required language for websites and marketing materials
Certain states require filing copies of advertisements with the bar
Ensure compliance with your state's specific requirements

Best Practices:

Make disclaimers conspicuous and easy to find
Use clear, plain language that non-lawyers can understand
Don't hide disclaimers in fine print
Update whenever there are changes to laws or your practice
Keep records of when users access or acknowledge the disclaimers
Coordinate with your other legal documents (Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy)

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End of Legal Disclaimer and Notices Template