1. Contract formation

If a client wishes to engage an attorney from Petrović Law (“Petrović Law”), the contract for legal representation is deemed concluded once the client accepts the offer extended by Petrović Law. It is understood that Petrović Law must conduct a conflict of interest check and other relevant verifications prior to sending the offer.

These terms and conditions govern all matters and form an integral part of the contract between Petrović Law and the client. The services provided by Petrović Law are additionally subject to the Code of Professional Ethics for Attorneys (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, Nos. 27/2012 and 159/2020 – decision of the Constitutional Court).

Every representation undertaken by Petrović Law is governed by these Terms and Conditions. The party requesting legal assistance and accepting Petrović Law’s representation for a specific matter is referred to as the “Client.”

If required by applicable regulations or as deemed appropriate in the given situation, Petrović Law will confirm in writing the acceptance of the matter for which the Client has requested representation.

Petrović Law may periodically modify these Terms and Conditions. The current version of the terms is always available on the Petrović Law website: www.petrovic.law/t&c. Any revision of the Terms and Conditions applies only to matters where a contract of representation has been concluded after the publication of the revised Terms and Conditions. Upon request, Petrović Law will provide the Client with a copy of the latest version of the Terms and Conditions.

2. Communication and personnel

Petrović Law and the Client may agree on the preferred mode of communication that suits the Client. Petrović Law employs appropriate IT security measures, which may result in some emails being filtered and not reaching the intended recipient. If the Client wishes to send an important or urgent email, they should take steps to ensure that the email is received.

Petrović Law will assign the case to personnel it deems suitable, considering, among other factors, the nature and complexity of the matter. All partners and associates at Petrović Law act solely on behalf of Petrović Law. Any contract relating to a matter for which a partner or associate is instructed is concluded between Petrović Law and the Client. This applies even if the intention is for a specific named or unnamed attorney to handle the matter. All partners and other personnel at Petrović Law who work on the matter do so in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

3. Legal advice

Legal advice is provided based on the facts and circumstances of the specific matter for which the Client seeks advice. This advice should not be used for purposes, situations, or objectives other than those for which it was given. Legal advice provided by Petrović Law is intended solely for the Client and may not be used by third parties unless Petrović Law expressly states otherwise in writing.

Unless explicitly agreed otherwise, Petrović Law is not obligated to provide advice regarding the tax implications of any matter.

Petrović Law provides advice in accordance with Serbian law and the advice should not be relied upon regarding matters not governed by Serbian law. If Petrović Law refers to the laws of another jurisdiction during the advisory process, it is merely an opinion and should not be construed as legal advice.

In cases where Petrović Law acts as an advisor in international arbitration and the proceedings or substance of the dispute are governed by laws other than Serbian law, local experts may be engaged at Petrović Law’s discretion.

4. Confidentiality

Petrović Law, its associates, and other employees are bound by confidentiality obligations under, among other things, the Code of Professional Ethics for Attorneys. Petrović Law will not disclose non-public data to third parties unless necessary for the effective provision of legal services, with the Client’s consent, or as otherwise permitted under confidentiality standards.

In accordance with the Serbian law, Petrović Law is required to verify and confirm the identity of its Clients and their representatives and document these processes, which may include collecting identity-related documents. To fulfil this obligation, Petrović Law may request that anyone wishing to engage its services provide identification documentation and other relevant details about entities or individuals involved in the matter, as well as other significant circumstances. Such a request may be made even after the representation has commenced. If requested documentation is not provided, Petrović Law may terminate the contract and cease providing services. Under certain conditions, Petrović Law may be legally required to report specific information to relevant authorities or refuse to represent a Client. In such cases, Petrović Law will not be able to provide legal assistance to the Client.

Serbian law includes obligations under which Petrović Law must record and transfer certain data to the relevant authorities. The Client understands that Petrović Law is obliged to comply with Serbian law and is not liable for fulfilling these obligations.

Petrović Law maintains both digital records and physical copies of documents. Documents provided by the Client are typically available only in digital format.

5. Personal data

Petrović Law will collect and process personal data in accordance with the Privacy Policy, which forms an integral part of these Terms and Conditions and can be read at www.petrovic.law/pp.

6. Fees and costs

Petrović Law typically charges fees based on the time spent and the hourly rate of the attorneys working on the matter. The hourly rates are periodically reviewed and may be adjusted during the course of the representation. Without affecting the above, Petrović Law may consider all relevant factors when determining the fee for a matter. The standard factors include:

• the required expertise and experience for the matter;
• the result achieved;
• time spent;
• the monetary value of the matter;
• any risks for Petrović Law;
• the urgency of the matter.

Expenses incurred during the provision of legal services by Petrović Law, such as travel costs, accommodation, and other costs, may be additionally charged to the Client. Petrović Law may request advance payment from the Client before incurring specific costs or arrange payment for costs in another appropriate manner.

Upon request, Petrović Law will provide the Client with information regarding past fees and costs.

Unless otherwise agreed, payment of invoices from Petrović Law is due within five days from the date of invoicing, after which interest for late payment will be charged in accordance with the law.

If the Client has insurance or similar coverage for legal expenses, Petrović Law will still bill the Client, not the insurance company or similar institution. The extent of the Client’s insurance coverage does not affect the fees charged by Petrović Law, and such coverage does not impose a cap on fees. The Client understands that Petrović Law’s fees may significantly exceed the amount covered by insurance. If the insurer makes an advance or partial payment, this amount will be deducted from the outstanding fees and costs when the invoice is issued.
Petrović Law reserves the right to request an advance payment from the Client, as well as additional advances if the initial advance is insufficient. Petrović Law may request an advance prior to starting work on the matter, as well as during the course of the matter. The right to charge an advance applies throughout the duration of the matter. The purpose of the advance is to cover future costs and fees. Once paid, the advance is considered a guarantee for the fees and costs of Petrović Law and will be deducted upon the completion of the matter, where Petrović Law may withhold amounts for outstanding fees or costs.

Estimates, budgets, or similar reports provided by Petrović Law are predictions based on experience with previous similar matters. Petrović Law may revise estimates, budgets, or similar reports. Unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing, an estimate or budget does not constitute a commitment to a maximum fee or any other agreement limiting Petrović Law’s right to charge fees for the work performed.

Taxes are charged in accordance with applicable regulations. Estimates, budgets, and other amounts quoted by Petrović Law do not include taxes.

7. Liability

Petrović Law’s liability is limited as follows. If Petrović Law has notified the Client of any additional limitations before beginning work on the matter, such limitations will apply in conjunction with the conditions outlined below.

If the Client is dissatisfied with the services provided by Petrović Law or should reasonably be aware of facts that may give rise to a complaint about the services, the Client must immediately report this. When determining the timeliness of a complaint, the complexity of the matter must be considered. Complaints regarding the services provided by Petrović Law will not be considered if more than 12 months have passed since the last invoice was issued by Petrović Law for the matter from which the complaint arises.

Furthermore, Petrović Law is not liable for actual damages, lost profits, or any other indirect or consequential damages.

If Petrović Law has provided advice regarding potential tax implications, Petrović Law is not liable for any taxes or public levies that the Client must pay.

Petrović Law is not liable for the termination of the contract with the Client due to circumstances for which the Client is responsible, or when Petrović Law reasonably concludes that termination is necessary to fulfil legal or professional obligations.

Petrović Law is not liable for missing deadlines or the completion of any part of the work within the specified timeframe if Petrović Law is prevented from starting or continuing the work due to circumstances beyond its control.

8. Miscellaneous

Unless specifically agreed upon in writing, Petrović Law shall not be held liable to third parties who use the legal advice provided to the Client, nor shall it be responsible for any other work or communication with the Client.

The aforementioned limitations of liability, as well as any additional limitation specifically agreed between Petrović Law and the Client, also apply to the benefit of all attorneys employed or formerly employed by Petrović Law.

If Petrović Law assists the Client in finding or engaging other external collaborators, such as court experts, court interpreters, professional associates, financial advisors, or other consultants, these are independent of Petrović Law. Petrović Law shall not be liable for their work or advice. The Client shall be responsible for all fees or other costs claimed by such external consultants. Petrović Law assumes no responsibility for the recommendation of other professional advisors or any agreement regarding their fees.

9. Intellectual property rights

Copyrights and all other intellectual property rights related to any work product or similar material created by Petrović Law remain the property of Petrović Law. The contract with the Client does not transfer such rights. The Client acquires an unlimited right to use such works for the purposes of the matter at hand. The Client agrees to obtain Petrović Law’s prior consent before publishing any work product, including using them in advertising or other marketing activities.

10. Applicable laws and dispute resolution

The contract between Petrović Law and the Client, including these Terms and Conditions, is governed by Serbian law, excluding the rules on conflict of laws.

Any dispute or claim arising from or related to the contract between Petrović Law and the Client, or its breach, termination, or invalidity, will be finally resolved before the competent court in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia.

Petrović Law reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings against the Client for unpaid invoices, undisputed claims, or to request a temporary measure from the court. Failure to settle invoices may, therefore, lead to the public disclosure of information that would otherwise remain confidential.

PUBLISHED ON MARCH 15, 2025