Terms of Representation

1. Nature and Scope of Engagement

Rational Unicorn will provide legal services for the specific matter(s) described in your project quote (“Services”). Unless otherwise agreed in writing, this engagement does not include unrelated matters, litigation, or additional transactions that are outside the scope or duration of Services specified in the project quote.

Your engagement with us is project-based. Each project includes a clear scope of work and a flat fee, unless we agree otherwise in writing. Our work is limited to the Services described in the project quote. This allows us to offer clear, upfront pricing through our accessible engagement model.

Work on your project will begin after you pay the invoice in full and provide all necessary documents and information related to the Services. 

Rational Unicorn cannot guarantee any particular outcome; results may depend on factors outside our control, such as government agencies, opposing parties, or third-party actions.

2. Fees, Costs, Payment, and Refunds

The legal fees for the Services are specified in the project quote; all projects include an additional 3% administrative fee. These fees cover the work as outlined in the project quote. If a project requires hourly billing instead of a flat fee, Rational Unicorn will let you know the hourly rate in advance and provide an estimate of the time needed.

You are responsible for costs that arise in connection with the legal services, such as government filing fees, registration fees, certified mailing fees, or other necessary out-of-pocket expenses. While Rational Unicorn strives to provide accurate estimates of all anticipated fees, these amounts may occasionally change. Should any additional expenses become necessary, we will review and discuss them with you before they are incurred. 

Payments are made electronically through our secure electronic payment portal. Paper checks will only be accepted if arranged in advance. Payments are considered earned when received unless otherwise required by law. 

Refunds may be available on a case-by-case basis if fewer than 15 days have passed since payment and no legal work on your project has begun. Any refund will be at the firm’s discretion. Refunds are not available once substantive work has started, if you change your mind after documents have been delivered, if you decide not to schedule a review session, or if a government agency denies your application or filing.

If a disagreement arises between you and Rational Unicorn regarding fees, it will be resolved through the Oregon State Bar’s Fee Dispute Program. Participation in this program is required because our firm is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

3. Other Services as Agreed in Writing

Rational Unicorn may provide legal services in addition to those outlined here. Prior to commencing any additional projects, we will provide you with a new project quote that outlines the scope of work and related fees for your approval. Any additional projects are governed by the terms of this engagement letter, unless otherwise agreed. You understand that Rational Unicorn has no continuing obligation to represent you after the Services are complete.

4. Engaged Attorney

We have a team of qualified and experienced Rational Unicorn attorneys to meet your legal needs. Different attorneys may handle different projects for you, depending on their area of expertise and availability.

5. Confidentiality

Information you share with Rational Unicorn is protected by the attorney-client privilege of confidentiality. However, your Rational Unicorn attorney may have an independent ethical duty to reveal privileged information if (a) it involves the commission of illegal or fraudulent acts that are committed in the course of this engagement, (b) it involves the intent to commit a crime, or (c) the attorney is compelled disclose the information by law or court order.

If Rational Unicorn is representing a business entity or nonprofit organization, communications related to the Services with the organization's managers and officers in their organizational capacity are protected by this attorney-client privilege. 

6. Client Responsibilities

It is important for us to maintain open communication with each other throughout our engagement. Your Rational Unicorn attorney will regularly keep you informed of progress on these matters and will consult with you whenever appropriate.

You agree to communicate with Rational Unicorn and provide complete and accurate information as needed to complete the Services. Further, you agree to timely notify your Rational Unicorn attorney of any changes or developments related to the Services, changes to the information of any individuals related to the Services, or any extended periods of time when you will be unavailable.

You agree to assist and cooperate fully with respect to this engagement, and will exercise your best efforts to be available to discuss topics as they arise, review documents as necessary, and attend and participate in meetings. You agree to cancel meetings at least 24 hours in advance.

If the Services include delivery of document drafts that require your review and feedback, you agree to schedule that review meeting within 30 days of receiving the draft. You understand that waiting longer than 30 days to schedule a review meeting may result in additional legal fees. 

If we do not hear from you for 90 days, we may close your matter. If extraordinary circumstances arise, please let us know; Rational Unicorn may waive this at our discretion.

7. Electronic Communication

During the course of this engagement, we may use mobile phones, web-based video conferencing, web-based client communication portals, and email to communicate. These transmissions may not be encrypted so the use of such forms of communication under current technologies may place confidential or privileged information at risk.

Rational Unicorn may store some or all of your files on a variety of platforms, including third-party cloud-based servers. Although Rational Unicorn takes every precaution to make sure these servers are encrypted and secure, there still is a risk that your confidential or privileged information may be disclosed.