Witness Connect Terms of Service – Solicitors

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service govern your use of the Witness Connect platform as a Solicitor or legal representative. By registering with Witness Connect, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully.

2. Duties and Responsibilities of Solicitors

• You agree to provide complete, accurate, and timely instructions to experts engaged through Witness Connect.

• You are responsible for ensuring that all case documents uploaded comply with confidentiality and data protection obligations.

• You must confirm that you are authorised to instruct experts on behalf of your client or firm.

• You must treat experts with professional courtesy and comply with all applicable rules of professional conduct.

3. Use of the Platform

• All instructions and communications with experts should be conducted through Witness Connect's secure platform unless otherwise authorised.

• You must not use Witness Connect to solicit, promote, or engage in any unlawful or unauthorised activity.

• You agree not to attempt to bypass Witness Connect to engage experts outside the platform where the introduction was made via Witness Connect.

4. Payments and Escrow

• Payments for expert services will be managed via Witness Connect's authorised third-party escrow/payment provider.

• You agree to pay expert fees in accordance with the agreed fee structure and within the timescales set.

• Funds will be released from escrow only once the agreed milestones or report submissions are met.

• Witness Connect is not liable for payment delays caused by the payment provider or for non-payment by your firm where funds have not been deposited into escrow.

5. Confidentiality and Data Handling

• You must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and all confidentiality obligations in respect of documents shared with Witness Connect and experts.

• Sensitive case materials must only be shared via Witness Connect's secure system.

• You are responsible for ensuring that your use of Witness Connect complies with your professional duties to your client and to the court.

6. Witness Connect’s Role and Liability

• Witness Connect is a platform facilitating connections between solicitors and experts. Witness Connect is not a party to the contractual relationship between you and the expert.

• Witness Connect does not warrant the content, accuracy, or quality of expert evidence and is not responsible for expert performance.

• Witness Connect excludes all liability for loss, damages, or claims arising from expert reports, delays, or case outcomes.

• Witness Connect accepts no liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses.

7. Indemnity

• You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Witness Connect, its officers, and employees against any claims, liabilities, or losses arising out of:

• Misuse of the platform.

• Breach of data protection or confidentiality obligations.

• Non-payment or failure to comply with these Terms.

8. Termination

• Witness Connect may suspend or terminate your account if you breach these Terms.

• You may terminate your use of Witness Connect at any time, subject to payment of outstanding expert fees and completion of ongoing instructions.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

• Any disputes will first be referred to mediation. If unresolved, disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

By registering as a Solicitor on Witness Connect, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service.