Specialist Agreement
Date: [DD Month 2026]
This Specialist Agreement (the "Agreement") is made on the date above between:
(1) ADVOASSIST PORTAL L.L.C, a company registered in the United Arab Emirates under licence number [_________] issued by [________], with its registered address at [__________], which owns and operates AdvoAssist, represented by [name and title of authorised signatory] (the "Platform"); and
(2) [Full legal name of Specialist or firm], [nationality / place of registration], holding [type of licence] licence number [_______] issued by [licensing authority], with address at [__________], represented (where a firm) by [name and title] (the "Specialist").
The Platform and the Specialist are each a "Party" and together the "Parties".
BACKGROUND
(a) The Platform operates AdvoAssist, a legal services platform that connects Clients in the UAE with independent, verified legal professionals and provides technology, matching, communication, document, payment, support and case-management services.
(b) The Specialist is a licensed professional who wishes to offer Specialist Services to Clients through the Platform as an independent professional.
(c) The Platform's Terms and Conditions for Specialists (the "Specialist Terms") set out the general rules that apply to every Specialist. This Agreement records the individual terms agreed with the Specialist, including the commercial terms.
1. APPOINTMENT
1.1 The Platform admits the Specialist to AdvoAssist, and the Specialist agrees to provide Specialist Services to Clients through the Platform, within the practice areas, languages and locations set out in Schedule 2.
1.2 The appointment is non-exclusive. The Specialist may continue to practise and to accept clients outside the Platform, provided that clause 7 (Non-circumvention) is respected for Clients introduced through the Platform.
1.3 The Platform does not guarantee any number of Requests, any volume of work or any level of income.
1.4 The functions available in the Specialist's account depend on the licence tier stated in Schedule 1.
2. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL
2.1 The Specialist acts as an independent professional and not as an employee, worker, partner, agent or representative of the Platform. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment relationship, and the Specialist is not entitled to salary, end-of-service gratuity, leave or other employment benefits from the Platform.
2.2 The Specialist decides how, when and where the professional work is carried out, subject to the law, professional rules, the scope of each Order and the service levels in Schedule 4.
2.3 The professional engagement for each Order is between the Specialist and the Client. The Platform is not a party to that engagement, but it provides the Platform Services, oversees the Case and operates the internal Arbitration procedure described in the Specialist Terms.
3. ONBOARDING AND VERIFICATION
3.1 Before the Specialist's profile is published, the Specialist must provide the documents listed in Schedule 6 and any further evidence the Platform reasonably asks for.
3.2 The Specialist warrants that the information in Schedule 1 and all documents provided are true, complete and current, and must update them within [5] business days of any change.
3.3 The Platform may verify and re-verify the Specialist's identity, licences, qualifications and professional standing at any time. Verification is an administrative control only and does not reduce the Specialist's professional responsibility.
4. SPECIALIST'S OBLIGATIONS
4.1 The Specialist must:
(a) hold, throughout this Agreement, every licence, registration and permission required for the services offered, including under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 regulating the advocacy and legal consultancy professions where applicable;
(b) practise only within the scope of his or her licence and competence;
(c) carry out a conflict-of-interest check before accepting each Request and decline where a conflict exists;
(d) provide Specialist Services with the skill, care and diligence of a competent professional and meet the service levels in Schedule 4;
(e) keep the Case status on the Platform up to date and respond to Clients and the Platform through the Platform;
(f) carry out additional work only after it has been approved and, where applicable, paid for through the Platform;
(g) comply with the Specialist Terms and all laws and professional rules that apply to the Specialist.
4.2 The Specialist must tell the Platform within [5] business days of any suspension, restriction, expiry or cancellation of a licence, disciplinary proceeding, material complaint, criminal charge or change in sanctions status.
5. PLATFORM'S OBLIGATIONS
5.1 The Platform will:
(a) publish and maintain the Specialist's profile under the nickname stated in Schedule 1;
(b) route to the Specialist Requests that match the coverage in Schedule 2, in line with the Platform's matching rules;
(c) collect payment from Clients in advance through its licensed payment service provider and pay the Specialist in accordance with Schedule 3;
(d) provide the Specialist with access to the case-management, messaging, document and scheduling tools of the Platform;
(e) provide Support to the Specialist during [support hours];
(f) give the Specialist written reasons for any Arbitration decision or suspension that affects him or her, and an opportunity to respond where lawful and practicable; and
(g) give at least [30] days' notice of any change to Schedule 3 or to the Specialist Terms that materially affects the Specialist.
6. NON-CIRCUMVENTION
6.1 During this Agreement and for [12] months after it ends, the Specialist must not, directly or through another person:
(a) take an engagement first introduced through the Platform off the Platform;
(b) ask for or accept payment directly from a Client introduced through the Platform for services connected to that introduction, unless the Platform has agreed in writing; or
(c) use Client contact details obtained through the Platform to solicit or market services to that Client.
6.2 If the Specialist breaches this clause, the Platform may suspend or terminate the Specialist and claim the Platform Fees that would have been payable on the diverted work, together with any other loss that the Platform can lawfully recover.
6.3 This clause does not prevent communication outside the Platform where in-person attendance, a court appearance, notarisation or signing is needed for the Case, or where the law requires it. The Specialist remains bound by this Agreement in those situations.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION
7.1 The Specialist must keep all Client information, Communications and Documents, and all non-public information about the Platform's business, pricing and technology confidential, and use them only to perform the Specialist Services. The Specialist signs the Confidentiality Undertaking in Schedule 5 as part of this Agreement.
7.2 The Specialist acknowledges that Communications and Documents are stored on systems operated by or for the Platform, that the Platform can access them for the purposes set out in the Specialist Terms and the Privacy Policy, and that the Specialist will inform Clients of this and will not describe the Platform channel as private or privileged.
7.3 For personal data processed in providing Specialist Services, the Specialist acts as an independent controller under Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data. The Platform is a controller for the operation of the Platform. Each Party will comply with its own obligations and help the other with data subject requests and regulatory enquiries where reasonably required.
7.4 The Specialist must notify the Platform of any actual or suspected data breach affecting information obtained through the Platform without undue delay, and where practicable within [24] hours.
7.5 The Platform will keep the Specialist's personal data, bank details and real name confidential and will disclose the Specialist's real name to a Client only in the cases set out in the Specialist Terms or with the Specialist's consent.
7.6 The obligations in this clause continue after this Agreement ends.
8. FEES AND PAYOUTS
8.1 The Platform Fee, payout schedule and any other charges are set out in Schedule 3.
8.2 The Specialist authorises the Platform and its payment service provider to collect Client payments on the Specialist's behalf, deduct the Platform Fee and any lawful set-offs, and pay the balance to the bank account in Schedule 1. A Client's payment to the Platform settles the Client's debt to the Specialist for that Order.
8.3 Amounts awaiting payout are held under a commercial collection arrangement, not in trust, and do not earn interest.
8.4 The Platform may withhold or set off amounts relating to refunds, credits, chargebacks, payment reversals or duplicate payments attributable to the Specialist's Order, or any other amount the Specialist owes the Platform. The Platform will show every deduction in the Specialist's payout statement.
8.5 The Specialist is solely responsible for his or her own VAT registration, tax invoices, corporate tax and other tax obligations. Where the Platform Fee is subject to VAT, the Platform will issue a tax invoice to the Specialist.
8.6 The Specialist must not charge a Client separately for work included in a paid Order.
9. REFUNDS, REPLACEMENT AND ARBITRATION
9.1 The Specialist's fee, the Platform Fee, the payout schedule and any other charges are set out in Schedule 3. The Platform Fee is the Platform's own charge for the Platform Services. It is charged to the Client in addition to the Specialist's fee and is not deducted from that fee; no commission is taken from the Specialist's fee.
9.2 The amount paid by a Client for an Order consists of the Specialist's fee for the Specialist Services and the Platform Fee for the Platform Services, each priced for that Order individually. The Specialist authorises the Platform and its payment service provider to collect that amount on the Specialist's behalf and to pay the Specialist's fee in full to the bank account in Schedule 1, subject only to the set-offs permitted by clause 9.4. A Client's payment to the Platform settles the Client's debt to the Specialist for that Order.
9.3 The Specialist must cooperate with any Arbitration and provide the explanations, Communications and Documents requested within [3] business days.
9.4 The Platform may withhold or set off amounts relating to refunds, credits, chargebacks, payment reversals or duplicate payments attributable to the Specialist's Order, or any other amount the Specialist owes the Platform. The Platform will show every deduction in the Specialist's payout statement.
9.5 The Specialist is solely responsible for his or her own VAT registration, tax invoices, corporate tax and other tax obligations. Where any amount payable by the Specialist to the Platform is subject to VAT, the Platform will issue a tax invoice to the Specialist.
9.6 The Specialist must not charge a Client separately for work included in a paid Order
10. LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY
10.1 The Specialist is responsible to the Client for the Specialist Services, including loss caused by negligence, professional misconduct, material delay or breach of confidentiality.
10.2 The Specialist will indemnify the Platform against losses, claims, fines and reasonable costs arising from the Specialist's breach of this Agreement, the Specialist Services, or the Specialist's licensing, confidentiality, data protection, tax or financial-crime obligations.
10.3 The Platform is not liable to the Specialist for loss of profit, income, Clients or reputation, or for any indirect loss. To the extent the law allows, the Platform's total liability to the Specialist under this Agreement in any 12-month period is limited to [the Platform Fees paid by the Specialist in that period / AED amount].
11. OPTIONAL PROGRAMMES
11.1 The Specialist may join the optional programmes the Platform offers from time to time, such as training courses, webinars and seminars, events, the use of the Platform's office for client meetings, recruitment help, profile promotion, pro bono projects, rewards for promoting the Platform and the annual "Lawyer of the Year" award.
11.2 Promotion is carried out under the Specialist's nickname. The Platform will not publish the Specialist's real name or firm name without the Specialist's written consent given in Schedule 1 or later.
11.4 Nothing in this Agreement limits liability for fraud, wilful misconduct or gross negligence, or any liability that cannot lawfully be limited.
12. TERM AND TERMINATION
12.1 This Agreement starts on the date it is signed by both Parties and continues until terminated under this clause.
12.2 Either Party may terminate this Agreement for any reason on [30] days' written notice.
12.3 The Platform may suspend the Specialist, or terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice, in the cases set out in the Specialist Terms, including where a required licence lapses or is restricted, material information is false, there is serious professional misconduct, the Specialist breaches clause 7, or the Specialist repeatedly fails the service levels.
12.4 Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately if the other commits a material breach and does not remedy it within [14] days of written notice.
12.5 On termination, the Specialist must complete paid Orders where appropriate, or cooperate with their orderly transfer or refund. The Platform will pay accrued payouts, less lawful deductions, within [number] business days after the last Case is closed. The profile will be removed from public view.
13. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTES
13.1 This Agreement is governed by the federal laws of the United Arab Emirates and the laws of the Emirate of Dubai.
13.2 The Parties will first try in good faith to resolve any dispute within [14] days after written notice. If the dispute is not resolved, the courts of Dubai have exclusive jurisdiction.
14. GENERAL
14.1 Entire agreement. This Agreement, together with the documents incorporated under clause 1.3, is the entire agreement between the Parties about its subject matter.
14.2 Changes. Changes to this Agreement, including Schedule 3, must be agreed in writing, or notified by the Platform under clause 6.1(g), in which case the Specialist may terminate before the change takes effect.
14.3 Assignment. The Specialist may not transfer this Agreement without the Platform's written consent. The Platform may transfer it as part of a restructuring or sale of the Platform business, provided the Specialist's accrued rights are not reduced.
14.4 Notices. Notices must be in writing and sent by e-mail to the addresses in clause 14.5 or Schedule 1. A notice is treated as received when sent, unless the sender receives a delivery failure message.
14.5 Platform notice details. support@advoassist.com | [Registered address].
14.6 Severability and waiver. If any provision is found invalid, the rest remains in force. A delay in exercising a right is not a waiver of it.
14.7 Electronic signature and counterparts. This Agreement may be signed electronically under Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services, and in counterparts.
SIGNATURES
| For the Platform | The Specialist |
|---|---|
| Name: | Name: |
| Title: | Licence No.: |
| Signature: | Signature: |
| Date: | Date: |
SCHEDULE 1 – SPECIALIST DETAILS
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full legal name / firm name | |
| Public nickname on AdvoAssist | |
| Real name may be shown publicly | [Yes / No] |
| Licence type, number and issuing authority | |
| Licence expiry date | |
| Licence tier on the Platform | |
| Emirates ID / passport number | |
| Emirate(s) of practice | |
| Professional indemnity insurer, policy number and cover | |
| VAT registration number (TRN) | |
| Bank name, account holder and IBAN for payouts | |
| E-mail for notices | |
| Mobile number (kept private) |
SCHEDULE 2 – SERVICES AND COVERAGE
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Practice areas | [e.g. family, inheritance, tenancy, criminal, employment, company formation, contracts, real estate, debt collection, trademarks] |
| Services offered | [consultations / full case handling / drafting and review / court representation / notarisation / certified translation] |
| Languages | [English / Arabic / Russian / other] |
| Format | [Online / in person / both] |
| Emirates covered for in-person work | |
| Working hours | |
| Emergency and out-of-hours Requests | |
| Auction invitations | |
| Maximum concurrent Cases (optional) |
SCHEDULE 3 – COMMERCIAL TERMS
| Item | Agreed terms |
|---|---|
| Specialist's fee | As shown for each Order and agreed individually; paid to the Specialist in full, with no commission deducted |
| Platform Fee (charged to the Client) | [____]% of the Specialist's fee, or [AED ____] per Order, added to the price shown to the Client and priced for each Order individually |
| Subscription (if any) | [AED _____ per month / year / None] |
| Pricing for fixed-price Services | As shown on the Platform, reviewed [quarterly] |
| Amount payable by the Specialist to the Platform | [None, apart from any subscription above] |
| Payout timing | Within [_____] business days after the guarantee period ends, or after any Arbitration is decided |
| Payout frequency | [Per Order / weekly / monthly] |
| Payout currency and method | AED, by bank transfer to the account in Schedule 1 |
| Pay Minimum assessment fee | [_____/ As agreed per Order] |
| Other charges | [_____] |
| Introductory terms (if any) | [_____] |
SCHEDULE 4 – SERVICE LEVELS
| Measure | Standard |
|---|---|
| First response to an accepted Order | Within [24] hours |
| Response to Emergency Requests (if opted in) | Within [15] minutes; attendance as soon as reasonably possible |
| Response to Client messages during an active Case | Within [1] business day |
| Punctuality | Join consultations on time; tell the Client and the Platform in advance of any delay |
| Cancellation rate | No more than [5]% of accepted Orders in any 3-month period |
| Average Client rating | At least [4.0] out of 5 over the last [20] reviews |
| Case status updates | At each milestone and at least every [7] days on active Cases |
| Guarantee period | Answer questions and correct omissions within 7 days of completion at no extra charge |
4.1 If the Specialist falls below these standards, the Platform will first give written feedback and a reasonable period to improve. Persistent failure may lead to reduced visibility, suspension or termination under clause 12.
SCHEDULE 5 – CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERTAKING
I, the Specialist named in this Agreement, undertake to the Platform that:
5.1 I will keep confidential all information about Clients, their matters, Communications and Documents, and all non-public information about the Platform, which I receive through AdvoAssist.
5.2 I will use that information only to provide Specialist Services on the relevant Case, and I will not copy, disclose or keep it except as required by my professional record-keeping obligations or by law.
5.3 If I am invited to a Quotation Request and am not selected, I will not keep, copy or use any document I saw during the auction.
5.4 I will ensure that any paralegal, assistant or colleague who helps me on a Case is bound by the same obligations, and I remain responsible for them.
5.5 I will tell the Platform immediately if I become aware of any unauthorised access to or disclosure of such information.
5.6 These obligations continue after I leave the Platform and are in addition to my duty of professional secrecy under UAE law.
| Specialist | Signature and date |
|---|---|
| [Full name] |
SCHEDULE 6 – ONBOARDING DOCUMENTS
The Specialist must provide copies of the following before the profile is published:
- Signed Specialist Agreement and completed application form
- Emirates ID or passport, and residence visa where applicable
- Current professional licence(s) and registration certificate(s)
- Degree certificates and other qualifications to be shown as "Verified"
- Professional indemnity insurance certificate (where required)
- Trade licence of the firm (where the Specialist contracts through a firm)
- VAT registration certificate (where registered)
- Bank account confirmation letter in the name of the Specialist or firm
- Profile details: nickname, biography, languages, practice areas and experience