Terms of Service

1. Definitions

The following definitions apply throughout these Terms of Service ("Terms"):

• "Platform" refers to the CourtCounsel website at courtcounsel.ai, the CourtCounsel mobile application, and all related services, APIs, features, and tools.
• "Company," "we," "us," or "our" refers to HBZ Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company doing business as CourtCounsel, with its principal office at 7901 4th St N STE 300, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.
• "Client" refers to any law firm, AI legal services company, solo practitioner, or other organization that posts appearance requests on the Platform.
• "Attorney" refers to any licensed attorney who registers on the Platform to accept and fulfill court appearance requests.
• "User" refers to any individual or entity that accesses or uses the Platform, whether as a Client, Attorney, or visitor.
• "Appearance" refers to an in-person court appearance posted on the Platform by a Client and fulfilled by an Attorney.
• "Outcome Report" refers to the detailed post-appearance report submitted by the Attorney documenting the hearing result, presiding judge, orders entered, documents filed, next hearing date, and recommended next steps.
• "Appearance Fee" refers to the total amount paid by a Client for a completed Appearance, inclusive of the Attorney's compensation and the Platform Service Fee.
• "Platform Service Fee" refers to the percentage or fixed amount retained by CourtCounsel from each Appearance Fee for providing marketplace services.

2. Nature of the Platform

CourtCounsel operates an online marketplace that facilitates connections between Clients who need in-person court appearance coverage and Attorneys who can provide it. Our role is limited to:

• Providing a platform for posting and accepting appearance requests
• Verifying Attorney credentials (bar license, malpractice insurance, background check)
• Facilitating matching based on jurisdiction, location, availability, and qualifications
• Processing payments between Clients and Attorneys via Stripe Connect
• Delivering Outcome Reports from Attorneys to Clients
• Maintaining a rating and review system for quality feedback

The attorney-client relationship, to the extent one exists for any particular Appearance, is solely between the Attorney and the Client (or the Client's end customer). CourtCounsel is not a party to that relationship and has no fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty, or duty of competence with respect to the legal services performed.

3. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Platform, creating an account, or clicking "I Agree" (or similar acceptance mechanism), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any additional terms, policies, or guidelines referenced herein or published on the Platform.

If you are using the Platform on behalf of an organization (such as a law firm or legal services company), you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms, and "you" and "your" refer to both you individually and the organization.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

4. Eligibility

4.1 Attorney Eligibility

To register and use the Platform as an Attorney, you must:

• Hold an active, unrestricted license to practice law in at least one U.S. state or territory
• Be in good standing with every bar association in which you are admitted, with no pending disciplinary actions that would affect your ability to practice
• Maintain active professional malpractice insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements specified in Section 10
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Provide accurate, complete, and current verification information during onboarding and on an ongoing basis
• Successfully complete the CourtCounsel onboarding process, including identity verification and background check
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts

4.2 Client Eligibility

To register and use the Platform as a Client, you must:

• Be a law firm, AI legal services company, solo practitioner, or other organization legally authorized to engage appearance counsel or coverage attorneys
• Have the legal authority to share case information with an appearance attorney and to authorize limited scope representation where applicable
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age (if an individual) or a validly formed entity (if an organization)
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts and to authorize payments

Individual consumers seeking personal legal representation should consult a licensed attorney directly and may not use the Platform to find personal legal counsel.

5. Account Registration and Security

When you create an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep it updated
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Immediately notify CourtCounsel of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security
• Not share your account credentials with any third party or allow others to access your account
• Accept responsibility for all activity that occurs under your account

CourtCounsel reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that contain inaccurate or outdated information, or that we reasonably believe have been compromised.

6. Attorney Verification and Compliance

CourtCounsel verifies Attorney bar status, malpractice insurance, and conducts background screening as part of our onboarding process and on an ongoing basis. Attorneys are required to:

• Maintain an active bar license and malpractice insurance at all times while registered on the Platform
• Immediately notify CourtCounsel (within twenty-four (24) hours) of any change in bar status, disciplinary action, malpractice claim, insurance coverage lapse, or criminal charge
• Comply with all applicable rules of professional conduct in each jurisdiction where they accept Appearances
• Comply with all applicable state bar rules regarding limited scope representation, appearance counsel, and coverage attorney arrangements
• Cooperate with re-verification requests and periodic compliance checks
• Promptly update all profile information when changes occur

Failure to maintain eligibility requirements or to provide timely notification of changes will result in immediate suspension from the Platform and may result in permanent removal.

7. Attorney Independent Contractor Status

Attorneys on the Platform are independent contractors, not employees, agents, partners, or joint venturers of CourtCounsel. This Section establishes and clarifies the independent contractor relationship:

• No employment relationship. Nothing in these Terms creates an employer-employee relationship between CourtCounsel and any Attorney. CourtCounsel does not control or direct the manner, method, or means by which an Attorney performs professional services.
• Professional independence. Attorneys exercise independent professional judgment in all aspects of each Appearance, including legal strategy, courtroom presentation, and professional conduct. CourtCounsel does not provide legal supervision or direction.
• Discretion to accept or decline. Attorneys have complete discretion to accept or decline any Appearance request. There is no minimum number of Appearances required, no exclusivity requirement, and no obligation to be available at any particular time.
• Freedom to work for others. Attorneys may simultaneously use competing platforms, maintain their own practice, and accept work from any source without restriction.
• Own tools and expenses. Attorneys are responsible for their own tools, equipment, transportation, parking, professional attire, bar dues, malpractice insurance, and all other expenses associated with their practice.
• Tax responsibility. Attorneys are solely responsible for payment of all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, including self-employment taxes. CourtCounsel will issue IRS Form 1099-NEC for payments exceeding the applicable reporting threshold. CourtCounsel does not withhold income taxes, Social Security, Medicare, or any other payroll taxes from Attorney payments.
• No benefits. Attorneys are not eligible for and will not receive any employee benefits from CourtCounsel, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, workers' compensation, or unemployment insurance.

By registering as an Attorney on the Platform, you acknowledge and agree to this independent contractor classification and waive any claim of employment against CourtCounsel.

8. Attorney Obligations

By registering as an Attorney on the Platform and accepting Appearances, you agree to:

8.1 Professional Standards

• Provide accurate and current information about your credentials, availability, courthouse familiarity, and areas of practice
• Appear at all accepted court dates on time, professionally dressed, and adequately prepared
• Review all case materials provided by the Client prior to the Appearance and request any additional information needed
• Act in accordance with all applicable rules of professional conduct and the highest standards of professional ethics
• Comply with the specific scope of representation defined by the Client for each Appearance

8.2 Reporting and Communication

• Submit timely and accurate Outcome Reports following each Appearance (see Section 13)
• Maintain open communication with the Client throughout the Appearance process
• Promptly notify both the Platform and the Client if you are unable to fulfill an accepted Appearance, with maximum possible advance notice
• Report any conflicts of interest immediately upon discovery

8.3 Confidentiality

• Maintain the confidentiality of all case-related information in accordance with your professional obligations
• Not use case information obtained through the Platform for any purpose other than performing the specific Appearance
• Not disclose case information to any third party except as required by law or professional rules

9. Client Obligations

By using the Platform as a Client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information for each Appearance request, including case materials, hearing details, court location, judge information, and specific instructions for the Attorney
• Supply all relevant case materials to the assigned Attorney in a timely manner (at least forty-eight (48) hours before the Appearance when possible, and no later than twenty-four (24) hours before absent exigent circumstances)
• Pay for completed Appearances in full according to the agreed-upon rate and these Terms
• Not request or direct an Attorney to engage in conduct that would violate any rule of professional conduct or any law
• Acknowledge that CourtCounsel is a marketplace and does not guarantee specific hearing outcomes, attorney availability, or the quality of any Attorney's professional services
• Ensure that the Appearance arrangement complies with all applicable rules regarding limited scope representation, appearance counsel, and coverage attorney relationships in the relevant jurisdiction
• Provide appropriate authorization for the Attorney to appear on behalf of the Client or Client's end customer, including any required filings (e.g., notice of limited scope appearance)

10. Malpractice Insurance Requirements

All Attorneys registered on the Platform must maintain active professional malpractice insurance with the following minimum requirements:

• Minimum coverage: $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate (or such higher amounts as CourtCounsel may specify for specific Appearance categories)
• Coverage type: Claims-made or occurrence-based professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Scope: Policy must cover court appearance and limited scope representation work performed through the Platform
• Carrier requirements: Insurance must be issued by a carrier rated A- or better by AM Best (or equivalent rating)

Attorneys must:

• Upload proof of insurance during onboarding and upon each renewal
• Notify CourtCounsel immediately upon any lapse, cancellation, non-renewal, or material change in coverage
• Maintain tail coverage (if on a claims-made policy) for a period of at least two (2) years after last using the Platform

An insurance lapse of any duration will result in immediate suspension from the Platform. The Attorney will not be eligible to accept new Appearances until valid insurance is restored and verified.

11. Fees, Payment, and Stripe Connect

11.1 Appearance Fees

Clients are charged per Appearance at rates that vary based on case type, complexity, jurisdiction, geographic area, urgency, and other factors. The total Appearance Fee is displayed when posting an Appearance request and must be confirmed by the Client before an Appearance is accepted. All prices are in U.S. dollars.

11.2 Platform Service Fee

CourtCounsel retains a Platform Service Fee from each transaction, which represents the fee for providing marketplace services (matching, verification, payment processing, dispute resolution, and platform maintenance). The Platform Service Fee percentage or amount is disclosed to both the Client and the Attorney before any engagement is confirmed. The Attorney's net compensation after the Platform Service Fee is clearly displayed before the Attorney accepts an Appearance.

11.3 Payment Processing via Stripe Connect

All payment processing is handled through Stripe Connect, a marketplace payment solution operated by Stripe, Inc. By using the Platform:

• Clients authorize CourtCounsel to charge their payment method (credit card, debit card, or ACH) at the time of booking. Funds are held by Stripe until the Appearance is completed and an Outcome Report is approved.
• Attorneys must create a Stripe Connect account during onboarding to receive payments. By creating a Stripe Connect account, Attorneys agree to Stripe's Connected Account Agreement, including the Stripe Terms of Service.
• Attorney payments are disbursed via direct deposit within five (5) business days of Outcome Report approval.
• All Stripe fees are included in the Platform Service Fee; neither Clients nor Attorneys are charged additional payment processing fees.

11.4 Taxes

Attorneys are responsible for all applicable taxes on their earnings. CourtCounsel will issue IRS Form 1099-NEC to Attorneys whose annual payments meet or exceed the applicable reporting threshold. Clients are responsible for any applicable sales or use taxes in their jurisdiction; CourtCounsel will collect and remit sales tax where required by law.

11.5 Subscription Pricing

High-volume Clients may be eligible for subscription or volume-based pricing arrangements. Subscription terms are governed by a separate agreement that supplements these Terms.

12. Cancellation Policy

12.1 Client Cancellations

• More than 48 hours before: Full refund, no cancellation fee.
• 24-48 hours before: Refund minus a 25% cancellation fee (paid to the Attorney for preparation time).
• Less than 24 hours before: Refund minus a 50% cancellation fee (paid to the Attorney).
• No-show by Client (hearing cancelled without notice): No refund; full Appearance Fee is payable.

12.2 Attorney Cancellations

• More than 48 hours before: No penalty; CourtCounsel will attempt to find a replacement Attorney.
• 24-48 hours before: Warning and reduced matching priority for 30 days.
• Less than 24 hours before: Financial penalty of up to $250, significant matching priority reduction, and possible suspension pending review.
• No-show (failure to appear): Immediate suspension pending investigation. Financial penalty of the full Appearance Fee. Three no-shows result in permanent removal from the Platform.

12.3 Emergency and Court-Ordered Cancellations

Court-ordered cancellations, continuances, or case dispositions occurring after booking are handled on a case-by-case basis without penalty to either party. Emergency cancellations due to medical emergency, natural disaster, or other force majeure events will be handled equitably.

13. Outcome Reports and Post-Appearance Obligations

Attorneys are required to submit a comprehensive Outcome Report following every Appearance. The Outcome Report must include:

• Hearing result and disposition (e.g., continued, granted, denied, settled)
• Presiding judge name and courtroom
• All orders entered or rulings made
• Documents filed during or in connection with the Appearance
• Next hearing date, if any, and any deadlines set by the court
• Recommended action items and next steps for the Client
• Any unusual circumstances or developments

Outcome Reports are due within four (4) hours of the conclusion of the Appearance unless a different deadline is agreed upon in advance. Late submission of Outcome Reports may result in delayed payment, reduced matching priority, and, for repeated violations, suspension from the Platform.

Payment will not be released until an Outcome Report has been submitted and either approved by the Client or automatically approved after forty-eight (48) hours without Client objection.

Outcome Reports are confidential documents shared only between the Attorney and the Client involved in that specific Appearance. See Section 14 for confidentiality obligations.

14. Confidentiality of Case Information

All case-related information shared through the Platform, including case materials, hearing details, attorney-client communications, and Outcome Reports, is treated as confidential. All Users agree to:

• Use case information solely for the purpose of the specific Appearance for which it was provided
• Not disclose case information to any person or entity not directly involved in the Appearance, except as required by law, court order, or applicable rules of professional conduct
• Implement reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality and security of case information in their possession
• Promptly return or destroy case materials upon completion of the Appearance, or as directed by the Client

CourtCounsel personnel do not access case-specific legal content except (a) when necessary to resolve a formal dispute between a Client and an Attorney, and then only to the minimum extent required, or (b) as required by law or legal process. CourtCounsel does not use case information for any purpose beyond facilitating the specific Appearance.

15. Marketplace Liability Limitations

CourtCounsel is a marketplace facilitator, not a provider of legal services. As such:

• CourtCounsel is not liable for the professional conduct, performance, skill, or quality of work of any Attorney on the Platform.
• CourtCounsel is not liable for the outcome of any court Appearance, hearing, motion, or legal proceeding facilitated through the Platform.
• CourtCounsel is not liable for the accuracy, completeness, or sufficiency of case materials provided by Clients or Outcome Reports submitted by Attorneys.
• CourtCounsel is not liable for any act or omission of any Attorney that constitutes malpractice, negligence, or a violation of professional conduct rules.
• CourtCounsel is not liable for any failure by an Attorney to comply with limited scope representation rules or appearance counsel requirements in any jurisdiction.
• CourtCounsel does not guarantee Attorney availability, matching speed, or that a suitable Attorney will be available for any particular Appearance request.
• Any disputes regarding professional conduct should be directed to the appropriate state bar disciplinary authority.
• Any claims for malpractice should be directed to the Attorney's malpractice insurance carrier.

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, COURTCOUNSEL, HBZ HOLDINGS, LLC, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS (COLLECTIVELY, THE "COURTCOUNSEL PARTIES") SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY:

• INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND
• LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES
• DAMAGES ARISING FROM (A) YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM; (B) ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY ATTORNEY OR CLIENT ON THE PLATFORM; (C) ANY UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR USE OF OUR SERVERS OR PERSONAL INFORMATION; (D) THE OUTCOME OF ANY COURT APPEARANCE FACILITATED THROUGH THE PLATFORM; (E) ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INACCURACIES IN ANY OUTCOME REPORT; (F) ANY MALPRACTICE, NEGLIGENCE, OR PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT BY ANY ATTORNEY; OR (G) ANY INTERRUPTION, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION OF THE PLATFORM

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF THE COURTCOUNSEL PARTIES EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID BY YOU TO COURTCOUNSEL IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).

THESE LIMITATIONS APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE) AND EVEN IF THE COURTCOUNSEL PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. In those jurisdictions, the limitations above shall apply to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the CourtCounsel Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of or access to the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law, regulation, or rule of professional conduct
• Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or contractual rights
• Any content, materials, or information you submit, post, or transmit through the Platform
• Any Appearance you perform or request through the Platform, including any claims of malpractice, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, or professional misconduct
• Your failure to maintain required credentials, insurance, or professional standing
• Any dispute between you and another User of the Platform
• Your misclassification claims (if applicable) related to your independent contractor status

CourtCounsel reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, in which event you will cooperate fully with CourtCounsel in asserting any available defenses.

18. Binding Arbitration

18.1 Agreement to Arbitrate

You and CourtCounsel agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Platform, or any Appearance facilitated through the Platform (collectively, "Disputes") shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding individual arbitration, rather than in court, except that either party may bring a claim in small claims court if it qualifies.

18.2 Arbitration Rules and Procedures

Arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") in accordance with the AAA's Consumer Arbitration Rules (if you are an individual) or Commercial Arbitration Rules (if you are an organization), as applicable. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator with experience in technology marketplace disputes or legal industry matters.

18.3 Location and Format

The arbitration shall be conducted in Pinellas County, Florida, unless you and CourtCounsel agree otherwise. For claims under $25,000, the arbitration may be conducted entirely via documents or teleconference at the election of either party.

18.4 Costs

CourtCounsel will pay all AAA filing fees, administration fees, and arbitrator fees for claims under $75,000, unless the arbitrator finds the claim was frivolous. For claims of $75,000 or more, the AAA fee schedule shall apply. Each party shall bear its own attorneys' fees, unless applicable law or the arbitrator's award provides otherwise.

18.5 Arbitrator's Authority

The arbitrator shall have exclusive authority to resolve all disputes regarding the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this arbitration agreement, including whether a dispute is subject to arbitration. The arbitrator may award any relief that would be available in court, including injunctive or declaratory relief, but only on an individual basis.

18.6 Opt-Out Right

You may opt out of this arbitration provision by sending written notice to legal@courtcounsel.ai within thirty (30) days of first accepting these Terms. The opt-out notice must include your name, address, email, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out of the arbitration provision. If you opt out, you and CourtCounsel agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Pinellas County, Florida.

18.7 Exceptions

Notwithstanding the above, the following are not subject to arbitration:

• Claims for injunctive or equitable relief to protect intellectual property rights or to prevent unauthorized use of the Platform
• Claims brought in small claims court that qualify under that court's jurisdictional requirements
• Matters that must be submitted to state bar disciplinary authorities by law or rule of professional conduct

19. Class Action Waiver

YOU AND COURTCOUNSEL AGREE THAT EACH PARTY MAY BRING DISPUTES AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS ACTION, COLLECTIVE ACTION, PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION, OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE MORE THAN ONE PERSON'S CLAIMS AND MAY NOT OTHERWISE PRESIDE OVER ANY FORM OF A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

If a court or arbitrator determines that this class action waiver is unenforceable as to a particular claim or request for relief, then the parties agree that such claim or request for relief shall be severed from the arbitration and may proceed in a court of competent jurisdiction in Pinellas County, Florida, while all remaining claims shall continue in arbitration.

20. Dispute Resolution Between Users

20.1 Platform Dispute Process

Disputes between Clients and Attorneys regarding the quality of an Appearance, Outcome Report accuracy, cancellation disputes, or other service matters should first be raised through the Platform's built-in dispute resolution process:

1. Filing: Either party may file a dispute within fourteen (14) days of the Appearance or triggering event.
2. Response: The other party has five (5) business days to respond to the dispute with their account of the matter.
3. Review: CourtCounsel will review the dispute, including any evidence submitted by both parties, and make a determination within ten (10) business days.
4. Resolution: CourtCounsel may issue a full refund, partial refund, additional payment to the Attorney, rating adjustment, warning, suspension, or other remediation as appropriate.

20.2 Scope of CourtCounsel's Role

CourtCounsel's dispute resolution is limited to Platform-related matters (payment disputes, cancellation disagreements, Outcome Report disputes, and service quality concerns). CourtCounsel does not adjudicate claims of malpractice, professional misconduct, or violations of professional rules of conduct. Such matters should be directed to the appropriate state bar disciplinary authority and/or the Attorney's malpractice insurance carrier.

20.3 Finality

CourtCounsel's dispute resolution decisions are final and binding as to Platform-related remedies (refunds, penalties, suspension). These decisions do not affect either party's rights to pursue claims through arbitration (under Section 18) or through bar disciplinary processes.

21. Intellectual Property and DMCA

21.1 CourtCounsel Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, code, algorithms, features, brand elements, logos, trademarks, service marks, trade names, and all original content, are the exclusive property of HBZ Holdings, LLC and are protected by U.S. and international copyright, trademark, patent, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the Platform without our prior written consent.

"CourtCounsel" and related logos are trademarks of HBZ Holdings, LLC. You may not use these marks without prior written permission.

21.2 User Content

Users retain ownership of content they submit to the Platform (profiles, case materials, Outcome Reports, reviews, etc.). By submitting content to the Platform, you grant CourtCounsel a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content solely for the purpose of operating and improving the Platform. This license does not apply to confidential case materials or Outcome Reports, which are governed by Section 14.

21.3 DMCA Notice

If you believe that content on the Platform infringes your copyright, you may submit a notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 512) to our designated agent:

DMCA Agent
HBZ Holdings, LLC
7901 4th St N STE 300
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Email: dmca@courtcounsel.ai

Your notice must include: (1) identification of the copyrighted work; (2) identification of the infringing material and its location on the Platform; (3) your contact information; (4) a statement of good faith belief that the use is not authorized; (5) a statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner; and (6) your physical or electronic signature.

22. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

• Using the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Circumventing the Platform to arrange Appearances directly with users you met through the Platform, thereby avoiding Platform fees ("platform circumvention")
• Providing false, misleading, or fraudulent information, including misrepresentation of credentials, qualifications, or bar status
• Impersonating any person or entity or misrepresenting your affiliation
• Interfering with or disrupting the Platform's operation, servers, or networks
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Platform, other accounts, or computer systems
• Scraping, crawling, or using automated means to access the Platform without prior written consent
• Posting or transmitting viruses, malware, or other harmful code
• Harassing, intimidating, or threatening any other User
• Soliciting other Users for commercial purposes outside the Platform
• Manipulating the rating or review system through fake reviews, coordinated reviews, or review exchanges
• Using case information obtained through the Platform for any unauthorized purpose
• Sharing login credentials or allowing unauthorized access to your account

Violation of these prohibitions may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account, forfeiture of pending payments, and legal action.

23. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law principles. For any matters not subject to arbitration under Section 18, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Pinellas County, Florida.

The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods does not apply to these Terms.

24. Termination and Suspension

24.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at support@courtcounsel.ai or through your account settings. If you have pending Appearances, you must fulfill them or arrange cancellation in accordance with Section 12 before account closure. Outstanding payment obligations survive termination.

24.2 Termination or Suspension by CourtCounsel

We may suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform, in whole or in part, at our sole discretion, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms or any Platform policy
• Loss of bar license, malpractice insurance, or other eligibility requirements
• Fraudulent, illegal, or harmful conduct
• Repeated late cancellations, no-shows, or poor performance ratings
• Failure to cooperate with verification or compliance requests
• Inactivity for a period exceeding twelve (12) months
• At our sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, upon thirty (30) days' notice

24.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access and use the Platform ceases immediately
• Outstanding payment obligations for completed Appearances survive termination
• Confidentiality obligations under Section 14 survive indefinitely
• Indemnification obligations under Section 17 survive for the applicable statute of limitations
• The arbitration and class action waiver provisions (Sections 18-19) survive termination
• All limitation of liability provisions (Section 16) survive termination
• Data retention is governed by our Privacy Policy

25. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes:

• We will update the "Effective Date" and "Last Updated" dates at the top of this page
• We will post a prominent notice on the Platform for at least thirty (30) days
• We will send email notification to all registered Users
• For changes to the arbitration clause or class action waiver, we will provide at least sixty (60) days' notice

Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Platform and may terminate your account.

26. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, shall be severed from these Terms. The invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

27. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies or agreements referenced herein or agreed to through the Platform, constitute the entire agreement between you and CourtCounsel regarding your use of the Platform. These Terms supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, and warranties, whether written or oral, regarding the subject matter hereof.

28. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or any rights or obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, without our prior written consent. Any attempted assignment without consent shall be void. CourtCounsel may assign these Terms, in whole or in part, without restriction, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganization, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets.

29. Waiver

The failure of CourtCounsel to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. A waiver of any term or condition shall not be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or any other term or condition. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of CourtCounsel.

30. Force Majeure

CourtCounsel shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms if such delay or failure results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, war, terrorism, riots, government actions, power failures, internet or telecommunications failures, cyberattacks, or labor disputes. In the event of a force majeure event, CourtCounsel's obligations shall be suspended for the duration of the event.

31. Notices

All notices required or permitted under these Terms shall be in writing. Notices to CourtCounsel shall be sent to legal@courtcounsel.ai or to our physical address listed below. Notices to Users shall be sent to the email address associated with their account or posted on the Platform. Notices are deemed received upon delivery (for email) or upon posting (for Platform notices).

32. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

CourtCounsel (a product of HBZ Holdings, LLC)
7901 4th St N STE 300
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Legal Inquiries: legal@courtcounsel.ai
General Support: support@courtcounsel.ai
General Inquiries: info@courtcounsel.ai