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Terms & Conditions

Last updated: June 1, 2026

Welcome to The Marketplace! The following details the terms and conditions for use of the platform and services provided via www.thelawpracticeexchange.com and those services that The Law Practice Exchange, LLC (“LPE”) offer to you from time to time (collectively the “Marketplace”).

Please review these terms carefully. By use of the Marketplace, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions explained below and are agreeing to compensate LPE in the event an Achieved Relationship is attained with any party connected to you through the Marketplace, or by LPE directly to you for a business purpose.

Find Your Match with LPE’s Marketplace

Whether you’re looking to pass on your legal legacy or expand your professional horizons by acquiring a practice, LPE’s Marketplace was built for you and your selling or buying journey.

For more than a decade, LPE has been at the forefront of facilitating the purchase and sale of law practices. We take pride in well-understanding that no two practices or transactions are alike. Every practice and transaction is as distinct and specialized as the legal minds that drive them.

And most of all… The Marketplace is here for making those opportunities happen. LPE has invested years into creating The Marketplace to help bring the opportunities for buying and selling to lawyers across the country and beyond. The Marketplace has been built to take down traditional barriers to purchase and sale. Instead, the focus is to provide a great number of potential contacts and opportunities for those looking to purchase and sell law firms to find the right ‘match’ and the right plan to accomplish their buying or selling goals.

How Does the Marketplace Work?

The Purpose of a Marketplace for Lawyers and Law Firms

LPE has developed and maintains the Marketplace to assist lawyers, law firms, and other interested parties who desire to sell, buy, or achieve other valuable business relationships. The aim of the Marketplace is to help law firm owners find a broader array of continuation or succession partners for their law practices than those provided by traditional brokerage services. Our focus is on growing this Marketplace and the overall opportunities for lawyers to buy and sell law firms by providing a common place to search for mutual opportunities, coupled with the tools, resources, and assistance needed along the way to successfully complete those relationships.

Why an Exchange Fee?

To help grow this Marketplace it was important to remove one of the largest barriers sellers have in starting that process — upfront fees. As such, there are no upfront fees for joining The Marketplace as a buyer or seller. LPE has instead chosen not to charge its clients up-front fees, and instead only earns an exchange fee if an actual deal is achieved. Said another way, we earn compensation if, and only if, Marketplace clients successfully enter into a buy/sell relationship, or other business opportunity through participation in the Marketplace, or through LPE’s direct client introductions. By removing the upfront costs and reducing the overall success fees of traditional brokerages, LPE aims to greatly expand the array of mutually beneficial relationships available to lawyers, law firms and others to only pay for successful relationships, or for other services that further improve the likelihood of achieving a successful relationship.

How Does the Exchange Fee Work?

There is no initial fee to register as a buyer, seller, or other party with LPE, or on the Marketplace. An Exchange Fee of 1.5% of the Achieved Relationship (defined below) value is payable to LPE in the event you successfully close a transaction or relationship with an opportunity provided to you through The Marketplace, by LPE directly, or one that you bring to LPE for deal intermediation. It is payable at the commencement of that business relationship, or over time in accordance with terms outlined below.

When Is a Fee Not Payable To LPE?

If you don’t complete any business relationship or never pursue any opportunity, then no fee is due — a fee only becomes payable on achievement of that business relationship with a party introduced by The Marketplace, or by LPE to you. The Exchange Fee only applies to opportunities gleaned from or presented to you directly by the Marketplace, or by LPE, or if you specifically ask LPE to intermediate a deal.

Your Required Updates to LPE

By agreeing to the terms herein you are also agreeing and understand that you are required to provide timely updates to LPE on the status of any and all activities with a potential Candidate in the Marketplace. This allows LPE to continue to manage the overall Marketplace for every user and to track support and potential Exchange Fee.

Terms, Conditions & Fees for Use of The Marketplace

By use of the Marketplace and providing your consent hereto, you are acknowledging, accepting, and agreeing to all terms set forth herein as well as other conditions, procedures, and policies that may be published from time to time by LPE, each of which is incorporated by reference (“Terms”). Such Terms also include providing truthful and accurate responses to inquiries by LPE from time to time. LPE reserves the right to change the Terms, from time to time, upon notice to you and all users. By your acknowledgment of the Terms and other provisions hereof you are entering into an agreement with LPE on use of the Marketplace, which includes compensation that would be payable for any opportunities LPE may present to you (the “Agreement”).

You are requesting that LPE, through the Marketplace and/or otherwise on a non-exclusive basis, assist, promote, search, and/or make introductions or connections with law firms, individual lawyers, and other related advisors and businesses (“Candidate(s)”) to allow you to evaluate a potential business opportunity or other beneficial relationship with a Candidate.

In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in the Terms, the adequacy and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, you individually, and on behalf of any entity you represent, agree as follows:

  1. Introduction of Candidate(s). LPE, directly to you and through The Marketplace platform channels, will provide introductions or connections of Candidate(s) to you and the introduced parties to explore a business relationship, or any other alliance or structure which provides good and valuable consideration to or from Candidate(s) (“Services”). In doing so, LPE will not be responsible for any discovery or screening requirements such as financial review, practice discovery, background checks, law firm audits, conflict checks, case or any specialized audits/testing, or practice area specific checks, nor will it be responsible for negotiations, due diligence, closing or other aspects to help complete any relationship. Such duties shall all be your responsibility in exploring any specific opportunity presented, or LPE may be separately retained to do so.
  2. Bringing Together the Business Relationship with a Candidate. The goal of such Services and Candidate introductions is to help you and a Candidate create a potential Achieved Relationship.
  3. When an Exchange Fee is Payable. You must pay LPE an Exchange Fee in cash or certified funds in full when you begin an Achieved Relationship with a Candidate unless you have been approved for an Installment Payment Option (see below). This applies whether you finalize this relationship on your own, through a new company, or any other kind of partnership. LPE shall not be entitled to any Exchange Fee when you can demonstrate two-way direct communication with Candidate regarding pursuit of an Achieved Relationship prior to such Candidate being introduced to you by LPE. Additionally, for clarification purposes, an Exchange Fee shall be earned for any Achieved Relationship where you have introduced the Candidate to LPE and requested LPE’s time and assistance in advising and completing such Achieved Relationship.
  4. Non-Circumvention Obligation. By using the Marketplace or engaging with any Candidate or opportunity introduced by LPE, you agree not to circumvent LPE or its platform by attempting to complete or structure any Achieved Relationship outside of the scope of this Agreement, or in a manner that avoids payment of the Exchange Fee. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Communicating or negotiating directly with a Candidate without timely notice to LPE.
    • Transferring the Candidate or opportunity to a different entity or affiliate not listed under this Agreement.
    • Initiating or finalizing an Achieved Relationship outside The Marketplace or without disclosure to LPE.
    • Delaying or structuring a transaction to evade the Exchange Fee obligations.
    You acknowledge that the Exchange Fee applies to any Achieved Relationship facilitated by, introduced through, or made known via The Marketplace or LPE, regardless of how or when it is finalized, and whether or not LPE actively participated in ongoing discussions or closing of the deal.
  5. Mandatory Disclosure & Enforcement. You agree to notify LPE within five (5) business days if you:
    • Receive interest from, or initiate discussions with, a Candidate.
    • Enter into any form of preliminary agreement, Letter of Intent, employment discussion, or related document with a Candidate.
    • Commence an Achieved Relationship as defined herein.
    Failure to disclose such communications or transactions constitutes a material breach of this Agreement. In the event LPE discovers any such undisclosed activity, LPE reserves the right to:
    • Demand full payment of the applicable Exchange Fee immediately.
    • Assess liquidated damages equal to two times (2x) the Exchange Fee, in lieu of actual damages.
    • Pursue all legal remedies, including recovery of attorney’s fees, costs, and injunctive relief.
  6. Removal from Marketplace for Violation of Terms. This Agreement may be terminated by LPE at any time, at LPE’s sole discretion if LPE determines you have violated any Terms, been untruthful with any materials or information provided, violated LPE’s standard of professional conduct in the marketplace, or otherwise. Upon such termination, all services provided under this Agreement shall be immediately discontinued and any listing or other materials you have in the marketplace may be removed. LPE reserves the right to cease all related activities without prior notice or liability to any parties involved, but you may be held responsible for any improper actions, untruthful information, or otherwise.

Continuing Obligation of Confidentiality

LPE shall not disclose to any third party any Confidential Information received from you unless and until: (i) such disclosure is to a third party who has executed a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to LPE; (ii) LPE has obtained express prior written consent from you permitting such disclosure; or (iii) you have initiated the communication with such third party independently and without such agreement in place.

You agree to take all reasonable measures to safeguard the Confidential Information of yours, any Candidate, LPE, or third party disclosed in connection with this Agreement, including refraining from unauthorized disclosure or misuse of such Confidential Information for purposes outside the scope of this engagement.

These confidentiality obligations are in addition to, and shall not be construed to limit or replace, any other confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements executed between any party, whether previously or subsequently executed. The obligations herein shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

You further agree not to directly contact or attempt to enter into discussions, agreements, or business relationships with any Candidate, or third party introduced through LPE or The Marketplace without (i) using the provided means of doing so, (ii) full execution of a confidentiality agreement, and (iii) by providing requested updates to LPE for management of potential activities.

Defined Terms

Unless otherwise defined elsewhere in the Agreement, all capitalized terms used herein shall be as described below.

“Achieved Relationship” means the earlier of the: (i) finalization of the relationship agreements with a Candidate, (ii) closing of a purchase/acquisition/merger/employment/etc. or any other business agreement or structure with a Candidate, or (iii) the initial payment of any consideration to a Candidate. This shall be for any Candidate with which you, or any entity you represent, completes an Achieved Relationship, provided you learned of such opportunity via the Marketplace, or through LPE directly. You shall retain full authority to approve any terms and to agree to enter into an Achieved Relationship with any Candidate. Achieved Relationships with a Candidate may take various structures, but are usually one of the following: (i) Outright Sale or Purchase — an outright sale (or purchase) of assets (including personal and firm brands) to another attorney, law firm or other party as a buyer or successor for the purpose of continuing the practices; (ii) Merger/Joinder — a merger or joinder by Candidate or you, individually (and/or firm) with the other party to continue Candidate’s services; or (iii) Affiliation — an Of Counsel or other affiliation with a Candidate where you or Candidate joins the other to continue your, or Candidate’s practice with the support of the other’s resources until one decides to exit or retire.

An Achieved Relationship would include an acquisition, acquisition equivalent, merger, partnership, employment, contract, co-counsel, affiliated relationship, strategic alliance, business relationship, business arrangement, or portion of a similar relationship, as Achieved Relationship is intended to include all financial and/or business relationships between you and Candidate.

“Exchange Fee” refers to the compensation owed to LPE upon the commencement of an Achieved Relationship. At such time you and Candidate are both required to pay an Exchange Fee to LPE. Each party — you and the Candidate — must pay a fee of 1.50% of applicable Gross Revenues (as described below), resulting in a combined total fee of 3.00% paid to LPE for the established relationship. The specific obligations are as follows:

  • If you are the selling party, an outgoing owner, or hold a comparable position, your fee is calculated as 1.50% of your Gross Revenues.
  • If you represent the acquiring firm, the purchasing party, or the employer, or hold a similar status, your fee is also set at 1.50%, but it is based on the Candidate’s Gross Revenues.
  • In cases where it is not clear which party is the seller or the buyer, the fee of 1.50% will be calculated on the greater amount of reported Gross Revenues between you and Candidate.
  • Regardless of Gross Revenues the “Minimum Exchange Fee” shall be $5,000 for each party.

“Gross Revenues” refers to the total money earned through legal business operations, including all income, fees, and any other forms of revenue collected during the last complete fiscal year before an Achieved Relationship. This figure is usually found on the income statement or profit and loss statement, labeled as ‘gross revenues’, or ‘top line revenues’ in the tax documentation. You must share this information with LPE. However, if either LPE or you prefer, the amount can be taken from the “gross income” or “top line revenues” reported on the respective party’s tax return.

“Installment Payment Options” refers to when the financial structure of an Achieved Relationship includes installment-based or earnout payments extending more than twenty-four (24) months, and the total projected Exchange Fee due to LPE exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). In such events you may request approval from LPE to utilize one of the following Installment Payment Options. If approved by LPE in writing, you shall first remit the Minimum Exchange Fee and then the remaining balance of the Exchange Fee may be paid as follows:

Option 1 – Deferred Installment Plan (Available for Fees > $25,000). The remaining balance may be paid in 36 equal monthly payments, starting on the 1st calendar day of the month following the Achieved Relationship. Monthly auto-draft is required. Late payment of more than fifteen (15) days accelerates the entire outstanding balance.

Option 2 – Upfront Discounted Fee (All Deals). Client may elect to pay the full projected Exchange Fee within fifteen (15) days of closing, in exchange for a 20% reduction in the total fee due.

For Exchange Fees less than $25,000, LPE reserves the right to decline installment requests and may require full payment at Achieved Relationship. LPE has sole discretion to approve or modify payment terms. Any failure to comply with agreed installment terms shall trigger immediate acceleration of the full balance, plus interest and collection costs as outlined below.

“Confidential Information” shall include any proprietary information, in whatever form, that: (a) is provided to a party, including information regarding identification of any party as they relate to the purpose of the discussions as well as such party’s finances, prospects, clients, operations, products, employees, technologies, contact lists, and financial models (including not only written information but also information transferred verbally, visually, electronically or by any other means) that is not otherwise known, is proprietary or not available to the public; or (b) concerns any discussions and/or agreements that the parties may enter into; or (c) consists of any proprietary information which a party has and is not intended to be disclosed or used for competitive or public purposes. Confidential Information shall not include any information that: (i) is already known to the receiving party at the time of its disclosure; (ii) is or becomes publicly known to the receiving party through no wrongful act of theirs; (iii) is communicated to a third party with the express written consent of the disclosing party; or (iv) is lawfully required to be disclosed, provided that before making such disclosure the receiving party shall immediately give the other disclosing party (including LPE) written notice and cooperate in the disclosing party’s actions to assure confidential handling of such information. Furthermore, you agree not to utilize any Confidential Information or to otherwise solicit clients or employees of any disclosing party or LPE.

“Client” shall also be referenced throughout this Agreement as “you” or “your” and shall be defined by the signature below, but shall expressly include the individual, its law firm business and/or any newly created entities which may enter into an Achieved Relationship with a Candidate. In the event Client is intended to include multiple parties or joint representation then Client shall be used to collectively refer to all parties consenting to this Agreement.

Marketplace & Brokerage Standard Terms & Conditions

Your Assistance

You agree to cooperate and provide assistance to LPE so LPE can perform the Services efficiently. In particular you agree to provide complete and accurate information to LPE and to furnish LPE with any relevant records or documents which LPE may request, to be available upon reasonable notice for consultation, as may be necessary, to keep LPE advised of any changes of address or extended absences so that LPE may communicate readily with you, and otherwise to assist in the Services as LPE may request. As well, you shall provide LPE with access to your advisors and authority to communicate in regard to the Services as needed.

Providing Notice to LPE

You agree to notify LPE within five (5) business days via email (info@lawpractice.exchange) when any of the following events have occurred: (1) a party has submitted or the parties have entered into any preliminary agreement, terms or other understanding of the intended Achieved Relationship between you and a Candidate, and/or (2) the agreement or commencement of an Achieved Relationship, and/or (3) the exchange of funds or value between you and Candidate. This notice requirement shall include providing updates on timelines for completion of any Achieved Relationship, and if necessary, any offer terms, letters of intent, employment letters, agreements, financials, records, or other relevant materials related to the Achieved Relationship, Gross Revenues, and/or LPE’s fee determination as a result of any Achieved Relationship. In the event you fail to notify LPE of any Achieved Relationship within thirty (30) days after LPE submits such request to you, LPE reserves the right to double any fee amount specified above in addition to late payment interest and collection costs noted below.

Credit Card Authorization, Late Payment & Collection Costs

Any fee owed to LPE as a result of an Achieved Relationship shall be paid at time of Achieved Relationship unless other payment option is applicable and approved by LPE. Any invoiced monthly or other fees shall be paid within thirty (30) days of invoice. In the event payment is not received within such period, Client expressly authorizes LPE to charge any credit card or other electronic payment method previously provided by Client or used for any prior payment, for the full amount due, including any applicable interest or late fees. In the event you fail to make timely payment as required herein, then such amount shall bear interest at a rate of 8% or the applicable maximum legal rate, whichever is less until paid in full. In addition, LPE shall be entitled to all reasonable collection’s costs, including attorney’s fees and arbitration costs. LPE reserves the right to immediately discontinue services in the event of past-due payments.

Arbitration

Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of any judicial proceeding, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of, connected with, or relating to this Agreement (“Disputes”), between or among parties hereto shall be resolved by binding arbitration as provided herein. Institution of a judicial proceeding by a party does not waive the right of that party to demand arbitration hereunder. Disputes may include, without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, claims brought as class actions or claims concerning any aspect of the past, present or future relationships arising out of or connected with this Agreement. Arbitration shall be conducted under and governed by the Commercial Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the “Arbitration Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association and Title 9 of the U.S. Code. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in Wake County, North Carolina and judgment on any arbitration award may be entered in the courts of Wake County, North Carolina. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51, et seq. of the Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1 Million. All applicable statutes of limitation shall apply to any Dispute. A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

Claims & Indemnification

Each party agrees to indemnify and hold the other harmless with respect to any and all losses, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) which either party shall sustain as a result of the other’s negligent acts, errors, or omissions in carrying out the responsibilities in this Agreement. The indemnified party shall provide the indemnifying party with prompt written notice of any such indemnification claim. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree that the total for any claim you may bring against LPE for damages, however arising — including but not limited to LPE’s action, inaction, breach of contract, or negligence — shall not exceed the amount paid to LPE for any services rendered, or $50,000, whichever is greater.

No Waiver

The failure of any party hereto at any time to require performance of any provisions hereof shall in no manner affect the right to enforce the same. No waiver by any party hereto of any condition, or of the breach of any term, provision, warranty, representation, agreement or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in one or more instances shall be deemed or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of any other condition or of the breach of any other terms, provision, warranty, representation, agreement or covenant herein contained.

Termination

These Terms and the agreement herein may be terminated by providing notice to LPE (info@lawpractice.exchange), or by LPE providing such notice to you at such email on record with LPE. Termination shall not alter or change any terms regarding any Achieved Relationship earned fees, or other compensation that LPE may be owed.

Real Property Brokerage

If any party desires to sell any real property owned by it or a related entity LPE will provide such party with a trusted real estate broker licensed in such jurisdiction of the real property for transacting the sale thereof. Such terms and services will be agreed to by and between such party and such licensed real estate professional and will not be part of the services or compensation under this Agreement.

Cooperating Brokers

You understand that LPE works and has affiliations with brokers in various states and jurisdictions in which LPE operates. As required in certain jurisdictions, LPE’s services are limited to consulting and advisory with such affiliate broker providing any such brokerage, escrow and closing services. You acknowledge that this may require separate engagement of such cooperating broker and you, but in no way shall you be obligated for more than the amounts agreed to hereunder.

No Legal or Tax Services

This Agreement does not involve broker–dealer security services, real estate brokerage services, certified appraisals, accounting, tax, or legal services and LPE is not being engaged to serve in any such capacity. As such, LPE will not be involved with any legal drafting of agreements, tax advising or services which fall under professional licensure of those required professionals. You acknowledge being advised by LPE to have an independent business valuation and perform an independent analysis of any and all opinions of value, or otherwise provided by LPE, as well as to seek advice of legal counsel and tax advice before entering into any Achieved Relationship. You also understand and agree that the services provided by LPE shall be solely for your benefit and are limited in scope to the specific purposes outlined. As such, LPE makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the services provided to third parties or for purposes beyond the scope outlined.

Common Financial Interest

LPE may have a shared financial interest or compensation arrangement with certain outside resources which LPE may refer you to from time to time. By choosing to work with such outside provider you understand that such individual or company has a common financial interest with LPE through contractual and financial relationships and as such, any associated revenues earned by such provider from your relationship may also benefit LPE. Under no circumstances are you obligated to use any suggested provider. Instead, you are free to use, or not use, such providers recommended in your sole discretion.

No Partnership

LPE, its agents, and employees will perform their duties and obligations under this Agreement as independent contractors. Nothing contained in this Agreement will be construed as creating an employment, agency, partnership, joint owner, or joint venture relationship between the parties.

Governing Law / Venue & Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflicts of laws rules. You and LPE hereby irrevocably submit to the sole and exclusive venue and jurisdiction of the courts sitting in Wake County, North Carolina for any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any related transaction between you and LPE, and any Candidate. Except as otherwise required by the Arbitration provision herein you hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which may now or hereafter be made to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Counterparts / Copies / Signature

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one in the same instrument. A facsimile, e-signature or copy of this Agreement is legal and binding and it may be signed in counterparts.

E-Signature

An e-signature or copy of these accepted Terms is legal and binding and it may be signed in counterparts.

Dated as of the date of consent hereto (“Effective Date”).

SMS / Text Messaging Program

Program description. If you provide your mobile phone number to The Law Practice Exchange, you consent to receive account-related text messages (SMS) from The Law Practice Exchange, such as one-time verification codes and account or transaction notifications, sent to the number you provide.

Message frequency. Message frequency varies based on your account activity. Message and data rates may apply.

How to get help and opt out. Reply HELP to any message for help, or contact us at info@lawpractice.exchange. Reply STOP at any time to cancel and stop receiving text messages.

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Your mobile information and consent will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. For details on how we handle your information, see our Privacy Policy.

Contact

Questions about these Terms may be directed to LPE at info@lawpractice.exchange.