Transparency Charter

Equilex Arbitration & Consulting – Independent Legal Services

Last updated: [07-09-2025]

1. Legal Status and Identity

I, Rafiek Madani, operate as an independent legal consultant under the trade name Equilex Arbitration & Consulting, registered in Belgium with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) 0562.766.581.

I am not a lawyer (avocat / advocaat) and I am not registered with any Bar Association in Belgium or abroad.

My services fall outside the scope of legal representation and are provided in full compliance with Belgian law and professional ethics.

2. Scope and Limitations of Services

In accordance with Belgian law, I offer legal services within the following self-imposed boundaries:

2.1 What I do:

• Provide legal information, analysis, and clarification of documents and rights;
  
  

• Draft and explain contracts, letters, and legal templates;
  
  

• Assist with consumer disputes, commercial matters, digital law, and legal compliance;
  
  

• Offer guidance to individuals and small businesses on legal risks and options;
  
  

• Help clients understand procedures and identify appropriate actions;
  
  

• Refer clients to relevant professionals when necessary.
  
  

2.2 What I do not do:

• I do not represent clients before courts or administrative authorities;
  
  

• I do not draft or sign legal pleadings or procedural acts for judicial use;
  
  

• I do not practice criminal law, tax law, or notarial law;
  
  

• I do not engage in any form of litigation or arbitration as counsel;
  
  

• I do not substitute or replace the role of a registered lawyer;
  
  

• I do not guarantee results, as legal outcomes depend on many external factors.
  
  

3. Target Audience and Territorial Limits

My services are intended for:

• Individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organisations;
  
  

• Clients seeking assistance on Belgian or European legal matters;
  
  

• Clients based in Belgium or abroad (expatriates, cross-border situations).
  
  

I do not provide legal advice under foreign jurisdictions (e.g. French, Spanish, Dutch law), except as part of comparative or informational analysis.

4. Confidentiality and Ethics

Confidentiality and professional ethics are at the heart of my practice.

• All communications, documents, and exchanges are strictly confidential;
  
  

• No data is shared with third parties without your explicit consent, unless required by law;
  
  

• All personal data is retained for a maximum of one (1) month after case closure, then permanently deleted unless legal retention is required;
  
  

• I conduct a screening process prior to accepting any collaboration;
  
  

• I refuse all services that may:
  
  

  • Violate applicable laws or regulations;
    
    

  • Support unlawful, fraudulent, or morally objectionable behaviour;
    
    

  • Involve conflicts of interest with other clients or parties.
    
    

5. Work Methods and Payment Terms

• Services are delivered by email, phone, or scheduled appointment only;
  
  

• I require basic client identification before engaging: name, address, date of birth, ID copy;
  
  

• Each file is opened upon confirmation and acceptance of terms;
  
  

• A unique reference code or file number is assigned for traceability;
  
  

• Invoices are issued in advance or upon service confirmation;
  
  

• Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, Payconiq, or PayPal;
  
  

• No physical or cash payments are accepted;
  
  

• Each legal issue is treated as a separate and closed file;
  
  

• Files are archived for one (1) month, then securely destroyed.
  
  

6. Pricing and Transparency of Costs

My pricing is adapted to ensure accessibility and fairness:

• Fixed fees per service (consultation, drafting, analysis, etc.);
  
  

• No hidden costs or abusive billing practices;
  
  

• The opening of a file includes internal communication time (calls, emails, notes);
  
  

• No interest is charged in case of delay, but unpaid invoices may be transferred to an external collection agency (e.g. unpaid.be);
  
  

• Any refusal to pay after two reminders will result in suspension of further services.
  
  

A complete pricing list is available upon request or on my website.

7. Moral Commitment and Social Responsibility

• I commit to an ethical, independent, and transparent legal practice;
  
  

• I do not serve clients who seek to use the law to harm others unfairly;
  
  

• I act as a legal consultant, not as a mouthpiece or executor of personal revenge;
  
  

• I encourage amicable settlement, proportionality, and clarity in legal relations;
  
  

• I support access to justice, legal literacy, and social awareness through my work.
  
  

8. Final Clause

By contacting me and using my services, you acknowledge and accept the scope, limitations, and values of my practice as set out in this Charter.