Last updated: 16 June 2026
These Terms of Use govern your access to and use of the Howells Client Portal at hcp.howells.law (the “Portal”), a secure service operated by Howells Solicitors Limited (“Howells”, “we”, “us” or “our”). By signing in to and using the Portal you agree to these terms. If you do not agree to them, please do not use the Portal.
These terms govern your use of the Portal only. They do not replace the terms of business, client care letter or retainer that govern the legal services we provide to you. If there is any conflict between these terms and your client care letter or retainer, the latter prevails in respect of our legal services.
Access to the Portal is by invitation only and is provided to clients of Howells (and, where applicable, their authorised representatives) for the purpose of exchanging documents in connection with their matter. You may sign in using a Microsoft or Google account that has been granted access. We may grant, suspend, restrict or withdraw access to the Portal at any time, including where a matter has concluded or where we reasonably consider it necessary.
You are responsible for keeping your sign-in credentials secure and for all activity that takes place under your account. Do not share your credentials or allow anyone else to use your access. You must notify us promptly if you believe your account has been compromised or accessed without authorisation, or if you receive access to documents that do not relate to your matter.
You agree to use the Portal only for its intended purpose, and you must not:
We may scan, refuse, remove or quarantine any upload that breaches these terms or that we reasonably consider poses a risk.
The Portal lets you upload documents relating to your matter. Uploading a document makes it available to us for review; it does not by itself constitute formal service of a document, the giving of instructions, or completion of any step in your matter, and it does not create any deadline or obligation on us to act within a particular time. A document is only treated as received and actioned once the responsible fee earner has reviewed it. If a document is time-sensitive, please also contact your fee earner directly.
You confirm that you are entitled to share any document you upload and that the information you provide is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Documents we make available to you through the Portal are provided for your use in connection with your matter. They may be confidential and may be subject to legal professional privilege. You should not forward, publish or disclose them to others except as necessary for your matter or as required by law.
We aim to keep the Portal available but do not guarantee that it will be uninterrupted, error-free or free from delays. We may suspend access for maintenance, upgrades or for operational or security reasons. The Portal is a convenience for exchanging documents and should not be relied upon as the only means of communicating with us on urgent matters.
We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use and protect your information. Documents and information submitted through the Portal are stored within our secure systems and handled in line with that policy and our professional obligations of confidentiality.
The Portal, including its design, text and the Howells name and logo, is owned by or licensed to Howells and is protected by intellectual property rights. You may use the Portal only as permitted by these terms. You retain your rights in the documents you upload.
Nothing in these terms limits or excludes our liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud. Subject to that, the Portal is provided on an “as is” basis, and we are not liable for any loss arising from your use of, or inability to use, the Portal, or from any unauthorised access that occurs despite our reasonable security measures. Our liability for the legal services we provide is dealt with separately in your client care letter and terms of business.
We may update these terms from time to time. Where we do, we will update the “Last updated” date above, and your continued use of the Portal after any change means you accept the revised terms.
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of or in connection with them.
If you have any questions about the Portal or these terms, please contact your fee earner or get in touch via howells.law. Howells Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No 8007267). Registered office: 15–17 Bridge Street, Sheffield, S3 8NL.