Partner-led, start to finish
Every engagement at The Stilwell Group runs through a managing principal. There is no junior staffing, no hand-off after the pitch, and no account management layer between you and the people doing the work. When you engage the firm, you have direct access to the principal responsible for the engagement from the first conversation to the last deliverable.
Engagements are initiated by introduction or direct inquiry. We do not solicit work and we maintain a limited number of active engagements at any given time to preserve that standard.
The governing document
All formal engagements are governed by a written engagement letter executed by both parties. The engagement letter specifies scope, fees, deliverables, timeline, and any applicable limitations. In the event of conflict between these general terms and the engagement letter, the engagement letter controls.
We do not begin substantive work without a signed engagement letter. Exploratory conversations and introductory calls are not engagements and do not create a client relationship.
Confidentiality as a default
The firm treats all information shared by prospective and current clients as confidential, regardless of whether a formal NDA is in place. Where the nature of the work warrants it, we will propose a mutual non-disclosure agreement prior to substantive discussion.
The firm does not discuss the identity of its clients or the nature of its engagements without explicit permission. "By introduction or inquiry" is not just a tagline — it reflects a deliberate posture toward discretion.
Fee structure and payment
Fees are set by engagement and specified in the engagement letter. The firm works on retainer, project, and advisory arrangements depending on the nature of the work. We do not publish rates. Fee discussions happen in the context of a specific engagement after an initial conversation about fit and scope.
Payment terms are specified in the engagement letter. Invoices are issued in accordance with those terms. The firm reserves the right to suspend work on any engagement where payment is materially overdue.
Scope and limitations of liability
The firm provides strategic, operational, and technical advisory services. Nothing in our work product constitutes legal advice, and we are not a law firm. Where legal counsel is required, we will say so and recommend that you obtain it independently.
The firm's liability in connection with any engagement is limited as specified in the applicable engagement letter. We do not warrant specific outcomes. Markets, institutions, and regulatory environments are variable — our job is to give you the best available judgment, not to guarantee results.
Jurisdiction and disputes
These terms and all engagements with The Stilwell Group, Inc. are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict-of-laws provisions. Any dispute arising from an engagement will be resolved as specified in the applicable engagement letter, which will generally provide for binding arbitration in New York, NY.
Questions about these terms may be directed to partners@stilwell-group.com.