Our privacy notice for those in contact with our legal service

*Please note that everything in our general privacy notice applies, as well as the below.

Contractual obligations

The main purpose for our holding your data is to provide you with legal services under the agreement we have with you.  This agreement is a contract between us and the law allows us to process your data for the purposes of performing a contract (or for the steps necessary to enter into a contract).  We may also need to process your data to meet our contractual obligations to the Legal Aid Agency where you receive legal aid to fund your case or advice.

When do we collect your data?

We normally collect your data when you provide it to us or when it is provided to us by others (your opponent’s solicitors for example) during your case.

What data do we collect?

We may gather details of your age; ethnicity; gender etc. if required to do so by the Legal Aid Agency where you are in receipt of Legal Aid.  Where you have Legal Aid, we may also gather financial information from you.

We also collect and hold information about your case or legal problem.

How do we use your data?

We only use your data for the purposes of providing you with legal advice, assistance and where appropriate, representation and for reasons directly associated with those services (i.e. providing information to quality auditors; the Legal Aid Agency etc.)

How do we protect your data?

We take protecting your data very seriously.  The data you give us may be subject to Legal Professional Privilege and is often extremely sensitive and confidential.

Who do we share your personal data with?

We sometimes share your personal data with trusted third parties.  We only do this where it is necessary for providing you legal services or for the effective operation of our legal practice.

For example, we may share your data with barristers; experts; translators; costs draftsmen; process servers; secure file storage and destruction companies; auditors; the company that securely hosts our off-site cloud storage servers.

How long will we keep your data?

We only keep your data for as long as is necessary for the purpose(s) for which it was provided.   Normally this is for seven years after your case or matter ends. (or after you turn 18).

This is because we are required to keep client files for that period by our Regulator and / or by the Legal Aid Agency.  This also protects you should you be unhappy with our services and want to complain or even due us after your case ends.

For some cases we may decide that it is proper and appropriate to keep data for longer than seven years, but we will notify you if we believe that your case falls into this category.