In this policy we will tell you –
- why we collect your information;
- the parties to whom we may disclose your information;
- what happens if you choose not to provide us with requested information;
- how you can request the information we hold about you.
Of course, as solicitors, we are also subject to professional obligations that govern the manner in which we deal with personal information we may hold about you.
Why do we collect personal information?
We collect personal information about you for the purpose of providing legal services, as well as to conduct our business and market our services. Depending on the type of matter in which we act, we can require varying levels of information. This may include, but not be limited to, personal information about clients, potential clients and their employees; suppliers; prospective employees and employees.
What kinds of personal information do we collect?
In general, the type of personal information Aitken Legal collects and holds includes (but is not limited to): names, addresses, contact details, occupations and other information which assist us in conducting our business, providing and marketing our services and meeting our legal obligations.
How do we collect personal information?
Personal Information you provide: Aitken Legal will generally collect personal information by way of forms filled out by people, face-to-face meetings, interviews, business cards, telephone conversations and from third parties.
Personal Information provided by other people: In some circumstances Aitken Legal may be provided with personal information about an individual from a third party.
Web site collection
Aitken Legal collects personal information from the web site www.aitkinlegal.com.au through receiving emails. We may also use third parties to analyse traffic at that web site. Information collected through such analysis is anonymous.
How might we use and disclose your personal information?
Aitken Legal may use and disclose your personal information for the primary purpose for which it is collected, for reasonably expected secondary purposes which are related to the primary purpose and in other circumstances authorised by the Privacy Act.
In general, we use and disclose your personal information for the following purposes –
- to conduct our business;
- to provide and market our services
- to communicate with you
- to purchase from you
- to comply with our legal obligations; and
- to help us manage and enhance our services.
At times it is necessary for us to disclose your personal information to other persons.
Such other persons may include –
- other companies or individuals who assist us in providing services or who perform functions on our behalf (Barristers, Expert Consultants, mailing houses);
- other persons in your matter;
- Mediators and arbitrators who may be involved in your matter;
- Courts, tribunals, commissions, regulatory authorities and their officers;
- anyone else you may authorise us to disclose this information to.
This list is not exhaustive.
We only disclose your personal information as and when it is necessary to further your matter.
How do you request access to your personal information held by us?
You can request access to the personal information we hold about you by speaking to the solicitor responsible for your matter. In some circumstances we do not have to provide you with the information you request.
Sensitive information
Some personal information which we collect is 'sensitive information'. Sensitive information includes: information relating to a person's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religion, trade union or other professional or trade association membership, sexual preferences and criminal record, that is also personal information; and health information about an individual.
Sensitive information will be used and disclosed only for the purpose for which it was provided or a directly related secondary purpose, unless you agree otherwise, or where certain other limited circumstances apply (eg, where required by law).
Management of personal information
The National Privacy Principles require us to take reasonable steps to protect the security of personal information. Aitken Legal personnel are required to respect the confidentiality of personal information and the privacy of individuals.
Aitken Legal takes reasonable steps to protect personal information held from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure, for example by use of physical security and restricted access to electronic records.
Where we no longer require your personal information for a permitted purpose under the National Privacy Principles, we will take reasonable steps to destroy it.
Enquiries
If you have any questions about privacy-related issues please contact Aitken Legal Privacy Officer on +61 7 5413 4000.
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