Information
We Collect
To advise and represent you properly, we collect personal information including:
- Identity: name, date of birth, contact details, photo ID, verification documents
- Matter information: facts, documents, correspondence, court records, witness statements
- Financial: billing and trust account details
- Sensitive information: where relevant, criminal history, health or employment information
- Website data: IP address, browser type, pages visited
We collect this directly from you where possible, and from courts, third parties, and public records where relevant to your matter.
How We
Use It
We use your information to provide legal advice and representation, conduct conflict checks, meet client identification obligations, prepare court documents, bill for our services, and comply with our professional and legal obligations.
Disclosure
of Information
We may disclose your information to courts, barristers and experts, opposing parties (with your authority), government agencies where required by law, our professional indemnity insurer, and secure third-party service providers bound by confidentiality obligations.
Legal professional privilege and solicitor-client confidentiality apply to our communications with you. We will not disclose privileged information except where required or authorised by law, or with your consent.
Storage
& Retention
We protect your information through encrypted cloud storage, access controls, physical security at our Wollongong office, and confidentiality obligations on all staff. Closed client files are retained for a minimum of seven years from the conclusion of your matter, then securely destroyed unless a longer retention period is required by law.
Some of our service providers store data on servers outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure they handle your information in line with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Cookies
& Analytics
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and understand site usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings.
Accessing
Your Information
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask us to correct inaccurate or outdated information. Contact us in writing and we'll respond within 30 days. In limited circumstances we may decline (for example, where access would compromise another person's privacy or relates to legal proceedings), and we'll explain why in writing.
Complaints
& Concerns
If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, please contact us first so we can investigate. If you're not satisfied with our response, you can refer your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
- Website: oaic.gov.au
- Phone: 1300 363 992
Changes
to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website with the effective date stated above.