PRIVACY

1. Objective and Scope
1.1. "Personal Information" refers to any recorded details about an identifiable person or someone who could be identified from the information. In Alberta, it does not include business contact details like office addresses or job titles.
1.2. Asefi Law Office o/a A. Law Office (the “Firm"), is committed to safeguarding your privacy. This policy, together with our internal confidentiality and cybersecurity practices, reflects our dedication to protecting the information you share with us. We follow all relevant federal, provincial, and territorial privacy laws, in addition to the specific standards prescribed by the Law Society of Alberta (the “Law Society”), our home jurisdiction.
1.3. Our legal obligations follow the Rules of Professional Conduct and standards set by the Law Society. These guidelines apply to our team, including staff, contractors, agents, and even volunteers. We make best-efforts to ensure third-party service providers handle Personal Information in line with this policy.

2. Professional Relationship
2.1. Our professional relationship starts when we agree to provide legal services. Please avoid sending sensitive information before discussing your matter with us.

2.2. Information related to your business or affairs is kept strictly confidential, whether collected before or during our work together, unless you authorize its disclosure.

3. Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information
3.1. By sharing your Personal Information with the Firm, you agree to its collection, use, and disclosure as outlined here. If you do not agree, certain services may not be available to you.
3.2. We only collect what’s necessary to provide our services. Consent is required for specific requests, such as from healthcare providers, and where sensitive information is the subject of data requests.
3.3. If you attend our seminars or subscribe to our publications, we may use your contact details to send relevant information. You shall always be at liberty to unsubscribe from our publications and emails.
3.4. We do not sell or trade Personal Information.
3.5. We will always seek your consent for the collection of Personal Information, and such consent can be written, verbal, or implied to meet your legal needs.
3.6. Information is generally collected directly from you.
3.7. Safeguards ensure your information is used only for the intended purpose.
3.8. Personal Information is used to deliver legal services and manage related tasks like billing.
3.9. If we share your information with service providers, they must agree to use it solely for providing services to us, following this policy.
3.10. We may need to disclose information without consent in certain situations, such as legal obligations or safety concerns.

4. Accuracy
We aim to keep your Personal Information accurate and complete. You may request corrections to any inaccuracies.

5. Access
You may request access to your Personal Information in writing. Access may be limited in certain cases, such as legal privilege.

6. Retention
We retain Personal Information only as long as necessary for its original purpose. When no longer needed, Personal Information is securely destroyed or anonymized. Additional information about our retention obligations pursuant to the Law Society can be accessed here.

7. Security
The Firm maintains physical, technical, and procedural safeguards to protect your information. Access is restricted to authorized personnel. Email communication may be used for convenience but carries some security risks.

8. Website
8.1. The Firm operates a website, alawoffice.ca (the “Website"), which is accessible to clients and the public. Our web servers track general visitor information, such as domain names and visit dates. This data helps us improve the Website, manage technical issues, and enhance user experience.
8.2. The Website does not use cookies, clear GIFs, or tracking technologies. Visitors should be aware that standard internet usage may still involve cookies. Most browsers allow you to disable cookies if desired.
8.3. The Website may also collect information volunteered through online forms, surveys, or subscriptions. This information is used to deliver requested services, confirm our ability to act, or to create marketing and other content.

9. Policy Amendments
This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated. The Firm’s team confirms compliance with the policy annually.

10. Questions
For questions about how we handle Personal Information, please contact your point of contact at the Firm or our Chief Privacy Officer, Sepand Asefi, at sepand.asefi@alawoffice.ca.