Purpose of This Website and Policy
This website is intended to provide general information about legal services offered by the firm, to allow individuals to make inquiries regarding those services, and to enable a lawyer of the firm to respond to such inquiries.
This Privacy Policy (the “Policy”) applies only to personal information collected through this website. It does not govern information exchanged once a formal solicitor-client relationship has been established.
Submitting information through this website, including through contact forms or scheduling tools, does not create a solicitor-client relationship. A solicitor-client relationship is formed only through direct confirmation between you and a lawyer of the firm.
If a solicitor-client relationship is later established, any personal information shared within that relationship will be protected by professional confidentiality obligations under applicable law and the Rules of Professional Conduct, rather than by this Policy.
What Is Personal Information?
“Personal information” refers to information about an identifiable individual, or information that could reasonably be used to identify an individual. This may include details about the nature of an inquiry, contact information, or other information you choose to provide through this website.
Personal information generally does not include:
- business contact information used in a professional capacity;
- publicly available information; or
- corporate or organizational contact details.
Governing Privacy Principles
In collecting, using, and disclosing personal information, the firm follows the principles set out in applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
These principles include:
- Accountability for personal information under our control
- Identifying the purposes for collection at or before the time of collection
- Obtaining meaningful consent, except where permitted or required by law
- Limiting collection to what is reasonably necessary
- Limiting use, disclosure, and retention to identified purposes
- Ensuring accuracy of personal information
- Protecting personal information with appropriate safeguards
- Maintaining openness about privacy practices
- Providing access to personal information upon request, subject to legal limits
- Addressing questions or concerns regarding privacy practices
Your Consent
By submitting personal information through this website, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure in accordance with this Policy.
The firm does not require consent to collect, use, or disclose personal information beyond what is reasonably necessary to respond to inquiries or provide requested services.
You may refuse to provide personal information or withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual limitations and reasonable notice. Withdrawing consent may limit the firm’s ability to respond to inquiries or provide services, and the firm will advise you of any resulting implications.
Information Collected Through This Website
Personal information is collected only where reasonably necessary and is not collected indiscriminately.
Information may be collected in the following ways:
Information You Provide Directly
You may provide personal information by:
- completing a contact form;
- booking a consultation;
- corresponding by email; or
- participating in online chat features (if available).
Information requested may include your name, email address, phone number, province, and a brief description of your inquiry.
You are strongly advised not to submit sensitive or confidential information through this website, including but not limited to:
- government identification numbers;
- financial or banking information;
- dates of birth; or
- other highly sensitive personal data.
Any such information submitted through the website is provided at your own risk and is not protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Sensitive personal information should only be shared after a solicitor-client relationship has been formally established.
Use of Submitted Information
Information provided through the website is used for purposes such as:
- responding to inquiries;
- assessing whether legal services may be appropriate;
- scheduling consultations;
- communicating with you regarding your inquiry; and
- improving the functionality and performance of the website.
With your consent, the firm may also send informational communications, such as legal updates or newsletters. You may unsubscribe or adjust preferences at any time.
Web Server Logs and Technical Data
The website is hosted on servers managed by third-party service providers. Certain technical information is automatically collected, including:
- IP address;
- browser type;
- operating system;
- pages visited; and
- date and duration of visits.
This information is collected in aggregate form and is used to monitor website performance, improve functionality, and address security concerns. IP addresses are not linked to identifiable individuals except where required for security or legal reasons.
Cookies
This website may use session-based cookies, which are temporary text files stored in your browser during an active session.
Cookies are used to:
- understand website usage patterns;
- improve user experience; and
- assess browser and device compatibility.
Cookies do not collect personal information submitted through forms and are not cross-referenced with such information.
Most browsers allow you to control or disable cookies. Disabling cookies may affect certain website features.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Personal information is disclosed only:
- as described in this Policy;
- with your consent; or
- where required or permitted by law.
Information may be shared internally with lawyers or staff assisting with inquiries. The firm may also share limited information with third-party service providers (such as technical support or email services) who are contractually required to protect confidentiality and use the information only for authorized purposes.
If the firm is unable to assist with a matter and is aware of another lawyer or firm that may be able to help, information may be shared with that party only with your consent.
Cross-Border Data Storage
Personal information may be stored or processed in Canada or in other jurisdictions where service providers are located. Information stored outside Canada may be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions, including lawful access by courts or authorities.
By using this website, you acknowledge and accept this possibility.
Retention of Personal Information
Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal obligations.
When information is no longer required, it is securely deleted, anonymized, or destroyed in accordance with internal procedures.
Safeguards
The firm uses reasonable physical, administrative, and technological safeguards to protect personal information.
However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is entirely secure. Communications over the Internet may be subject to interception, loss, or misuse, and the firm cannot guarantee absolute security.
Access and Correction
You may request access to your personal information or request corrections by contacting the firm. Access may be limited in certain circumstances, such as where disclosure would raise legal, security, or confidentiality concerns.
Links to Third-Party Websites
This website may contain links to external websites. The firm is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites and encourages users to review the privacy policies of any external sites they visit.
Changes to This Policy
This Policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be posted on the website. Where required by law, additional consent will be obtained.
Contact, Opt-Out, and Privacy Requests
You may contact the firm at any time to:
- inquire about personal information held about you;
- request corrections or deletion;
- withdraw consent; or
- opt out of future communications.
Contact details are available on the Contact page of this website.
Email Confidentiality Notice
Emails and any attachments sent by the firm are confidential and intended solely for the recipient. If you receive an email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the message. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, or copying is prohibited.
Saeed Williams Legal Services 