Privacy policy
Introduction
Darzins Legal and entities controlled by it is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of information it collects from clients, service providers and contractors. Darzins Legal is the business name for the legal practice carried on by Darzins and Company Pty Ltd ABN 20 136 856 230, with principal legal director being Davids Darzins. In acting for clients, the firm adheres to its fiduciary duties, duty of confidentiality and legal professional privilege in all actions taken on clients’ behalf. Darzins Legal commits to protecting the privacy of personal information regarding individual clients, service providers, contractors and agents.
Collection
In most circumstances we collect information directly from you. This may be through correspondence, email, in person and by telephone. Indicative information we may collect includes your name, contact details, date of birth and any fact or opinion you provide that is related to the matter you are seeking advice or representation on. We may also obtain information about you from a third party such a past or present employer, your accountant, your bank, etc. In relation to individuals acting as service providers, contractors or agents of the firm, we collect your name, contact details and relevant information concerning your dealings with us.
Purpose of Collection
In relation to clients, this information is collected to provide you with legal and consulting advice and representation. In the provision of such services, we may provide information to service providers, contractors or agents to take actions, render assistance or make enquires in relation to the conduct of your matter. For example, at your instruction, a barrister may be briefed, expert advice sought, or a search firm may be engaged to conduct a title or other search in relation to your matter. We may also use your information to send you information about the firms’ activities or developments in law that may be of interest to you and to otherwise provide, market and improve our services to you, and also to manage and account for our services, to manage our internal and external business operations and our relationship with you. In relation to individuals acting as service providers, contractors or agents or employees of clients, we may use your information to access or use services provided by or to you or an organisation that you work for.
Use and Disclosure of Information
We use and disclose your information for the purpose for which you have provided the information (which is normally obvious when we collect the information). In addition to the use and disclosure of information outlined above and under “Purpose of Collection”, we also use and disclose information for purposes ancillary and consequential to the primary purpose of collection such as invoicing, related correspondence and file and matter management. To this end the firm may use the services of agents, service providers or contractors. All such third parties must comply with fiduciary and confidentiality duties and the Privacy Act (if applicable) in their handling, management and use of information. At your instruction or according to the requirements of law, we may disclose your information to organisations such as regulatory authorities, government departments, courts, or other parties or advisers.
Security of Information
The information you provide us is stored on computer and paper based files as appropriate. The secure storage and use of information is important to us so that all reasonable steps are taken to protect the information from misuse or loss, or unauthorised access, modification or disclosure by means such as password and network protection, and secure storage of paper based and other records. In addition, all staff with access to your personal information are bound by duties of confidentiality. The internet is not a secure environment. If you use the internet to send us personal information, please be aware of the risks associated with such practices and note that we do not assume any responsibility for the risk of the reception of such personal information by others.
Accuracy of Personal Information
We take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information we collect is accurate, complete and up to date at the time of collection. If your circumstances change or you have reason to believe our records are not accurate, complete or up to date, please contact us and we will take reasonable steps to amend the information in accordance with the above criteria or an alternative may be discussed with you.
Access
You may request access to personal information that we hold on you. However, our discretion, duties and obligations under law may restrict your access. Given this, reasonable actions will be taken to assist access or to address any reasons you have to seek access. If access is denied, if we are obliged at law to do so, we will provide you with reasons, in accordance with law. If access is provided, a reasonable fee may be charged for time and other costs incurred in providing access.
Changes to Policy
We may vary this Privacy Policy at any time. When we do so, we may publish the current policy on the firm’s website.
Contacting Us
If you have any queries concerning any aspect of this policy or our practices, or a concern or complaint please contact Davids Darzins who for the purposes of this policy is the Privacy Officer for Darzins Legal. Contact details are 50 Rosstrevor Crescent, Mitcham, Victoria, 3132. Tel 03 9873 0792. Fax 03 9873 0793. Email dvd@darzinslegal.com.