Harris Lieberman Solicitors Pty Ltd
Harris Lieberman Solicitors Pty Ltd (collectively “Harris Lieberman”, “we”, “us”, “the firm”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of information it collects from clients, potential clients, service providers and contractors. In acting for clients, the firm adheres to its fiduciary duties, duty of confidentiality and legal professional privilege. Further, in the conduct of this practice, Harris Lieberman commits to protecting the privacy of personal information regarding individual clients, service providers, contractors, and agents.
This Privacy Policy (the “Policy”) explains how Harris Lieberman handles personal information and complies with the Australian Privacy Principles (“APP”) to which it is bound, as set out within the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (“Privacy Act”).
We take the privacy and security of your personal information very seriously.
Collection
We will only obtain information from you which is “reasonably necessary”.
In most circumstances, we collect information directly from you. This may be through correspondence, email, in person or by telephone. Examples of 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 with respect to which you are seeking advice or representation. We may also obtain information from a third party such as a past or present employer, your medical practitioners, your bank, financial advisors, accountants, other parties and their legal advisors.
In relation to individuals acting as service providers, contractors or agents of the firm, we may collect your name, contact details and relevant information concerning your dealings with us.
In some cases, you may need to provide us with personal information about other people – such as when you are an authorised representative. In those situations, we are relying on you to inform those people that you are providing us with their details, and to advise them of this Policy. In addition, if you provide us with third party personal information then you warrant to us that you have the third party’s consent to do so and that to the best of your knowledge it is correct.
Purpose of Collection
Pre-client
We may collect personal information about you during the pre-client stage to determine if we are able to assist you with your legal matter. We may retain this information to ensure any future communication with you is relevant.
Client
When you become a client of Harris Lieberman, information is collected to provide you with legal advice and representation. In the provision of such services, we may provide information to agents to take actions 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 search in relation to your matter. We may also access your information to communicate with you about the firms’ activities or developments in law that we believe may be of interest to you. You may notify us that you do not wish to receive any such communication and we will ensure that you are not contacted for this purpose.
We are required by law to retain this information for seven years following completion of your matter.
In relation to individuals acting as service providers, contractors or agents, we may use your information to access or use services provided by you or by an organisation for whom you work.
Use and Disclosure of Information
Harris Lieberman will only use your personal information for the purpose for which you have provided 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 accurate file management. To this end, the firm may use the services of agents, service providers or contractors. All such third parties must comply with their fiduciary and confidentiality duties and the Privacy Act in their handling and management of information.
At your instruction or according to the requirements of the 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 of paramount importance to us. All reasonable steps are taken to protect the information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure including password and network protection and secure storage of paper based records.
In addition, all staff of the firm with access to your personal information are bound by duties of confidentiality.
Accuracy of Personal Information
We will 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 immediately and we will take all reasonable steps to correct the information.
Access to Personal Information
Staff of the firm may access your information. Our staff are bound by confidentiality obligations and by standards that govern the legal industry.
You may request access to personal information that we hold with regard to you. Our duties and obligations under law may restrict your access. Subject to this, all reasonable actions will be taken to assist access or alternatively we will give reasons for denying access. If access is provided, we may charge a reasonable fee for our time and other costs incurred in providing access.
Contacting Us
If you wish to access your personal information, have any queries concerning any aspect of this Policy or our practices, or have a concern or complaint, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Office Manager
87 Hume Street, Wodonga 3690
Phone: 02 6051 5100
Email: [email protected]
