Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

In this Privacy Policy, “we”, ‘our” and “us” refers to Sandie Chatterton t/as SKC Lawyers, ABN 49 566 507 420.

SKC Lawyers (“SKC Lawyers”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in an open and transparent manner.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, hold, use and disclose personal information and how you may access and correct your personal information or make a privacy complaint.

We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (“APPs”), and any other applicable privacy laws.

By engaging our services, communicating with us, visiting our website or otherwise providing personal information to us, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. What is Personal Information?

Personal information means information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.

Examples of personal information include:

• Name;
• Residential or postal address;
• Telephone number;
• Email address;
• Date of birth;
• Driver licence or passport details;
• Financial information;
• Employment information; and
• Any information relating to a legal matter in which we act.

Sensitive information includes information such as health information, criminal history, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, membership of professional or trade associations, or biometric information. We will only collect sensitive information where reasonably necessary for our legal services, where required by law, or with your consent.

3. What Information Do We Collect?

Depending on the nature of our engagement, we may collect:

• Contact and identification details;
• Information required to verify your identity;
• Information relating to your legal matter;
• Financial and payment information;
• Information about your dealings with us;
• Information provided through our website, enquiry forms or correspondence;
• Records of communications with you; and
• Information required to comply with legal and regulatory obligations, including anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.

We may also collect information about individuals who are not our clients where that information is relevant to a matter in which we are instructed.

4. How We Collect Personal Information

We generally collect personal information directly from you, including when you:

• Contact us by telephone, email or through our website;
• Attend meetings with us;
• Engage us to provide legal services;
• Complete forms or questionnaires;
• Subscribe to publications or marketing communications; or
• Provide documents or information relevant to your matter.

We may also collect personal information from third parties where permitted by law, including:

• Government agencies;
• Courts and tribunals;
• Other legal practitioners;
• Barristers;
• Expert witnesses;
• Referrers;
• Public registers;
• Financial institutions;
• Identity verification providers; and
• Other parties relevant to your legal matter.

5. Why We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information for purposes including:

• Providing legal advice and legal services;
• Managing and administering client matters;
• Communicating with clients and prospective clients;
• Conducting conflict checks;
• Verifying identity;
• Complying with legal and regulatory obligations;
• Recovering outstanding fees;
• Improving our services and website;
• Sending legal updates, newsletters and marketing communications; and
• Protecting our legal rights and interests.

6. Identity Verification and AML/CTF Obligations

Where required by law, we may collect and verify personal information to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.

This may include collecting and verifying:

• Full name;
• Date of birth;
• Residential address;
• Passport details;
• Driver licence details; and
• Other identification documents.

We may use third-party identity verification providers to assist us in verifying your identity.

If we are unable to obtain information necessary to verify your identity, we may be unable to provide legal services to you.

7. Website Information and Cookies

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect information including:

• IP address;
• Browser type;
• Device information;
• Date and time of access;
• Pages viewed; and
• Referral sources.

We may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality, analyse website traffic and enhance user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, however some website functions may not operate correctly.

8. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information where reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including to:

• Barristers and counsel;
• Expert witnesses and consultants;
• Courts, tribunals and government authorities;
• Financial institutions;
• Process servers;
• Information technology providers;
• Cloud storage providers;
• Identity verification providers;
• Professional advisers;
• Debt collection agencies;
• Insurers; and
• Other parties involved in your legal matter.

We may also disclose information where required or authorised by law.

9. Overseas Disclosure

Some of our third-party service providers may store or process information using cloud-based systems located outside Australia.

Where personal information is disclosed overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure that service providers handle personal information in accordance with Australian privacy laws.

10. Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification and disclosure.

These measures include:

• Secure electronic storage systems;
• Password protection;
• Access controls;
• Staff confidentiality obligations; and
• Secure document management procedures.

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Access and Correction

You may request access to personal information we hold about you.

You may also request correction of personal information that is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, irrelevant or misleading.

Requests should be made in writing to our Privacy Officer.

We may refuse access in circumstances permitted by law.

12. Marketing Communications

We may send legal updates, newsletters and information about our services.

You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe facility included in electronic communications.

13. Privacy Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights, you may submit a complaint to our Privacy Officer.

We will investigate your complaint and endeavour to respond within a reasonable time.

If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

14. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

The current version will be published on our website and will take effect from the date of publication.

15. Contact Us

Privacy Officer

SKC Lawyers

Telephone: 07 3372 2232

Email: [email protected]

Postal Address: PO BOX 440, Browns Plains QLD 4118

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or the way we handle personal information, please contact us.