1. Introduction
Mestocolle Legal Services ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website mestocolle.center (the "Website") or use our legal services.
By accessing or using our Website or services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our Website or services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Professional Information: Occupation, employer, business contact details
- Case Information: Details about your legal matter, documents, and communications
- Financial Information: Payment details, billing address, and transaction history
- Identification Information: Government-issued ID numbers, Social Insurance Number (when required)
- Emergency Contact Information: Names and contact details of emergency contacts
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our Website, we automatically collect:
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Information: Pages visited, time spent on pages, clickstream data
- Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address
- Cookies and Tracking Data: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies
2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from:
- Other parties involved in your legal matter
- Government agencies and courts
- Professional service providers (accountants, appraisers, etc.)
- Credit reporting agencies
- Background check services
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
3.1 Legal Services
- Providing legal advice and representation
- Preparing legal documents and correspondence
- Communicating with you about your legal matter
- Managing your case files and documentation
- Conducting legal research and analysis
3.2 Business Operations
- Processing payments and managing billing
- Scheduling appointments and meetings
- Maintaining client records and databases
- Providing customer support and assistance
- Complying with professional and legal obligations
3.3 Website and Communications
- Operating and maintaining our Website
- Responding to inquiries and contact form submissions
- Sending newsletters and legal updates (with consent)
- Improving our Website functionality and user experience
- Analyzing Website usage and performance
3.4 Legal and Compliance
- Complying with applicable laws and regulations
- Responding to legal process and government requests
- Protecting our rights and interests
- Preventing fraud and unauthorized access
- Maintaining professional standards and ethics
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Your Consent
We may share your information when you have given us explicit consent to do so.
4.2 Legal and Professional Obligations
- With courts, opposing counsel, and other parties in legal proceedings
- With regulatory bodies and professional associations
- To comply with court orders, subpoenas, or legal process
- As required by law or professional conduct rules
4.3 Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:
- IT support and cloud storage services
- Payment processing and billing
- Document management and storage
- Professional services (accounting, consulting)
- Website hosting and maintenance
4.4 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of our practice, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to professional obligations and applicable law.
4.5 Protection of Rights
We may disclose information to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our clients, employees, or the public.
5. Solicitor-Client Privilege
Information protected by solicitor-client privilege will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and will only be disclosed:
- With your explicit written consent
- As required by law or court order
- To prevent serious harm or illegal activity
- As permitted or required by professional conduct rules
6. Data Security
6.1 Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure network infrastructure and firewalls
- Access controls and user authentication
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Employee training on data protection
- Secure disposal of confidential information
6.2 Data Breach Response
In the event of a data breach, we will:
- Investigate the incident promptly
- Take immediate steps to contain the breach
- Notify affected individuals as required by law
- Report to relevant authorities when required
- Implement additional safeguards to prevent future breaches
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide ongoing legal services
- Comply with professional conduct rules and legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Maintain accurate business records
Client files are typically retained for a minimum of 10 years after the conclusion of a matter, or longer as required by law or professional standards. Website usage data is generally retained for 2 years unless longer retention is required.
8. Your Rights and Choices
8.1 Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request updates to your contact preferences
- Receive information about our privacy practices
8.2 Communication Preferences
You can:
- Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Update your communication preferences
- Choose how you receive important notices
8.3 Limitations
Your rights may be limited by:
- Solicitor-client privilege
- Legal and professional obligations
- Court orders or legal process
- Other applicable laws
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
9.1 Types of Cookies
Our Website uses the following types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic Website functionality
- Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Website
- Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertising (with consent)
9.2 Cookie Management
You can control cookies through:
- Our cookie consent banner
- Your browser settings
- Third-party cookie management tools
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect Website functionality.
10. Third-Party Links and Services
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
11. Children's Privacy
Our Website and services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
12. International Data Transfers
Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Canada. When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will:
- Post the updated policy on our Website
- Update the "Last updated" date
- Notify you of significant changes through email or Website notice
- Obtain consent for material changes when required
14. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
15. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.
16. Effective Date
This Privacy Policy is effective as of December 15, 2024, and applies to all personal information collected by Mestocolle Legal Services from that date forward.