Privacy Policy
Graham Legal is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of information it collects from clients, service providers and contractors. In acting for clients, the firm adheres to its fiduciary duties, duty of confidentiality and legal professional privilege in all actions taken on our clients' behalf. Further, in the conduct of this practice, Graham Legal commits to protecting the privacy of personal information regarding individual clients.
In most circumstances we collect information directly from our clients. This may be through correspondence, e-mail, in person and by telephone. Indicative information we may collect includes a client's name, contact details, date of birth and any fact or opinion provided that is related to the matter about which our client is seeking advice or representation. Where reasonable and necessary for the purposes of acting on a client's behalf, Graham Legal may also obtain information from a third party such as a past or present employer, medical practitioners, bank. This information is only sought if our client signs a letter of authority addressed to the person to whom we are writing.
Where applicable, this information is collected to provide clients with legal services, advice and representation. In the provision of such services, Graham Legal may provide information to agents to take actions or make enquires in relation to the conduct of clients' matter. For example, with a client's instruction, a barrister may be briefed, expert advice sought, or a search firm may be engaged to conduct a title search in relation to a matter.
Graham Legal may also access client information to send information concerning the firms' activities or developments in law that we believe will be of interest.
Graham Legal uses and discloses client information for the primary purpose for which it has been provided information. In addition to the use and disclosure of information outlined above, 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 fiduciary and confidentiality duties and the Privacy Act in their handling and management of information.
Some clients find that it is helpful to have a trusted friend or relative attend with them when they see their Solicitor. When clients do so they necessarily agree that Graham Legal is at liberty to discuss the client's confidential information in the presence of that same friend or relative but only whenever the client and that person attend together. Unless a client instructs otherwise, Graham Legal will not discuss a client's matter with anyone other than the client personally.
At a client's instruction or according to the requirements of law, Graham Legal may disclose client information to organisations such as regulatory authorities, government departments, courts, or other parties or advisers.
The information provided to Graham Legal is stored on computer and paper based files as appropriate. The secure storage and use of information is of paramount importance 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.