Privacy Policy

Hall Payne Lawyers is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your Personal Information. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the way we collect, use, store and disclose Personal Information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect and manage Personal Information in connection with our legal services, our business operations and our website.

Hall Payne Lawyers may change their privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website.

Information We Collect

We collect Personal Information either directly from you or via our website. Personal Information is information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.

The type of Personal Information we collect depends on the legal services or business activities we are undertaking and may include:

• Clients and their staff
• Suppliers and their staff
• Employees and potential employees
• Other individuals who come into contact with the firm (for example, medical practitioners providing reports)

Examples of Personal Information we may collect include name, address, date of birth, contact details, occupation and information relevant to the legal services we provide. This may also include information obtained from third parties where reasonably necessary.

When you use our website, we may collect information that you choose to submit through online forms or enquiries.

How We Use Personal Information

We collect and use Personal Information to:

• Provide legal services
• Communicate with you about our services
• Comply with our legal and professional obligations
• Manage business and supplier relationships
• Recruit and manage employees

We generally use Personal Information for the primary purpose for which it was collected, or for related secondary purposes where permitted by law.

Accuracy of Information

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the Personal Information we hold is accurate, up to date and complete. You may contact us at any time to request correction of your Personal Information.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We do not disclose your Personal Information unless:

• You have consented; or
• The disclosure is required or authorised by law; or
• The disclosure is reasonably necessary to provide our services.

This may include disclosure to:

• Barristers and other legal professionals
• Courts, tribunals or mediators
• Service providers such as IT or document management providers

Where Personal Information is disclosed to third-party service providers, we take reasonable steps to ensure they maintain confidentiality and security.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information includes information about health, trade union membership and other matters defined under the Privacy Act.

We only collect or disclose sensitive information where:

• You have given consent and it is reasonably necessary for the provision of legal services; or
• The collection or disclosure is required or authorised by law.

Online Services and Data Retention

Information provided through our online Will and Enduring Power of Attorney services (other than personal contact details) is securely deleted after 12 months. No copies are retained after deletion.

Statistical Information

De-identified information may be aggregated for statistical or business analysis purposes.

Information About Third Parties

If you provide Personal Information about another individual, you must ensure that you are authorised to do so. The same privacy protections apply to that information as if it were your own. When we receive this information we will assume that you are authorised to provide it to us. If requested you must notify the person that you have provided their information to us.

Security of Information

Hall Payne Lawyers takes reasonable steps to protect Personal Information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access or disclosure. All staff are required to maintain confidentiality and sign confidentiality agreements.

Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve functionality and user experience. Cookies do not identify you personally unless you choose to provide Personal Information. You can disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer.

Marketing Communications

We may contact you about our services where permitted by law. You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by contacting us on 1800 659 114.

Access to Personal Information

You may request access to the Personal Information we hold about you. We may charge a reasonable fee for access and will notify you in advance if a fee applies.

Complaints

If you have a complaint about how we have handled your Personal Information, please contact us on 1800 659 114. Your complaint will be investigated internally by a person not directly involved in the matter.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, we will advise you of further complaint resolution options.