Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 10 September 2024
Ghothane Lawyers (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, www.ghothane.com.au, or engage with our services.
Personal Information We Collect
We may collect and hold various types of personal information, including but not limited to:
- Your name, contact details, and address.
- Identification details such as your date of birth, occupation, or job title.
- Information related to the legal services we provide, including sensitive information (with your consent).
- Any information you provide through our website, by phone or in person. Payment details or financial information, if applicable.
How We Collect Your Information
We collect personal information directly from you through the following methods:
- When you contact us by phone, email, or via our website.
- When you engage our legal services or interact with our team.
- When you subscribe to our newsletters or complete forms on our website.
We may also collect information indirectly from:
- Publicly available sources.
- Third parties where it is necessary for us to provide legal services to you, such as barristers, experts, or government agencies.
Use of Personal Information
We may use your personal information for various purposes including:
- To provide legal services and advice.
- To communicate with you regarding your matter.
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
- For marketing purposes (if you have opted in to receive such communications).
- To manage our relationship with you, including invoicing and payments.
- To improve our services, website, and overall client experience.
Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose your personal information in the following circumstances:
- To third-party service providers (such as IT support or external consultants) who assist us in our operations.
- To courts, tribunals, regulatory authorities, or other parties involved in legal proceedings where disclosure is necessary for the provision of legal services.
- With your consent, to barristers, experts, or other professionals engaged in your matter.
- As required by law or to comply with legal obligations.
We will take reasonable steps to ensure that third parties protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.
Overseas Disclosure
We may need to disclose your personal information to overseas recipients in the course of providing legal services (e.g., for international legal matters or collaborations). If this occurs, we will take steps to ensure that any overseas recipient complies with the Australian Privacy Principles, or has privacy protections equivalent to the Australian standards.
Security of Your Personal Information
We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or loss. However, please be aware that no method of electronic storage or transmission is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Access to and Correction of Personal Information
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, subject to any exceptions allowed by law. You also have the right to request corrections to any personal information that is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete.
If you wish to access or correct your personal information, please contact us at info@ghothane.com.au. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with the Privacy Act.
Direct Marketing
We may use your personal information to provide you with updates about our services, legal developments, or events that may interest you. If you do not wish to receive marketing communications from us, you can opt out at any time by following the instructions provided in the communication or by contacting us directly.
Cookies and Website Data
Our website uses cookies to enhance your user experience and collect non-personal information, such as your IP address, browser type, and access times. Cookies allow us to improve the functionality and performance of our website. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect your ability to use certain features of the site.
Complaints
If you believe that we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or mishandled your personal information, you can make a complaint by contacting us at info@ghothane.com.au. We take privacy complaints seriously and will investigate your complaint promptly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. Any changes will be posted on our website, and we encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to exercise your rights under the Privacy Act, please contact us at:
Ghothane Lawyers
Address: Level 1, 550 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 1800 886 886
Email: info@ghothane.com.au
