Privacy Policy
Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams 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 clients' behalf. Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams commits to protecting the privacy of personal information regarding individual clients, service providers, contractors, and agents.
Collection
In most circumstances we collect information directly from you. This may be through correspondence, email, in person and by telephone. Indicative information we may collect includes your name, contact details, date of birth, copy drivers licence and/or passport and any fact or opinion you provide that is related to the matter you are seeking advice or representation on. We may also obtain information from a third party such as past or present employer, your medical practitioners, your bank, etc.
In relation to individuals acting as service providers, contractors or agents of the firm, we collect your name, contact details and relevant information concerning your dealings with us.
Purpose of Collection
In relation to clients, this information is collected to provide you with legal services, advice and representation. In the provision of such services, we may provide information to agents to take actions or make enquiries in relation to the conduct of your matter. For example, at your instruction, a barrister may be briefed, expert advice sought, or a search firm may be engaged to conduct a title search in relation to your matter. We may also access your information to send you information about the firms'activities or developments in law that we believe will be of interest to you.
In relation to individuals acting as service providers, contractors or agents, we may use your information to access or use services provided by you or an organisation that you work for.
Use and Disclosure of Information
We use and disclose your information for the primary purpose for which you have provided the information. In addition to the use and disclosure of information outlined above and under 'Purpose of Collection', 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.
At your instruction or according to the requirements of law, we may disclose your information to organisations such as regulatory authorities, government departments, courts, or other parties or advisers.
Security of Information
The information you provide us 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.
Accuracy of Personal Information
We take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information we collect is accurate, complete and up to date at the time of collection. If your circumstances change or you have reason to believe our records are not accurate, complete or up to date, please contact us immediately and we will take all reasonable steps to amend the information in accordance with the above criteria or an alternative may be discussed with you.
Access
You may request access to personal information about you that we hold. However, our discretion, duties and obligations under law may restrict your access. Given this, all reasonable actions will be taken to assist access or to address any reasons you have to seek access. If access is denied, we will provide you with reasons in accordance with law. If access is provided, a reasonable fee may be charged for time and other costs incurred in providing access. This may include costs of retrieval of files from archival storage.
Contacting Us
If you have any queries concerning any aspect of this policy or our practices, or a concern or complaint please contact our Privacy Officer:
Privacy Officer
Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams
PO Box 2165 Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Tel: 03 9550 4600