At Protea LLP, we recognize the importance of privacy and the sensitivity of personal information. In order to serve our clients, we often need to collect personal information. We are committed to obtain, use, protect and disclose personal information responsibly and carefully.
Accountability
We are responsible for the personal information we collect and hold. We have implemented this privacy policy to ensure personal information is managed appropriately and securely, and have trained our lawyers and support staff about our policies and practices.
Your Privacy Rights
As of January 1, 2004, all businesses engaged in commercial activities must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which incorporates the Canadian Standards Association Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information. These requirements apply to lawyers and law firms, including ours. PIPEDA gives our clients rights regarding their personal information.
Why We Collect Personal Information
We obtain, use, and disclose personal information to deliver legal services effectively. This includes contacting clients, understanding their legal matters, and developing tailored strategies to address their needs.
What We Collect
Personal information may include:
- Identifying details, including name, age, ethnicity, marital status, religion, education
- Contact information, including home address, phone, fax, email
- Health-related information
If you apply for a position with us, we collect personal information as part of the recruitment process. Unless you request otherwise, we may retain this information after a decision is made. If hired, your information will be managed in accordance with our privacy procedures and employee records.
Like most other commercial websites, we may monitor website traffic and usage patterns to improve our online services. Aggregated data may be shared with third parties, but these statistics do not include identifiable personal information.
How We Collect Information
We collect personal information only by lawful and fair means, and not in an unreasonably intrusive way. Whenever possible, we gather information directly from clients during the initial engagement and throughout our representation. In some cases, we may obtain information about our clients from other sources, for example:
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies or registries
- Employers
- Accountants or other professional advisors
Consent
We typically seek written consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information. In certain circumstances, oral consent or implied consent through conduct may be accepted.
Safeguarding Personal Information
We take privacy seriously and have implemented measures to protect personal information, including:
- Staff training on confidentiality and data security
- Internal policies governing data collection and use
- Physical and digital safeguards against unauthorized access, loss, or theft
- Secure office access and file storage
- Password-protected systems
- Privacy commitments from third-party service providers
Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose personal information of our clients:
- With client consent
- When required or authorized by law (e.g., court orders)
- When legal services we are providing require us to give personal information to third parties (e.g., expert witnesses)
- When necessary to establish or to collect fees
- When retaining other law firms on a client’s behalf
- If the information is already publicly available
Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to provide legal services. In some cases, data may be stored off-site until it is no longer needed.
Access to Personal Information
Clients may request access to their personal information and inquire how it has been used. Summary information is available upon request. Detailed records may incur standard professional and retrieval fees.
Access may be denied to non-clients or in cases where privilege or confidentiality obligations apply. If access is denied, we will provide an explanation.
Corrections
If you believe your personal information is inaccurate or outdated, we will take reasonable steps to correct it.
Contact Us
For questions about this policy or to request access to your personal information, please contact:
Maneli Badii
Phone: 416-845-7297
Email: mbadii@proteallp.com
Please note that email is not a fully secure medium. Use discretion when sharing sensitive or confidential information.
Policy Updates
We regularly review and update our privacy practices. This policy may change from time to time.
