Nevett Ford Lawyers (Nevett Ford) is committed to supporting the provisions of the
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the National Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy
Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 (Cth) with respect to the collection, access
and storage and use of personal information obtained as part of our business operations.
Collection of Personal Information
Nevett Ford will only collect personal information that is necessary for providing
the services for which we are engaged by our clients or which is necessary for the
operation of our business.
The personal information collected and maintained by Nevett Ford includes names,
addresses, contact details and other information specific to a client’s particular
matter.
For some matters we also collect and maintain sensitive information. This comprises
information about health, membership of any trade unions or professional associations
and any criminal convictions.
Generally, there is no obligation to provide any information requested by us. If
a client chooses to withhold information however, we may not be able to provide
the correct legal advice or any legal advice.
How we use clients’ personal information
Primarily, the information that we collect will only be used and disclosed for the
primary purpose of accurately representing our clients and for any legal obligations
we have under the Legal Practice Act 1986 or as required by the Law Institute of
Victoria. In certain circumstances client information may be disclosed to the Courts,
The Law Institute, our insurer/s, barristers and other lawyers.
From time to time Nevett Ford may use client contact details to tell clients about
other products and services and to invite clients to special events and seminars.
Clients have the option to elect not to participate in these activities if they
wish.
Nevett Ford will not at any time give away or sell client information (unless requested
by the client). Nevett Ford always remains in control of clients’ information.
Quality of client data
Reasonable steps will be taken to ensure personal information that is collected,
used or disclosed is relevant, accurate, complete and up to date. However, time
may elapse between client matters.
Therefore, we recommend that clients let us know if there are any errors in their
personal information and keep us up to date with changes in their personal information.
Security of clients’ information
We have systems and procedures to monitor and maintain personal information to protect
against unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, destruction or loss. All information
that Nevett Ford no longer requires will be destroyed or permanently de-identified
however, information will be retained for as long as the law requires.
Client access to information
Clients have the right to access their personal information, subject to some exemptions
governed by the privacy law. Depending on the nature of the request, we may ask
the client to put the request in writing.
As permitted by law, Nevett Ford has a right to charge a fee for searching and providing
access to a client’s information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions in relation to our privacy statement and/or our privacy
policy, please contact us.
PRIVACY POLICY
The Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 “The Act” came into effect on 21
December 2001. The Act introduces strict procedures on how private sector organisations
may deal with personal information they collect about individuals.
The Act applies to all private sector organisations including individuals, partnerships,
bodies corporate, trusts and unincorporated associations:
The Act is based on 10 National Privacy Principles that regulate the way organisations
collect, use, keep, secure and disclose personal or sensitive information.
Nevett Ford has determined to comply with the 10 National Privacy Principles.
The personal information collected
During the course of carrying on our business, we may collect personal information.
We usually collect the following kinds of personal information:
- name, address, occupation professional membership and contact information
- interests in areas of legal practice or events
- information about people’s dealings with us or our clients.
If you do not give us any of the personal information which we ask you for, it may
affect our ability to meet our obligations to you or our clients.
Why we collect it
Client information is collected and kept by Nevett Ford so that we can properly
and accurately represent clients in relation to their legal requirements and so
that we can comply with our obligations under the Legal Practice Act 1996 and as
required by the Law Institute of Victoria.
Client information is also collected so that we can identify any potential conflicts
of interest and so that we can communicate with clients now or in the future as
the need arises.
Staff information is collected and kept by Nevett Ford so that we can communicate
with staff and former staff appropriately. Employee records are generally exempted
from the provisions of the Act.
Access to your personal information
You may request access at any time to personal information we hold about you.
We may charge you a fee where access is provided.
We may refuse to provide access if the National Privacy Principles allow us to do
so.
Storage
We will take all reasonable steps to protect the security of the personal information
that we hold. This includes appropriate measures to protect electronic materials
and materials stored and generated in hard copy.
What happens if you choose not to provide the information?
You are not obliged to give us your personal information. However, if you choose
not to provide Nevett Ford with the personal information we require, we may not
be able to act for you.
Use and disclosure of your personal information
We use your personal information for the purposes for which it was collected and
related purposes (which are normally obvious when we collect it), including to:
- provide our services to you or our clients, to manage and account for the services,
and to improve the services
- manage our relationships with you or our clients
- provide you or our clients with information about legal developments, events or
other products or services that may interest you or them
- facilitate our internal business operations, including to fulfil our legal requirements.
We may disclose personal information for the purposes for which it was collected,
and also:
- subject to our professional obligations, to any person where necessary or desirable
in connection with our provision of legal services, such as to the client, regulatory
authorities, or other partners or advisors (whether in Australia or overseas)
- within Nevett Ford
- on a confidential basis to external service providers so that they can provide
financial, administrative or other services in connection with the operation of
our business, for example photocopy and archive services providers and financial
institutions
- as required by law subject to our professional obligations, as permitted under
the National Privacy Principles
- with your consent.
Sources of information
Where possible Nevett Ford will collect personal information directly from clients.
Contact Us
If you have any questions in relation to our privacy statement and/or our privacy
policy, please contact us.
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