Effective Date: May 7, 2025
At Unity Law Office Canada (“Unity Law”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information entrusted to us by our clients, employees, and other individuals. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), applicable provincial privacy laws, Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), and other relevant regulations.
1. Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information collected by Unity Law Office Canada in the course of providing legal services, operating our website (www.UnityLawOffice.ca), and conducting business activities. Personal information is defined as any information about an identifiable individual, such as name, contact details, or other data that can be used to identify you.
2. What Information We Collect
We collect personal information necessary to provide legal services, manage our operations, and comply with legal and regulatory obligations. The types of information we may collect include:
- Contact Information: Name, address, email address, phone number.
- Identification Information: Government-issued identification, date of birth, or other details required for conflict checks or compliance with Law Society regulations.
- Financial Information: Billing details, payment information, or banking information for retainers or transactions.
- Legal Matter Information: Details related to your legal case, including sensitive personal information such as health, financial, or family data, as relevant to your matter.
- Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and cookies when you visit our website.
- Employee Information: For staff, information such as employment history, contact details, and performance data.
3. How We Collect Information
We collect personal information through the following methods:
- Directly from You: When you provide information during consultations, complete forms, engage in correspondence, or interact with our services.
- Automatically: Through our website via cookies and analytics tools to improve user experience and monitor site performance.
- Third Parties: From other parties involved in your legal matter (e.g., opposing counsel, courts, or government agencies), with your consent or as permitted by law.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information for the following purposes:
- To provide and manage legal services, including case management, conflict checks, and representation.
- To process payments and manage billing.
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations, such as anti-money laundering laws or Law Society requirements.
- To communicate with you regarding your legal matters, updates, or firm news (subject to CASL compliance).
- To improve our website and services through analytics and user feedback.
- To protect the security and integrity of our systems and data.
- To manage employment relationships and human resources for our staff.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell or share your personal information for commercial purposes. We may disclose personal information in the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: When you authorize us to share information, such as with co-counsel or experts.
- Service Providers: To trusted third-party providers (e.g., IT services, cloud storage, or billing platforms) who assist in our operations, subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
- Legal Obligations: When required by law, court order, or regulatory authorities, such as in response to a subpoena or investigation.
- Business Transactions: In the context of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate safeguards to protect your information.
- Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our clients or others.
6. Cross-Border Data Transfers
Some of our service providers may store or process data outside Canada, including in the United States or other jurisdictions. In such cases, your personal information may be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions. We ensure that any cross-border transfers comply with PIPEDA and include contractual safeguards to protect your information.
7. Data Security
We implement robust physical, technical, and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure. These measures include:
- Encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage.
- Secure servers and restricted access to databases.
- Regular security audits and staff training on privacy obligations.
- Incident response protocols to address potential data breaches.
In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada as required by law.
8. Retention of Personal Information
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or to meet legal and regulatory requirements. For example, client files may be retained for a period consistent with Law Society guidelines or statutory limitation periods. When no longer needed, information is securely destroyed or anonymized.
9. Your Rights and Choices
Under PIPEDA and applicable provincial laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information, where applicable, though this may limit our ability to provide services.
- Complaints: File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
To exercise these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer (details below). We will respond to access or correction requests within 30 days, subject to limited exceptions under PIPEDA (e.g., solicitor-client privilege).
10. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyze site performance. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. We use:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality.
- Analytics Cookies: To collect anonymized data on site usage (e.g., via Google Analytics).
For more details, please review our Cookie Policy (available on our website).
11. Compliance with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)
We comply with CASL when sending commercial electronic messages (e.g., newsletters or updates). You may unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us directly.
12. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Unity Law Office Canada
2323 32 Ave NE Unit 245,
Second Floor, Calgary,
AB T2E 6Z3, Canada
Email: info@UnityLawOffice.ca
Phone: 587-456-0777
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca.
