1. Introduction
Core Defence Lawyers (ABN 23 693 721 167) ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy sets out how we collect, use, disclose and store your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and our professional obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2015.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Your name, address, email address and telephone number
- Date of birth and other identification details
- Information relevant to the legal matter for which you seek our assistance, including court documents, police facts sheets, and evidence
- Financial information necessary for billing and payment purposes
- Information provided through our website contact forms and consultation requests
- Website usage data including IP addresses, browser type, and pages visited (collected via cookies and analytics)
We may also collect sensitive information such as criminal records, health information, or other information relevant to your legal matter. We will only collect sensitive information with your consent or where required or authorised by law.
3. How We Collect Information
We collect personal information:
- Directly from you when you contact us, complete a form on our website, attend a consultation or instruct us in a legal matter
- From third parties such as courts, police, other legal practitioners, medical professionals, or government agencies where necessary for your matter
- Through our website via cookies and analytics tools
4. Purpose of Collection
We collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information for the following purposes:
- To provide legal advice and representation
- To communicate with you about your legal matter
- To comply with our legal and professional obligations, including obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW)
- To process payments and manage billing
- To respond to enquiries submitted through our website
- To improve our website and services
- To comply with applicable laws, regulations and court orders
5. Legal Professional Privilege & Confidentiality
Information communicated between you and Core Defence Lawyers in the course of a solicitor-client relationship is subject to legal professional privilege (also known as client legal privilege). This privilege belongs to you, the client, and we will not disclose privileged communications without your consent unless required by law.
Our obligations of confidentiality under the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2015 (Rule 9) continue even after the solicitor-client relationship has ended.
6. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose your personal information to:
- Barristers, experts and other professionals engaged in connection with your matter
- Courts, tribunals and regulatory bodies as required
- Legal Aid NSW in relation to grant applications
- Opposing parties and their legal representatives as part of legal proceedings
- Our professional indemnity insurers where required
- Third-party service providers who assist with our IT, billing or administrative functions (subject to confidentiality obligations)
We will not sell, rent or trade your personal information to any third party for marketing purposes.
7. Data Storage & Security
We store your personal information securely using a combination of physical and electronic security measures. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
Where we store information electronically, we use secure servers and encryption where appropriate. We retain client files and personal information for a minimum of seven (7) years after the conclusion of a matter, as required by the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015 (Rule 42).
8. Cookies & Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies and third-party analytics services to collect non-identifying usage data. This data helps us understand how visitors interact with our website and improve our services. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect your experience on our website.
9. Your Rights
Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date information
- Complain if you believe we have breached the APPs
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
10. Complaints
If you believe we have breached your privacy, you may lodge a complaint with us in writing. We will investigate your complaint and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
- Phone: 0483 797 375
- Email: legal@coredefencelawyers.com.au
- Address: Suite 735, Level 7, 91 Phillip Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.