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
Enquiries are treated confidentially. Whether client legal privilege applies depends on the purpose and circumstances of the communication. Contacting the firm does not by itself create a retainer; a retainer begins when the firm confirms engagement. Communications made in an existing solicitor-client relationship for the purpose of legal advice or litigation may attract privilege, subject to the applicable 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
- 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 information is stored electronically, reasonable security measures are used. Subject to client instructions and other legal obligations, rule 14.2 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2015 permits destruction of client documents seven years after completion or termination of the engagement. Other personal information is retained only as long as reasonably required for the purpose of collection, legal obligations, dispute resolution and security.
8. Cookies & Website Analytics
Our website may use Google advertising or analytics technology. Depending on configuration and consent, these services may process online identifiers, cookie identifiers, device information, IP address information and pseudonymous usage or conversion data. Legal enquiry text is not intentionally included in analytics events. You can restrict or delete cookies through your browser settings and use Google's advertising controls; disabling cookies may affect some website features.
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: 0410 630 671
- 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.