At Sousa Law, we are committed to and understand the need to protect your privacy and your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains the basis on which any personal information collected by us will be processed and our commitment to ensure that we comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 (‘the Act’) and The General Data Protection Regulation (the ‘GDPR’).
Personal information refers to any identifiable information. It does not include data where the identity has been removed (anonymous data).
We will only collect, use and retain information about you if we reasonably believe it is justified, required and useful in order to provide you with the support and services you require. This includes communications, legal advice, preparation, assistance and documentation for your matter and providing you with information about our services that we believe will be of interest to you.
We may collect, use, store and transfer different kinds of personal information about you, as follows (this list is not exhaustive):
Information provided by you
You may provide us with information about yourself by making a website enquiry, filling in forms, or correspondence by phone, e-mail or other written form. You may also provide us with information when you subscribe to our mailing lists, enter a competition or initially instruct us on a matter (and further instructions as the matter progresses). We will use this information:
We may need to use sensitive personal data relating to you, to the extent reasonably required in connection with your matter. This could include information relating to your race or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership, physical or mental health, sexual life, the commission or alleged commission of any offence or any related proceedings.
Information we collect about you
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect the following information:
We will use this information:
Information from other sources
We may receive information about you from other companies, including technical service providers, analytics providers, search information providers, credit reference agencies, and other solicitors or experts who have been instructed in relation to your matter. This information may be used in the same way as that provided directly by you. Due to the nature of the services we provide, we may also use sensitive personal data received from other sources relating to you in connection with our work.
How we will use personal information held about you
We will only use your personal information when the law allows us to.
We will use and share your personal data:
Where we will keep personal information held about you
The data that we collect from you may be transferred to, and stored at, a destination outside the European Economic Area (‘EEA’). It may also be processed by staff operating outside the EEA who work for us or for one of our suppliers. By submitting your personal data, you agree to this transfer, storing or processing. We will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your data is treated securely in accordance with this privacy policy.
Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet or email is not 100% secure. Through the use of strict processes, procedures and security features, we will do our best to protect your personal data held on our secure servers, however we cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted to us and any transmissions are made at your own risk.
Third Parties
Our website contains links to various third parties of which we have no control over and sites will have their own privacy policies. We cannot accept responsibility should you decide to enter a third party website. Please check their policies before submitting any personal data.
Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to view, access, amend or delete any of the personal data we hold. Please email any requests to our Data Protection Officer; Catherine Sousa, at [email protected], or write to Sousa Law, 16 College Place, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2FE.
Please also inform us of any changes to your personal information during your relationship with us.