Introduction
Spurling Legal (“we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website at [www.spurlinglegal.com.au] (“Site”).
What Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information, including but not limited to:
- Your name, contact details (including email, phone number and address)
- Information you provide through our contact forms or other correspondence
- Employment information, educational background, and professional qualifications
- Details relevant to your legal matter or inquiry
- IP addresses, browser types, operating system details and access logs
- Health and other sensitive information, where relevant and with your consent
We only collect personal information necessary for the conduct of our legal services and our business activities.
How We Collect Personal Information
We may collect personal information directly from you:
- When you contact us via our website, email, phone, or in person
- When you subscribe to our newsletters or updates
- When you engage us for legal services
- When you apply for employment or provide services to us
We may also collect personal information from:
- Your employer, colleagues, or referees
- Publicly available sources
- Third parties where it is lawful and reasonable to do so
Use of Personal Information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide legal advice and services
- Respond to your enquiries
- Improve the functionality and content of our website
- Maintain client records and comply with our legal obligations
- Communicate with you about our services, legal updates, or events (you may opt out at any time)
- Process employment applications, conduct background checks, and manage employment relationships
Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell or trade your personal information. We may disclose it:
- To service providers who assist with our operations (e.g., IT, web hosting, cloud storage)
- When required by law or court order
- To comply with our professional obligations as legal practitioners
- To third parties such as barristers, experts, regulators, courts, tribunals, and professional advisers in the course of providing legal services
All third-party service providers are required to handle your data in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards. When no longer required, your information will be securely destroyed or de-identified, in accordance with legal requirements.
Access and Correction
You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us (details below). We will respond to such requests in accordance with the Privacy Act. In some cases, we may refuse access where permitted or required by law, in which case we will provide written reasons.
Website Cookies and Analytics
Our Site may use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to gather data on website usage. This information helps us improve your online experience but does not typically identify you personally. You may control cookies through your browser settings.
Cross-Border Disclosure
While we endeavour to keep your information within Australia, some third-party services we use may involve disclosure of personal information to overseas recipients.
We will ensure that any such recipients are subject to privacy obligations substantially similar to those required by the APPs or we will obtain your consent before making such disclosures.
Complaints
If you have a concern about the way we have handled your personal information, please contact us using the details below. We take all privacy complaints seriously and will respond promptly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated effective date.
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we manage your personal information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests relating to your personal information, please contact us by emailing info@spurlinglegal.com.au.