Privacy Policy
Reisler Franklin LLP recognizes the importance of privacy and the sensitivity of personal information. As lawyers we have a professional obligation to keep confidential all information we receive within a lawyer-client relationship. We are committed to protecting any personal information we hold. This Privacy Policy outlines how we manage personal information and safeguard privacy and is in compliance with the Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Privacy Rights & Accountability
Reisler Franklin LLP and its employees are responsible for the personal information we collect and hold. To ensure this accountability, we have developed this policy, and trained our lawyers and support staff about our policies and practices.
Purpose of Collecting Personal Information
Reisler Franklin LLP provides legal services and products to a wide range of clients in litigation matters. All information collected is necessary for this purpose only.
What personal information do we collect?
Personal information is any information that identifies an individual, or by which an individual’s identity could be deduced. It may include any factual or subjective information.
How do we collect personal information?
We collect information only by lawful and fair means. Wherever possible we collect personal information directly in the course of our representation.
Sometimes we may obtain information from other sources, for example:
- insurance company;
- from a government agency or registry;
- employer or past employers;
- other lawyers involved in the case.
Consent
Reisler Franklin LLP will collect, use and disclose personal information with the knowledge and consent of the individual with the exception of certain circumstances, as permitted or required by law.
Use of Information
Reisler Franklin LLP uses personal information to provide legal advice and services. Reisler Franklin LLP does not disclose personal information to any third party.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Under certain circumstances, Reisler Franklin LLP will disclose personal information:
- when we are required or authorized by law to do so, for example if a court issues a subpoena;
- when we have consent to the disclosure;
- when the legal services we are providing requires us to give information to third parties;
- where it is necessary to establish or collect fees;
- if we engage a third party to provide administrative services to us (like computer back-up services or archival file storage) and the third party is bound by our privacy policy;
- if we engage expert witnesses on a client’s behalf;
- if the information is Publicly Available Personal Information, as it is defined under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
Safeguards to Personal Information
Reisler Franklin LLP takes all reasonable precautions to ensure that personal information is kept safe from loss, unauthorized access, modification or disclosure. Among the steps taken to protect information are:
- premises security;
- restricted file access to personal information;
- deploying technological safeguards like security software and firewalls to prevent hacking or unauthorized computer access;
- internal password and security policies.
Access to Personal Information
Summary information is available on request. More detailed requests which require archive or other retrieval costs may be subject to our normal professional and disbursement fees.
Can I be denied access to my Personal Information?
Rights to access personal information are not absolute. We may deny access when:
- it is required or authorized by law (for example, when a record containing personal information is protected by solicitor-client privilege);
- to do so would reveal confidential commercial information, and the personal information cannot be severed from the record;
- to do so could reasonably be expected to threaten the life or security of another individual, and the personal information cannot be severed from the record; or
- the information was generated in the course of a formal dispute resolution process.
If we deny the request for access to, or refuse a request to correct information, an explanation will be provided.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
Since Reisler Franklin LLP regularly reviews all of its policies and procedures, we may change our Privacy Policy from time to time.
Employment Inquiries
If you apply to Reisler Franklin LLP for a job, we need to consider personal information, as part of our review process. We normally retain information from candidates after a decision has been made, unless you ask us not to retain the information. If we offer you a job, which you accept, the information will be retained in accordance with our privacy procedures for employee records.
Web Site
Our website contains links to other sites, which are not governed by this privacy policy.
On our website, like most other commercial websites, we may monitor traffic patterns, site usage and related site information in order to optimize our web service.
Requests for Access
If you have any questions, or wish to access personal information, please write to our Privacy Contact – Office Manager, 900–375 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2J5
Reisler Franklin LLP and its employees are committed to the upholding of this privacy policy.