Sgro & Associates Privacy Policy

The following is the Sgro & Associates Privacy Policy (S&A Privacy Policy).

The S&A Privacy Policy covers the collection and on ongoing management of personal information including sensitive information which we receive before, during and after the provision of professional services to our clients.

Personal Information is defined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Act).

Personal information means information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable:

                     (a)  whether the information or opinion is true or not; and

                     (b)  whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not.

The Act defines Sensitive information sensitive information means:

(a)  information or an opinion about an individual’s:

                             (i)  racial or ethnic origin; or

                             (ii)  political opinions; or

                             (iii)  membership of a political association; or

                             (iv)  religious beliefs or affiliations; or

                             (v)  philosophical beliefs; or

                             (vi)  membership of a professional or trade association; or

                             (vii)  membership of a trade union; or

                            (viii)  sexual orientation or practices; or

                           (ix)  criminal record;

                             that is also personal information; or

                      (b)  health information about an individual; or

 (c)  genetic information about an individual that is not otherwise health information; or

 (d)  biometric information that is to be used for the purpose of automated biometric verification or biometric identification; or

 (e)  biometric templates.

The S&A Privacy Policy has been developed to ensure that Sgro & Associates complies with the requirements of the Act as well as our obligations as legal practitioners under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Vic) (Uniform Law) and the Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2015. (Uniform Rules).

Under the Act we must tell you the following:

• Who we are and how you can contact us,

• what kinds of personal information we collect and store,

• how we collect personal information and where it is stored,

• the reasons why we need to collect personal information,

• how we will use and disclose personal information,

• how you can access your personal information, or ask for a correction to that information if it is incorrect,

• how to lodge a complaint if you think your information has been mishandled, and how we will handle your complaint; and

• if we are likely to disclose your information outside Australia and, if practical, which countries we are likely to disclose the information to.

A privacy policy may also include other information. For example, how long your personal information is kept and if it must be scanned.

Who we are and how we can be contacted.

Sgro & Associates are a boutique law firm. We provide specialist legal services to individuals, small businesses and companies.  We specialise in all forms of litigation including wills and estates, shareholder disputes, company law, property litigation, employment law, as well as building and construction litigation and debt recovery.

We appear in all Victorian tribunals and Courts, the Fair Work Commission, Administrative Appeals Tribunal and all Australian Federal Courts including the High Court of Australia.

Our contact details are:

Sgro & Associates.

PO Box 44, Chadstone Centre, Victoria 3148.

Phone: 0483 807 328

Email: enquiry@sgroandassociates.com.au

What personal information we collect and store.

The personal information we might collect from you may include but is not limited to, your legal name and alias, your age, sex, nationality, ethnicity, home and business address, your home, business and mobile telephone numbers, your email address, your driver’s license, passport details, birth certificate, education, profession, bank statements, rates notices, shareholdings, your signature, your employment history your personal and business dealings.

 How we collect personal information and where it is stored.

Where it is practicable, we will seek to collect personal information directly from you before and during providing services to you.  Where we are unable to collect your personal information from you will be collect that information from other sources such as your spouse, partner, employer, business associates or colleagues, government registers, credit agencies, courts, tribunals and online information services.

The personal information which we collect is held either in digit form on a secure digital storage device and or in hard copy form which is also stored securely.

The reasons why we need to collect personal information.

At a minimum we collect personal information to:

• provide you with our products and services,

• maintain accurate records,

• process payments,

• auditing,

• comply with the statutory and professional obligations imposed on us,

• provide information about our services including but not limited to updates on changes to the law, events and marketing offers, confirming that you have received and opened our email communications.

How we will use and disclose personal information.

 We may share your personal information with:

•  Third-party service providers who assist us in delivering our products or services.

• Business partners or affiliates for joint marketing efforts, where you have provided your consent.

• Government authorities or law enforcement agencies in response to valid legal requests or as required by law.

• Other parties with your consent or as permitted or required by applicable laws.

Data Security.

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights and Choices.

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information in our possession, subject to legal limitations.  You may also withdraw your consent for certain processing activities where applicable. To exercise these rights or if you have any privacy-related concerns, please contact us using the information provided above.

International Data Transfers.

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of Australia. If your personal information is transferred or processed outside of Australia, we will take appropriate measures to ensure that your personal information remains protected and secure in accordance with applicable privacy laws.