Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy outlines how Lewis & May (‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) manages personal information in connection with our operations in Australia. We handle personal information in accordance with our obligations under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the ‘Act’) and the Australian Privacy Principles (‘APPs’). This policy is intended to provide a general overview of our practices.
2. Collection of Personal Information
We may collect personal information that we consider reasonably necessary for one or more of our functions and activities. Our functions and activities include, but are not limited to, the provision of legal services, business administration, marketing, and compliance with applicable laws.
The types of personal information we collect may include names, contact details, financial information, and any other information provided to us during the course of our business dealings. We may also collect sensitive information where an individual consents and the information is reasonably necessary for our functions. Providing us with your personal information constitutes your consent to its collection and use in accordance with this policy.
We generally collect personal information directly from the individual concerned, but we may also collect it from third parties or public sources where it is unreasonable or impracticable to collect it directly.
3. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
We use and disclose personal information for the primary purpose for which it was collected. We may also use or disclose your personal information for a secondary purpose if you would reasonably expect us to use or disclose the information for that secondary purpose and the secondary purpose is related to the primary purpose of collection. Such secondary purposes may include our internal business operations, analytics, and direct marketing.
By providing us with your contact details, you consent to us using that information to send you direct marketing communications. All such communications will include a simple means to opt-out of receiving future marketing.
4. Cross-Border Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose your personal information to recipients located outside of Australia, including to our head office in the United Kingdom and to third-party service providers located in other countries.
By providing us with your personal information, you consent to this disclosure. You acknowledge that by providing this consent, we are not required to take reasonable steps to ensure the overseas recipient’s compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles, and we will not be liable for any breach of the APPs by the overseas recipient.
5. Data Quality and Security
We may take steps to ensure that the personal information we handle is accurate and up-to-date. We rely on individuals to advise us of any changes to their personal information.
We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse, interference, and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. However, we do not guarantee that personal information cannot be accessed by an unauthorised person or that unauthorised disclosure will not occur. We will retain personal information for as long as is necessary for our business purposes and to comply with our legal obligations.
6. Access to and Correction of Personal Information
Individuals may request access to the personal information we hold about them. We will respond to such requests within a reasonable period. We reserve the right to refuse access in circumstances permitted by the Act. We may impose a charge for providing access to personal information, provided the charge is not excessive.
If you believe the personal information we hold about you is incorrect, you may request that we correct it. We will take reasonable steps to correct information we are satisfied is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading. If we decline to make a requested correction, we will provide reasons for our refusal and, upon request, we will associate a statement with the information noting your view that it is incorrect.
7. Anonymity and Pseudonymity
Where lawful and practicable, individuals may have the option of not identifying themselves or of using a pseudonym when dealing with us. However, in most circumstances, it will be impracticable for us to provide our services or deal with you in any substantive matter unless you are identified.
8. Complaints
If you have a complaint about our handling of your personal information, please contact us using the details below. We will investigate your complaint and respond to you. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
9. Contact Details
For any queries regarding this policy, please contact us at:
- Email: [email protected]
10. Policy Amendments
We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice. The current version of our Privacy Policy will be available on our website.