Collection, Use and Accuracy of Personal Information

Personal Information means information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable. The kinds of Personal Information we may collect include, without limitation, names, residential or postal addresses, email addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers, domain names, and information relating to your use of our website, including the pages you access.

We may collect Personal Information in a variety of ways, including through interviews, forms, correspondence, telephone communications, our website, our client portal, and from third parties. Alta Legal Pty Ltd also collects the personal information you provide through our online 'contact us' form so that we may respond to your enquiry, assess whether we can assist you, and contact you in relation to your enquiry.

We collect, hold, use and disclose Personal Information for the primary purpose of providing legal services to our clients, conducting our business, communicating with courts and tribunals where required, and providing information about our services, seminars, events and other matters which may be of interest. We may also use or disclose Personal Information for purposes secondary to the primary purpose where such use or disclosure is reasonably expected, where consent has been provided, or where otherwise required or authorised by law.

You may request not to receive marketing communications from us at any time by contacting us in writing. Where appropriate and practicable, we will explain why we are collecting Personal Information and how we intend to use it. We do not accept responsibility for the privacy practices, policies or content of third-party websites linked to or from our website.

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the Personal Information we hold is accurate, up to date, complete and relevant. To assist us in maintaining accurate records, you should notify us as soon as reasonably practicable of any change to your Personal Information.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information has the meaning given to it in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and includes information or an opinion about matters such as an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record, or health information.

We will only collect, hold, use or disclose sensitive information for the primary purpose for which it was obtained, for a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose, with your consent, or where otherwise required or authorised by law.

Collection from Third Parties

Where it is reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information directly from you. However, in some circumstances, we may receive Personal Information from third parties. Where this occurs, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us, unless an exception applies.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your Personal Information in a range of circumstances, including where you have consented to the use or disclosure, where the disclosure is reasonably necessary for the provision of our services, or where the disclosure is required or authorised by law.

We do not disclose Personal Information to third parties except where we consider such disclosure reasonably necessary in order to properly carry out our services, where you have expressly or impliedly consented to the disclosure or requested that the information be provided to a third party, or where we are otherwise required or permitted by law to do so.

Security and Retention of 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. Personal Information is stored in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard its security and confidentiality.

Where Personal Information is no longer required for the purpose for which it was collected, we will take reasonable steps to destroy it or permanently de-identify it, unless we are required or permitted by law to retain it. However, much of the Personal Information we collect and hold forms part of client files, which are generally retained by us for a minimum period of seven (7) years.

Cookies and Website Usage

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies. A cookie is a small data file transferred by a website to your hard drive or device, which enables the website to recognise your browser and helps us understand how our website is used, including the pages you visit and, in some cases, actions taken on the site, such as completing a form or clicking on a telephone number to make a call.

Cookies and similar technologies may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, device information and website usage data. In some circumstances, this information may be associated with an identifiable individual, particularly where it is combined with other information.

We use this information to operate, maintain and improve our website and services, and to better understand user engagement with our website. Cookies used on our website generally persist only for a limited period. You may configure your browser to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being used. However, if you disable cookies, some parts of our website may not function properly.

Access to and Correction of Personal Information

Subject to certain exceptions, you may request access to the Personal Information we hold about you and request that it be corrected or updated. Requests for access should be made to us in writing.

We do not charge a fee for making a request to access your Personal Information, although we may charge a reasonable administrative fee for providing a copy of that information. In order to protect your Personal Information, we may require you to verify your identity before releasing any requested information.

Maintaining the Quality of Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the Personal Information we hold is accurate, complete and up to date. If you become aware that any Personal Information we hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete or no longer current, you should notify us as soon as reasonably practicable so that we may update our records and continue to provide our services effectively.

Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be amended from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal obligations, or the operation of our business. Any updated version of this Privacy Policy will apply from the date it is published.

Privacy Complaints and Enquiries

If you wish to access your Personal Information, have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or wish to make a complaint about a possible breach of privacy, please contact Alta Legal Pty Ltd in writing.

Privacy complaints may be directed to the Directors of the firm, Rebecca Zanol or Georgia Pitsadiotis, via email at admin@altalegal.com.au. We will acknowledge, investigate and respond to your complaint as soon as reasonably practicable, and aim to provide a response within 21 days of receiving it.