Last Updated: February 17, 2025
Introduction
At Bluenose Law we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), as well as the Code of Professional Conduct of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS). By accessing our website and using our services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Personal Information We Collect
We collect personal information that is necessary for us to provide legal services and operate our website. This information may include, but is not limited to:
- Name, address, telephone number, and email address.
- Details of legal matters, including documents, communications, and case history.
- Payment information related to services rendered (if applicable).
- Technical information such as IP addresses, browser type, operating system, and usage data when visiting our website.
We collect this information directly from you when you provide it to us through forms, emails, or communications.
2. Purpose of Collecting Personal Information
We collect personal information for the following purposes:
- To provide legal services, including consultation, representation, and advice.
- To communicate with you and respond to your inquiries.
- To manage billing, payments, and financial records.
- To comply with legal obligations and professional responsibilities under applicable law and the NSBS Code of Professional Conduct.
- To maintain the security and functionality of our website.
3. Consent
By providing your personal information to us, either through our website, during consultations, or through other communications, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as outlined in this Privacy Policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions. If you withdraw consent, we may not be able to continue providing legal services to you.
4. How We Use Personal Information
We use your personal information to fulfill the purposes stated above. Specifically, your personal information may be used to:
- Communicate with you regarding legal matters.
- Prepare legal documents and other necessary paperwork.
- Conduct legal research and analysis relevant to your case.
- Provide administrative support, such as scheduling meetings and providing reminders.
- Comply with any applicable laws or regulations, including financial reporting, anti-money laundering, and conflict-of-interest checks.
5. Sharing of Personal Information
We do not share your personal information with third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:
- To third-party service providers who assist us in providing legal services or operating our website (e.g., IT service providers, payment processors, or document management services). These providers are obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.
- To comply with legal obligations, including court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes.
- To professional regulatory bodies, such as the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, for compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct and other regulatory requirements.
We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
6. Security of Personal Information
We take the security of your personal information seriously and have implemented reasonable physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to protect it. These measures include:
- Secure storage of personal data in encrypted systems.
- Regular audits to ensure the integrity of security practices.
- Restricting access to personal information to only those employees and professionals who need it to perform their duties.
However, please note that no method of data transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and while we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
7. Retention of Personal Information
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. After that period, we will securely dispose of your personal information or anonymize it so that it can no longer be used to identify you.
8. Use of SMS Service
Bluenose Law utilizes SMS service through its telephone provider for your convenience. Our SMS service will inform you of the message frequency. In utilizing our SMS service, you acknowledge/agree that:
• you are consenting to receive messages from Bluenose Law;
• your personal info will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes;
• you may reply STOP at any time to opt-out of future messaging;
• you may reply HELP at any time for more information;
• SMS messages are not a fully secure medium; and
• message and data rates may apply depending on your service provider.
9. Access to Your Personal Information
Under PIPEDA, you have the right to request access to your personal information held by us. If you wish to review, update, or correct your personal information, please contact us using the details provided below. We will respond to your request within the timeframes required by applicable laws.
Generally, there will be no charge for requests for access to personal information, unless the request is for copies of records or involves significant retrieval costs. We will advise you of any cost in advance. In some cases, access may be limited if disclosure would affect solicitor-client privilege or violate other legal obligations. We will not respond to requests that are clearly frivolous, vexatious or repetitious.
10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your experience and analyze site usage. Cookies are small files placed on your device to store certain preferences or gather information. You may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, but doing so may impact your ability to use certain features of our website.
11. Professional Responsibilities
As legal professionals, we are also subject to the Code of Professional Conduct of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, which requires us to maintain the confidentiality of client information. We adhere to the highest ethical standards in managing your personal information, including ensuring that solicitor-client privilege is respected and upheld.
12. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or technological advances. When we update the policy, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal information.
13. Consent to Electronic Communication
By visiting our website or communicating with us electronically, you consent to receiving communications, including legal notices and updates, via email or other electronic methods. If you prefer to receive information in another format, please let us know.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns, wish to access your personal information or wish to change your preferences regarding our use of your information, please contact us:
Privacy Officer Address Telephone Email
Andrew R. Fraser 424 King Street (902) 518-2992 afraser@cn.bluenoselaw.ca
Bridgewater, NS
B4V 1A9
