Privacy Policy

We're not in the business of selling your data or spamming you with nonsense. Here's the straight goods on what we do with your information:

Legal Representation: This is the big one. We use your info to provide legal services, prepare documents, communicate with opposing parties, file court documents, and basically do what you're hiring us to do.

Communication: We'll reach out about your case, send appointment reminders, provide updates, and answer your questions. Sometimes we might send info about legal changes that affect northern communities, but only if it's actually relevant to you.

Administrative Stuff: Billing, scheduling, maintaining files - the boring but necessary parts of running a law practice. We keep records because the Law Society requires it and because it protects both of us.

Improving Our Services: We look at trends (anonymously) to figure out what legal needs aren't being met in northern communities and how we can do better.

Your info is locked down tighter than a cabin in a January blizzard. We take security seriously because we're dealing with sensitive legal matters and people's lives.

Digital Security: Encrypted storage, secure servers, password-protected systems, regular backups. We use Canadian-based servers whenever possible and all our systems meet Law Society of Northwest Territories requirements.

Physical Security: Our Yellowknife office has controlled access, locked filing cabinets, and documents are shredded when they're no longer needed. We don't leave files lying around where anyone can see 'em.

Staff Training: Everyone on our team knows the confidentiality rules inside and out. Breaching client confidentiality isn't just unprofessional - it's a career-ender, and we take it seriously.

Remote Work Security: Given how spread out the territories are, we sometimes work remotely. All remote access is secured through VPNs and encrypted connections.

We don't share your information unless there's a damn good reason. Here's when we might have to:

With Your Permission: If you tell us to share info with someone - another lawyer, a family member, a band council - we'll do it. But we'll always confirm with you first.

Legal Requirements: If a court orders us to disclose info, if we're legally required to report something, or if there's a real threat to someone's safety. These situations are rare but they happen.

Service Providers: Sometimes we use third-party services (cloud storage, billing software, expert witnesses). They only get access to what they absolutely need, and they're all bound by confidentiality agreements.

Professional Consultations: Occasionally we might consult with other lawyers or experts about your case. When we do, we keep it anonymous or get your permission first.

We'll never sell your information, share it for marketing purposes, or hand it over to anyone without a legitimate legal reason or your explicit okay.

Yeah, our website uses cookies. Not the kind you eat (though we wish), but the digital kind that help the site work better.

Essential Cookies: These keep the site functioning - remembering you're logged into the client portal, keeping forms from breaking. Can't really run the site without 'em.

Analytics: We use basic analytics to see how people use the site. It's aggregated data - we're not tracking individuals around the internet like some creepy stalker.

Your Control: Most browsers let you block cookies if you want. Fair warning though - some parts of the site might not work right if you do.

We don't use advertising cookies or any of that targeted ad nonsense. We're a law firm in Yellowknife, not a tech company trying to sell you stuff.

Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA and territorial regulations), you've got rights. Here's what you can do:

Access Your Information: You can ask to see what information we have about you. We'll provide it within 30 days, though there might be some stuff we legally can't share.

Request Corrections: If something's wrong in your file, let us know and we'll fix it. We wanna make sure everything's accurate.

Withdraw Consent: You can change your mind about how we use your info (within reason - we still gotta keep certain records for legal and regulatory reasons).

File a Complaint: If you think we've messed up your privacy rights, you can complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd prefer you talk to us first though - we'll do our best to make it right.

Data Portability: Need your information transferred somewhere? We can provide your file in a usable format.

Sometimes we link to other websites or use external services. Just so you know, we don't control what they do with your information.

External Links: We might link to government resources, court websites, or legal databases. Once you click away from our site, their privacy policies apply, not ours.

Service Providers: We use Canadian-based services whenever we can - document storage, email hosting, practice management software. They're all vetted and required to maintain confidentiality.

Payment Processing: If you pay us online, that's handled through secure payment processors. We don't store your full credit card info on our systems.

We're careful about who we work with, but you should always check out the privacy policies of any other sites you visit.

Here's something important - everything you tell us is confidential. That's not just our policy, it's a fundamental rule of law.

Solicitor-Client Privilege: Conversations between you and us are protected. We can't share what you tell us without your permission, and neither can anyone else force us to (except in very rare circumstances).

Secure Communication: When emailing, we use encrypted systems. Phone calls are private. Video conferences are secured. We've thought through how to keep your communications safe, especially given the challenges of northern internet connectivity.

Community Considerations: We know that in smaller northern communities, privacy can be tricky. We're extra careful about discretion and we'll work with you to keep your legal matters private.

Document Retention: We keep your file for at least 10 years after your matter closes (Law Society requirement). After that, we'll securely destroy it unless you need us to keep it longer.

Privacy laws change, technology evolves, and we might need to update this policy from time to time. When we do, here's how it'll work:

Notice of Changes: We'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. For major changes, we'll send an email to current clients and post a notice on our homepage.

Your Continued Use: If you keep using our services after we update the policy, that means you're okay with the changes. If you're not, just let us know.

Active Matters: If you've got an ongoing case and we make changes that affect how we handle your specific information, we'll discuss it with you directly.

We try to keep this stuff as straightforward as possible, but if something's unclear, just ask. We'd rather explain it properly than have you confused about your rights.

Got questions about this privacy policy? Worried about how we're handling your information? Just wanna chat about your privacy rights? We're here for it.

We'll get back to you within one business day (sometimes faster - we're usually at our desks unless we're in court or visiting communities). If you've got a privacy concern, we take it seriously and we'll address it promptly.

And hey, if you think we've violated your privacy rights, you can also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. But honestly, talk to us first - we're reasonable people and we want to make things right.