Privacy Policy
Gobin & Leyenson LLP is committed to respecting the privacy of individuals and recognizes a need for the appropriate management and protection of any personal information.
1. Introduction and Scope
Gobin & Leyenson LLP (“the Firm,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) recognizes the importance of protecting personal information and maintaining the confidentiality of information entrusted to us.
This Privacy Policy explains how the Firm collects, uses, discloses, retains, and safeguards personal information in connection with its legal services, professional activities, and operation of its website, www.glllp.ca.
This policy applies, as relevant, to website visitors, prospective clients, current and former clients, and other individuals whose personal information the Firm receives in the course of its operations.
The Firm's handling of personal information is governed by applicable privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), where applicable, and the professional obligations established by the Law Society of Ontario.
2. Personal Information We May Collect
Depending on the nature of an inquiry, professional relationship, or legal matter, the Firm may collect personal information such as:
- Names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses.
- Information provided through website consultation forms, correspondence, and telephone communications.
- Information concerning legal disputes, proceedings, transactions, and other legal matters.
- Identification, financial, employment, tenancy, property, and other records relevant to the services requested or provided.
- Information about opposing parties, witnesses, and other individuals involved in legal proceedings.
- Billing, payment, and account information.
- Website usage information, which may include IP addresses, browser information, device information, and information collected through cookies or similar technologies.
The nature and extent of information collected will depend upon the purpose for which it is required.
The Firm seeks to limit its collection of personal information to what is reasonably necessary for identified purposes, subject to applicable legal and professional obligations.
3. Purposes for Collecting and Using Personal Information
The Firm may collect and use personal information for purposes including:
- Responding to inquiries and consultation requests.
- Assessing whether the Firm can accept a proposed retainer, including conducting conflict-of-interest checks.
- Establishing, administering, and maintaining professional relationships.
- Providing legal advice, representation, and related professional services.
- Preparing and managing legal documents, evidence, applications, correspondence, and proceedings.
- Communicating with clients and other individuals involved in legal matters.
- Maintaining financial records, processing payments, and administering accounts.
- Complying with legal, regulatory, professional, and recordkeeping requirements.
- Maintaining the security and functionality of the Firm's website and information systems.
- Evaluating website performance and conducting marketing activities, where permitted by applicable law and professional obligations.
Personal information will not be used or disclosed for unrelated purposes without appropriate authorization or another lawful basis.
4. Consent
Where required by applicable privacy legislation, the Firm obtains consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information.
Consent may be express or implied, depending on the circumstances, the sensitivity of the information, and applicable legal requirements.
In certain circumstances, personal information may be collected, used, or disclosed without consent where permitted or required by law.
Individuals may withdraw consent where legally permissible, subject to contractual, legal, regulatory, and professional restrictions. Withdrawal of consent may affect the Firm's ability to provide or continue certain services.
5. Professional Confidentiality and Legal Privilege
Lawyers and licensed paralegals at Gobin & Leyenson LLP are subject to professional duties of confidentiality established by the Law Society of Ontario.
The Firm recognizes that information received in connection with requests for legal assistance and professional relationships may be confidential, whether or not a formal retainer has been established.
Confidential information is handled in accordance with applicable professional obligations and is not disclosed except where authorized, required, or otherwise permitted by law and the applicable professional conduct rules.
Certain communications may also be protected by solicitor-client privilege, litigation privilege, or other applicable legal protections.
Confidentiality and legal privilege are distinct legal concepts, and not every communication or document is necessarily privileged.
Submitting an inquiry through the Firm's website does not, by itself, establish a lawyer-client or paralegal-client relationship. A professional relationship is established in accordance with the Firm's client acceptance and retainer procedures.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
Depending on the circumstances of a particular matter, the Firm may disclose personal information to:
- Courts, tribunals, and administrative bodies.
- Opposing parties, their legal representatives, and other participants in legal proceedings.
- Expert witnesses, consultants, process servers, and other service providers assisting with legal matters.
- Technology, document management, accounting, and administrative service providers.
- Regulators, insurers, or other authorities where disclosure is required or permitted by law or applicable professional obligations.
- Other parties where the individual has authorized disclosure or another lawful basis exists.
Disclosure is limited as appropriate to the relevant purpose and is subject to applicable confidentiality, privilege, privacy, and professional obligations.
7. Website Information, Cookies, and Analytics
When individuals visit www.glllp.ca, certain technical and usage information may be collected through the website and associated service providers.
Depending on the technologies enabled, this information may include browser details, IP addresses, pages visited, referral sources, and website interactions.
Cookies and similar technologies may be used to support website functionality, understand website usage, assess advertising effectiveness, or deliver relevant advertising.
Where third-party analytics or advertising services are used, information may be processed by those providers in accordance with their applicable terms, privacy practices, and the Firm's arrangements with them.
Visitors may be able to manage cookies through their browser settings and any privacy controls made available on the website.
The Firm's use of tracking technologies is subject to applicable privacy requirements.
8. Information Security and Safeguards
The Firm recognizes its responsibility to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, use, loss, theft, or modification.
The nature of the safeguards required depends on the sensitivity of the information, the circumstances in which it is maintained, and applicable legal and professional requirements.
Safeguards may include administrative procedures, technical controls, physical security measures, and restrictions on access to confidential information.
Although reasonable measures are taken to protect information, no method of electronic communication, transmission, or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Individuals should exercise appropriate caution when transmitting sensitive information through electronic communications.
9. Retention and Disposal of Personal Information
The Firm retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, professional, accounting, insurance, and recordkeeping obligations.
Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the information, the legal matter, and applicable requirements.
When information is no longer required, the Firm will arrange for its secure disposal, destruction, or anonymization, as appropriate.
10. Accuracy of Personal Information
The Firm seeks to maintain personal information that is sufficiently accurate, complete, and current for the purposes for which it is used.
Clients and other individuals are encouraged to notify the Firm of changes to their contact information or other relevant information.
11. Access to and Correction of Personal Information
Individuals may request access to personal information held about them by the Firm or request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
Requests will be considered in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and subject to any relevant legal restrictions, confidentiality obligations, privileges, or rights of other individuals.
The Firm may request sufficient information to verify the identity and authority of a person making a request.
12. Privacy Incidents and Breaches
The Firm recognizes the importance of responding appropriately to suspected or confirmed privacy incidents.
Where a privacy breach occurs, the Firm will assess the circumstances and take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable legal and professional obligations.
Where required by law, the Firm will provide notifications to affected individuals and relevant regulatory authorities and maintain any required records.
13. Third-Party Websites and Services
The Firm's website may contain links to third-party websites or services.
These websites and services may have their own privacy policies, terms, and information-handling practices.
The Firm does not control the privacy practices of independent third-party websites and encourages visitors to review their applicable policies.
14. Privacy Inquiries, Access Requests, and Complaints
Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests regarding the Firm's handling of personal information may be directed to:
Privacy Officer
Gobin & Leyenson LLP
Telephone: (905) 240-5555
Email: info@glllp.ca
Mailing Address: 17 John Street West, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1W8
The Firm will review privacy-related inquiries and complaints in accordance with applicable law and its professional obligations.
Where PIPEDA applies, individuals may also have the right to submit a complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Firm may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in its operations, applicable law, professional requirements, or information-handling practices.
The current version will be made available on the Firm's website.
Effective Date:
Last Updated: