1. Introduction

Laws and Beyond (“we,” “our,” or “the Firm”) is a legal firm operating out of Calgary, Alberta. We are committed to safeguarding the personal information of our clients, website visitors, and employees.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we manage your personal information and safeguard your privacy in compliance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), the Legal Profession Act, and the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta.

By accessing our website or retaining our services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this policy.

2. Scope and Governing Law

This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected by Laws and Beyond via our website (www.lawsnbeyond.com) and through our legal practice.

Jurisdiction: This Policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. By using this website, you acknowledge that the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts and privacy commissioners of Alberta and Canada.

3. Information We Collect

We collect personal information necessary to provide legal services and operate our website. This typically includes:

• Contact Information: Name, address, email address, and phone number.

• Legal & Financial Information: Details required to provide legal advice, represent you, or conduct conflict-of-interest checks.

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and usage data collected automatically when you visit our website.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

1. Providing Legal Services: To verify your identity, provide legal advice, and represent you in legal matters.

2. Conflict Checks: To ensure we can act for you without a conflict of interest as required by the Law Society of Alberta.

3. Administration: For billing, record-keeping, and account management.

4. Communication (CASL Compliance): To send you newsletters, legal updates, or firm announcements. Note: We will only send you Commercial Electronic Messages (CEMs) if we have your express consent or implied consent (e.g., an existing business relationship), in full compliance with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). You may unsubscribe at any time.

5. Important Legal Disclaimer (Solicitor-Client Privilege)

Please read carefully:

• No Solicitor-Client Relationship: Visiting this website or contacting us via email/web forms does not create a solicitor-client relationship. A relationship is only established when we have expressly agreed to represent you, usually confirmed in a written retainer agreement.

• Unsecured Communication: Please do not send confidential or sensitive information via general web forms. Information sent before a retainer is established may not be protected by solicitor-client privilege.

6. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We do not disclose any client information.

7. Storage and Security

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or to meet legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., Law Society file retention rules).

We protect your information using physical, technical, and administrative security measures appropriate to the sensitivity of the information, including:

• Secure premises.

• Password-protected files and servers.

• Confidentiality agreements with staff and vendors.

8. Your Rights (Access and Correction)

Under PIPA (Alberta), you have the right to:

1. Access: Request access to your personal information held by us.

2. Correction: Request correction of any errors or omissions in your personal information.

To make a request, please contact our Privacy Officer in writing. We will respond within 45 days, as required by Alberta law, unless an extension is warranted.