Jennifer Labrecque Professional Corporation (t/a “Legal Lab”) values your privacy and understands the immense importance of safeguarding your personal information. As legal professionals, we are bound by a duty of confidentiality to protect all information obtained within the lawyer-client relationship. This Privacy Policy outlines our commitment to protecting your privacy, managing your personal information securely, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including the requirements set forth by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).

What Are My Privacy Rights?

Per the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Canadian Standards Association Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information which it incorporates, all businesses engaging in commercial activities, including law firms like Legal Lab, must adhere to specific obligations regarding the privacy of personal information. These regulations grant you certain rights concerning the privacy of your personal information and form the basis of our Privacy Policy at Legal Lab.

What Constitutes Personal Information?

Personal information encompasses any data that identifies you or could be used to deduce your identity. This may include, but is not limited to, details such as your name, address, contact information, financial data, and family circumstances. For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, personal information refers to information about an identifiable individual as defined in applicable privacy legislation. Note that business contact information is generally not included in this definition of personal information.

How Does Legal Lab Collect Personal Information?

 Legal Lab only collects personal information through lawful and fair means, ensuring it is not obtained in an unreasonably intrusive manner. Whenever possible, we collect personal information directly from you, particularly at the commencement of a retainer and throughout our representation. In some instances, we may obtain information from third-party sources, such as your real estate agent, insurance company or government agencies.

Does Legal Lab Obtain Consent to Collect Personal Information?

Your consent is required for the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. Legal Lab makes every effort to obtain your consent at the time of collection, whether in written or oral form, depending on the circumstances. Note that sometimes, your consent may be implied through your conduct with Legal Lab. By providing us with your personal information, you agree to its processing in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws. If you provide personal information about another individual, you confirm that you have obtained their consent for its processing by Legal Lab as outlined herein.

You retain the right to withdraw your consent to collect, use, or disclose your personal information at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions. However, please note that such withdrawal may impact our ability to provide certain services or advice to you. In specific situations, privacy legislation permits the collection, use, or disclosure of information without consent, which will be documented and justified by Legal Lab.

How Does Legal Lab Use Personal Information?

Legal Lab utilizes your personal information solely for the provision of legal advice and services to you. This includes activities such as conflict checks, legal investigations, managing client relationships, and fulfilling legal obligations. Additionally, we may use personal information for other business-related purposes, such as administrative matters or financial accounting. Your personal information will never be disclosed nor utilized other than with your consent if its use deviates from the originally intended purpose.

When Does Legal Lab Disclose Personal Information?

In some circumstances, Legal Lab may disclose your personal information, such as when required by law, authorized by you, or when necessary for the provision of legal services. We ensure that only the minimum amount of information necessary is disclosed, and we maintain strict confidentiality standards in all such disclosures.

Is Personal Information Secure With Legal Lab?

Legal Lab employs reasonable measures to safeguard your personal information against loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. Your personal information is stored securely in monitored environments and on servers located within Ontario, Canada.

Is Personal Information Retained by Legal Lab?

Legal Lab retains your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy, as required by law, or as directed by internal retention schedules. These retention periods may vary based on the nature of the information and any potential legal or regulatory obligations. When multiple periods are applicable, the longer of the periods will apply.

When Is Personal Information Updated?

It is essential to maintain accurate and up-to-date personal information to ensure the quality of our legal services. If any of your information changes during our engagement, please notify us promptly to facilitate the necessary updates.

Can I Access My Personal Information?

You have the right to request access to your personal information held by Legal Lab. While summary information is readily available, more detailed requests may be subject to reasonable retrieval fees. However, the right is not absolute, and access may be denied in specific circumstances outlined in privacy legislation.

Note on Electronic Communications:

Legal Lab utilizes electronic communications, such as email, text messages, and video conferencing, for the purpose of providing legal services outlined in your Retainer Agreement. While we take reasonable precautions to secure electronic communications, please be aware of inherent risks associated with such mediums, including potential interception or disclosure.

By continuing to engage with Legal Lab’s services, you acknowledge and consent to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our handling of personal information, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.