The Bennett Law Office is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who visit our website, contact our office, or engage our legal services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose information, and describes your privacy rights and how the law protects you.
Our website address is: https://katebennettlaw.com
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following personal information when you:
- Contact us through our website, email, or telephone
- Schedule a consultation or engage our services
- Submit forms or documents related to legal representation
- Visit our office or attend meetings
Personal information may include:
- Name, address, telephone number, and email address
- Date of birth and Social Security number (when required for legal representation)
- Financial information relevant to your legal matter
- Information about your family members and relationships
- Details about your legal issues and circumstances
- Employment and income information
- Any other information necessary for legal representation
Website Usage Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:
- IP address and browser information
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring website information
- Device type and operating system
- Geographic location data
Legal Documents and Communications
As part of providing legal services, we collect and maintain:
- All documents provided by clients
- Correspondence and communications
- Court filings and legal pleadings
- Expert reports and evidence
- Settlement agreements and court orders
How We Use Your Information
Legal Representation
We use your personal information to:
- Provide competent legal representation and advice
- Communicate with you about your legal matter
- Prepare legal documents and court filings
- Coordinate with other parties, attorneys, and court personnel
- Bill for services and manage client accounts
- Comply with court orders and legal obligations
Office Administration
We use information for:
- Scheduling appointments and consultations
- Maintaining client files and records
- Managing conflicts of interest
- Financial accounting and record-keeping
- Business operations and administration
Website Functionality
We use website data to:
- Improve website performance and user experience
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Respond to inquiries and provide information
- Ensure website security and prevent fraud
Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality
Privileged Communications
All communications between clients and Kate Bennett Attorney at Law are protected by attorney-client privilege under Texas law. This privilege belongs to the client and covers:
- All oral and written communications
- Documents and information provided to our office
- Legal advice and strategy discussions
- Settlement negotiations and case developments
Confidentiality Obligations
We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. We will not disclose confidential client information except:
- When expressly authorized by the client
- When required by court order or law
- When necessary to prevent imminent harm
- When necessary to establish our defense against claims of professional misconduct
- When necessary to collect fees or enforce our rights
Former Client Protections
We continue to protect the confidentiality of former clients and will not use confidential information to their disadvantage or for the benefit of other clients without consent.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Third-Party Service Providers
We may share limited information with trusted third-party service providers who assist with:
- Court reporting and document preparation services
- Expert witnesses and consultants
- Investigators and process servers
- Financial advisors and accountants
- IT support and security services
- Office administration and clerical support
All third-party providers are required to maintain confidentiality and use information only for authorized purposes.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by:
- Court orders or subpoenas
- State or federal law
- Regulatory authorities
- Law enforcement (when legally compelled)
Business Associates
We may share information with:
- Co-counsel and associate attorneys
- Mediators and arbitrators
- Expert witnesses and consultants
- Court personnel and opposing counsel (as necessary for representation)
Data Security and Protection
Physical Security
We maintain physical security measures including:
- Secure office premises with controlled access
- Locked file cabinets and storage areas
- Secure document disposal procedures
- Limited access to client files and information
Digital Security
We implement digital security measures including:
- Encrypted email communications for sensitive information
- Secure client portals for document sharing
- Regular data backups and recovery procedures
- Firewall and antivirus protection
- Secure network access and password policies
Employee Training
All employees receive training on:
- Confidentiality requirements and ethical obligations
- Proper handling of client information
- Security procedures and protocols
- Privacy policy compliance
Website-Specific Privacy Practices
Cookies and Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze website traffic and user behavior
- Improve website functionality and user experience
- Provide secure access to client portals
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
Contact Forms and Communications
When you submit information through our website contact forms:
- All information is transmitted securely
- Information is used only to respond to your inquiry
- We do not share contact form information with third parties
- Information may be retained for potential conflict checking
Third-Party Links and Content
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or embedded content. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
Client Rights and Choices
Access to Information
You have the right to:
- Request copies of your client file
- Review all documents in your matter
- Receive explanations of legal proceedings
- Access billing and accounting information
Communication Preferences
You may:
- Choose your preferred method of communication
- Request that communications be sent to specific addresses
- Opt out of non-essential communications
- Update your contact information at any time
File Retention and Destruction
We retain client files according to:
- Legal and ethical requirements
- Statute of limitations periods
- Client instructions and preferences
- Professional best practices
You may request early destruction of files in certain circumstances.
Data Retention and Destruction
Retention Periods
We retain information for:
- Active Client Files: Duration of representation plus applicable statute of limitations
- Closed Client Files: Minimum of 5 years after case closure or as required by law
- Financial Records: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
- Website Data: 2 years for analytics purposes
Secure Destruction
When information is no longer needed, we:
- Shred physical documents using secure destruction services
- Permanently delete electronic files using secure deletion methods
- Maintain certificates of destruction for sensitive information
- Follow all legal requirements for record destruction
Special Considerations for Family Law Matters
Child Information
When representing clients in matters involving minor children:
- All information about children is strictly confidential
- We follow additional privacy protections for minors
- Court orders may require specific handling of child-related information
- We coordinate with child advocates and guardians ad litem as appropriate
Financial Information
In divorce and support matters:
- Financial information is protected under attorney-client privilege
- Disclosure to opposing parties occurs only as required by court rules
- We maintain security for sensitive financial data
- Third-party financial experts are bound by confidentiality agreements
Domestic Violence Considerations
For clients experiencing domestic violence:
- We implement additional security measures for contact information
- Alternative communication methods may be used for safety
- Address and location information receives enhanced protection
- We coordinate with victim advocacy services while maintaining confidentiality
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:
- Changes in legal or regulatory requirements
- Updates to our business practices
- Improvements in security measures
- Client feedback and concerns
We will notify clients of material changes through:
- Posted notices on our website.
Contact Information for Privacy Concerns
For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact us:
Kate Bennett
Bennett Law Office
324 West Whaley Street Longview, Texas 75604
Phone: 903-757-7605
Email: privacy@katebennettlaw.com Website: https://katebennettlaw.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For urgent privacy concerns outside business hours, please leave a detailed message and we will respond promptly.
Legal Compliance and Regulatory Information
This Privacy Policy complies with:
- Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct
- Texas Privacy Protection Act
- Federal privacy laws applicable to legal services
- State Bar of Texas ethical requirements
Texas State Bar Licensing Information: Kate Bennett is licensed to practice law in Texas (State Bar Number: [Number]). This law firm is not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Disclaimer: This Privacy Policy does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal advice can only be provided through formal representation agreements after consultation and conflict checking procedures.
By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.
