Privacy Policy – Legal Companions Law Group

Introduction to Our Privacy Statement

At Legal Companions Law Group, your privacy and the protection of your personal information is one of our primary concerns. We earn your trust by being responsible and transparent in how we collect and use that information. This Privacy Policy explains how we use, keep, and share your personal information when you visit our website (https://iranilawyers.com/), contact us, or use our legal services. We are strong believers in clearly communicating with our users, and in operating strictly according to the law and ethical guidelines, so that your information is kept private and protected. As an active law group serving the United States, as well as Iranians abroad, we know how private you would like to be when dealing with your legal affairs-we take it as a given that all steps should be taken to preserve your privacy.

Who We Are: The Legal Companions Law Group

Legal Companions Law Group is a dedicated legal group providing representation and consultation in the fields of civil, criminal, family, registration, and real estate law. We are a team of attorney at laws and retired appellate judges, each holding advanced degrees in law and official licenses to practice issued by the Bar Association. We offer free consultations, legal services in various facets of law, and educational content on our blog for Iranian citizens in the United States and abroad. Our office is located at 300 Convent St Ste 83, San Antonio TX 78205. Our phone number is (210) 512-5873 and you can reach us via email at [email protected]. We strive to provide expert legal advice while ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of our clients.

Applicability of this Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy applies to all of our website visitors, users, and clients of Legal Companions Law Group who: (a) access our website; (b) communicate with our law firm; and/or (c) receive legal services. Our Privacy Policy deals with information that we collect online when you visit our website and/or on related websites such as social media sites or other digital platforms, and also covers information which we may collect by phone, in-person meetings, via email, WhatsApp, or text message. This does not cover third-party websites or other digital services and content that those providers provide and may link from our site or from yours. We encourage you to separately look up the provider’s privacy policies.

The Types of Information We Collect

Personal Information – Name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, government-issued identification numbers (as required by law and regulation), and similar contact information.
Legal Matter Information – The details regarding your legal matter, case history and information, records you give us or that we receive from third parties, and any other supporting evidence related to the matter.
Communications – Content of email messages, phone recordings, messages on WhatsApp, content from our website contact forms, or other correspondence between you and us.
Website Information – IP address, browser, operating system, device, page visited, referring URL, web pages visited online, cookies, tracking functions for web traffic.
Financial Information – Payment information, bill payer address and records for purposes of collection of fees due to us and compliance with legal procedures as required or permitted by laws and regulations.
Demographic Information – Demographic information such as nationality, language preference or leaves may be specifically requested (optional).

If feasible we only collect information that is minimally required to provide the services and to respond to your requests.

How We Collect Your Information

Direct communications: We collect information when you call us or send us a message by email, WhatsApp, or in-person visit, or when you submit an inquiry via our website contact forms or request a consultation.
Document submissions: We collect information from you when you submit a document(s), evidence, or other material data in relation to your matter.
Online information: We may collect information when you interact with our website, through the use of cookies, web analytics, and server log files.
Third party interactions: Sometimes we will receive information about you from third parties, pursuant to their consent to share such information with us, such as another attorney or law firm or referring agency involved in your matter.
Legal or regulatory needs: We will also receive certain information about you that we are required by law to collect or verify, such as for regulatory compliance, reporting, tax identification, anti-money laundering, and other requirements.

In all such circumstances, we endeavor always to identify you as the client, not only through your actions that lead to submitting or adding information to your matter, but also being sure that the action was specifically in relation to an individual matter.

The Purposes for the Collection of Your Information and How We Use It

To provide you with legal consultation, legal case evaluation, and legal representation services that are tailored to meet your specific needs;
To respond to your questions, organize and schedule your appointments, and provide ongoing communications and updates;
To process your payments, create invoices for you, and maintain records of financial transactions;
To determine your qualification for court-appointed (in forma pauperis) legal representation or as a public defender;
To fulfill required legal, regulatory, licensing, professional and ethical obligations as required by the law and the Bar Association;
To improve our website and services and overall client experience based upon client feedback and website usage trends;
To communicate about important updates, service updates, and information about educational materials or blog posts related to our website; and,
To protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of our operations, clients and staff.

We never use your data for any non-relevant purpose not related to the law services we provide or sell your personal information for resale to third parties.

Legal Bases for the Processing of Your Information

Legal Companions Law Group determines its legal basis for processing your personal data based on one or more of the following:

Your consent which is explicitly given to us directly by you when you contact us, request a consultation or submit information online via our website.
The necessity of processing in order to perform a contract and/or at your request prior to entering into a contract (for example providing legal services).
Through compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject by relevant laws, courts and regulatory authorities.
In the protection of your vital interests and/or those of another person connected with your legal matter.
Through our legitimate interests in the administration and provision of legal services (for example the enhancement of service quality, prevention of fraud, protection of the integrity of systems) provided that these do not override your fundamental rights/freedoms.

We provide support for your rights and transparency regarding how, why and on what basis we process your data.

How We Share and Disclose Your Information

We handle your personal and confidential information with the utmost care. We never divulge your information to any third party, except to:

Provide that information, with your explicit consent, to other professionals (such as expert witnesses, co-counsel, translators or similar professionals) engaged in providing services on your matter.
Provide that information to any court, law enforcement, government agency, regulatory authority or otherwise as necessary to pursue your matter or comply with the law.
Provide that information to any contracted service provider which are used to assist us with IT support, payment processing, data storage, client communications or website analytics. Those providers are subject to close protocols of confidentiality of data privacy and use.
In the event of merger, re-organization or acquisition of Legal Companions Law Group, your information may form a part of the concerned business assets. Doing so is subject to further protections in this policy.
Prevent, detect or respond to fraud including cyber incidents or security threats, or in any other manner required to protect our clients, personnel or the public.

We do not sell or rent your information to marketers or other unrelated third parties.

Our Data Security and Protection Measures

Safe storage and encryption of all digital data on secure servers.
Multi-factor authentication and restricted information access or sharing with approved staff members only.
Staff data privacy, confidentiality and cybersecurity awareness training on a regular basis.
Software patching, firewalls, anti-virus and malware protection for early warning/deterrence of attacks on information systems.
Deletion or anonymization of any data which we no longer require.
Physical security controls within our office facilities to prevent penetration and gain access to hard-copy files.

Whilst all these steps are taken, transmission of data electronically or physical storage cannot be guaranteed 100% secure. However, we are constantly reviewing and updating our security processes to reduce this risk and act immediately when software and systems are under attack.

Data Retention: Duration of the Storage of Your Information

Contact and matter information – Retained whenever we have a continuing business relationship with you and thereafter as necessary by law (typically 5-7 years depending on jurisdiction and type of legal work)
Financial and transactional information – Retained according to tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements (generally speaking 7 years)
Website traffic information and usage statistics – Retained for as long as necessary to track trends and improve our services and sites for you, after which we aggregate or anonymize such information to make it no longer uniquely identifiable

If and when we do not need your information anymore, we delete or destroy the file or fully anonymize your information so that it is no longer identifiable with you individually. You can always submit a request for such early deletion of your data to the extent possible in light of our legal and ethical obligations.

Your Rights in Your Information

Right of access: You may request access to a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Right to rectification: You may request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal data we hold about you.
Right to erasure: You may request deletion of your personal data where there is no longer a legal ground for us to use it.
Right to restrict processing: You may request that we restrict the use of your personal data in certain circumstances.
Right to object: You may object to certain types of processing, such as direct marketing. We do not engage in bulk direct marketing.
Right to data portability: You may request your personal data in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to you without undue delay and within any time period required by law (subject to any legal or regulatory restrictions).

Children’s Privacy

Our services are directed only to adults and legal persons for the purposes of legal advice and representation. We do not knowingly collect, utilize or disclose personally identifying information for children under 16 years of age without verified parental or guardian consent. If you have actual knowledge that a child under 16 has submitted personal information to us without legally sufficient authorization, please do let us know and we will take steps to remove it.

International Transfers of Information

Your Information Outside Your Country of Residence

Given that we provide services to Iranians inside the United States and outside the United States, some of your information may be transferred, stored, and/or processed in various other countries outside of your country of residence. Regardless of where your information is transferred inside or outside your country of residence, we will take care to protect your information to the same high standards outlined in this policy. Transfer of personal information is permitted using contractual clauses, encryption or other measures consistent with state data protection laws. By using our Services, you consent to our service providers transferring your information abroad where deemed necessary for legal services.

Cookies and Online Tracking

Our site employs cookies and similar tools to improve the browsing experience, analyze site usage, and deliver relevant content. Cookies are files that are stored on your device when you access our site. Categories of cookies we use include:

Functional cookies – allow the site to function as intended, provide security and accessibility
Analytics cookies – help us learn how visitors use our site so that we can enhance site performance and site content
Preference cookies – allow us to remember language and region preferences

You may be able to block or disable cookies by adjusting your browser settings; however, please note that some features may not work properly if you disable cookies. We do not use cookies for advertising or profiling purposes. For more information, please review our Cookie Policy.

Third-Party Links and Information

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, tools or resources that are provided for your convenience and/or information only. These websites, tools or resources are not under the control of Legal Companions Law Group and are maintained by third parties, independent of us. We shall have no responsibility for the content, security & privacy practices of any of these third-party websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies carefully before using them or submitting any information to them.

Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege

As a law firm, we adhere to strict professional obligations of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege. Information you provide us, in the course of seeking or receiving legal advice or services, is privileged from disclosure under the law, unless you consent otherwise, or disclosure is otherwise required by applicable laws and regulations. Our attorneys and staff are trained – and obligated – to follow these rules at all times. We take all necessary precaution to ensure that what you communicate to us in the course of seeking legal advice and services is private, confidential and secure from unauthorized use or access.

Data Breach Notification and Response

In the rare event of a breach affecting your personal information, Legal Companions Law Group will immediately investigate the incident and take all necessary and appropriate measures to contain and control the impact. We will notify affected individuals and, where required by state law or regulation, the appropriate government authorities. Such notice will describe the incident in general terms, the type of information involved, and steps you can take to help protect yourself. Our Incident Response Plan is subject to periodic reviews and updates so that we are prepared to act as quickly and effectively as possible in the event of a security incident.

How to Correct or Update Your Information

Maintaining current and accurate information is vitally important to proper representation. Please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at (210) 512-5873 to update contact and/or case information or otherwise provide us with new or changed information relating to your representation. We will promptly update your information as requested, and will confirm such changes directly with you. Corrections and other changes may also be submitted via this web page contact form.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

Legal Companions Law Group may, at its discretion, change this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the law, technology or business practices. If we make any material changes, we will prominently post those changes on this page, and note the date of the latest change. We encourage you to periodically read this policy to learn how we protect your information. Your continued use of our service following our posting of such changes will mean you accept those changes.

How to Contact Us Regarding Privacy

In the event you have any queries, issues, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:
By email: [email protected]
By phone: (210) 512-5873
By mail:
Legal Companions Law Group
300 Convent St Ste 83
San Antonio TX 78205
You also may contact us via our website’s contact form at https://iranilawyers.com/, or via WhatsApp at your earliest convenience, which will ensure a prompt response. Our office is open Saturday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and we are happy to address your privacy issue or concern in a timely and transparent manner.

Your Consent

Your use of this website, your communication with Legal Companions Law Group, or your receipt of legal services from us constitutes your acceptance and acknowledgment of the practices in this Privacy Policy. If you do not accept the terms of our Privacy Policy, you should not provide personal information to us in any manner and you should not access our website to receive our legal services. You may revoke your consent at any time by contacting us via [email protected] where allowed by law or contract.

Privacy Policy for Special Categories of Data

Some cases may require us to possess or process sensitive or special categories of personal data such as health, criminal convictions or financial distress. We only store and process such data when it is absolutely necessary for your case and with your express consent or when the law requires it. Protecting this data with special safeguards includes limiting access to it, enhanced encryption and secure methods of transmission. If you have any questions about how we process sensitive data in your particular matter then our lawyers will be able to provide detailed and specific advice and assistance.

Privacy for Non-U.S. Clients

Legal Companions Law Group maintains an office in the U.S. but provides our services to clients in Iran and throughout the world. If you are a non-U.S. client, your data may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other international jurisdictions in which we maintain an office or do business. We handle such data in accordance with the applicable International law on data protection, and implement equivalent safeguards for privacy of information. You may contact us at [email protected] for further information about your rights and our cross-border international data protection practices.

Privacy and Online Consultations

We provide easy and convenient consultations by phone and through the internet to make our services available to clients around the world. During those consultations your information is kept strictly confidential in the same manner as if they were coming here to meet with us. All communications are performed using secure equipment and we advise you to use private devices and secure internet accounts when discussing sensitive subjects through the internet.

Handling Complaints and Resolving Disputes

If you think we have violated privacy rights or you have a problem with the way in which we handle information about you personally, please contact us immediately at [email protected] or by phone at (210) 512-5873, and we will adhere to internal procedures for investigating and responding to your inquiry consistent with any applicable legal obligations. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may have the right to complain to appropriate regulatory authorities in your country.

Privacy Policy Acknowledgment and Updates to this Policy

This Privacy Policy is in effect as of June 2024 and will supersede any prior privacy policy. By engaging with Legal Companions Law Group on this website, you acknowledge that you have read, that you understand, and that you agree with the current policy. We are always making improvements to our privacy policy and appreciate feedback on our privacy practices. Please check this page or reach out to our team for the most up-to-date information.