Privacy Policy
Effective Date: October 25, 2024
Michelle A. Mapp, Attorney at Law, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose personal information in connection with our legal services. It also outlines your rights regarding your data.
Information We Collect
We collect several types of information to provide and improve our legal services. This may include:
- Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Name, contact details (email address, phone number, mailing address), date of birth, Social Security number, or any other personal identification information.
- Legal Case Information: Information relevant to your legal matter, including documents, financial data, and other personal details necessary for representation.
- Website Information: When you visit our website, we may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, and usage data (cookies).
- Other Sensitive Data: Depending on the nature of your legal matter, we may collect sensitive information like medical, employment, or criminal history data.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide legal advice and representation.
- Communicate with you regarding your case, legal updates, or other relevant information.
- Fulfill legal and regulatory obligations.
- Improve our legal services and internal operations.
- Respond to inquiries or complaints.
- Comply with legal requirements, such as anti-money laundering regulations.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal information based on one or more of the following legal bases:
- Consent: Where you have given us explicit consent to use your data for a specific purpose.
- Performance of a Contract: When the processing is necessary for fulfilling our contractual obligations to you.
- Legal Obligations: Where we are legally required to process certain information, such as under anti-money laundering laws.
- Legitimate Interests: We may process your data to improve our services, provided such interests are not overridden by your rights.
Disclosure of Your Information
We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. However, we may share your information with:
- Courts, tribunals, and other legal bodies as part of your case.
- Third-party service providers (e.g., expert witnesses, court reporters) for the purpose of facilitating our legal services.
- Regulatory bodies, government agencies, or law enforcement when required by law.
- Other law firms or attorneys, with your consent, if we are working collaboratively on your matter.
Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. These measures include encryption, firewalls, secure servers, and regular audits of our security practices.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, including to comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. When your information is no longer required, we will securely delete or anonymize it.
Your Rights
Depending on applicable laws, you may have the following rights concerning your personal information:
- Access: You can request access to the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectification: You have the right to request corrections to any inaccuracies in your personal data.
- Erasure: In certain cases, you may request the deletion of your personal data.
- Restriction of Processing: You can request limitations on how we use your data.
- Data Portability: You may have the right to receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
- Objection: You may object to the processing of your personal data under certain circumstances.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@michelleamapp.com.
Disclaimers
The following disclaimers provide vital information on how we manage your personal information in our firm operations:
Consent and Disclosure Disclaimer
In accordance with South Carolina privacy laws, by engaging with Michelle A. Mapp, Attorney at Law, LLC, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as necessary to provide legal services. We will not disclose your personal information to third parties without your explicit consent, except when required by law.
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Collection and Use of Personal Information:
We may collect personal information, including your name, address, email, telephone number, and other relevant data for the purpose of providing legal services. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this privacy policy.
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Data Security:
We follow industry-standard practices to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. In compliance with South Carolina law, we implement appropriate security measures and continuously review our policies to ensure the integrity of your data.
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Consent to Text Messages:
By providing your phone number, you are opting in and agreeing to receive text messages from Michelle A. Mapp, Attorney at Law, LLC. Messages may include appointment reminders, case updates, and occasional marketing offers. Standard messaging and data rates may apply. You can OPT OUT at any time by replying STOP.
Website Disclaimer
The information provided on our website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. By using our site, you understand that communications with Michelle A. Mapp, Attorney at Law, LLC through the site do not create an attorney-client relationship until we formally agree to represent you in writing.
Contact Form Disclaimer
When you submit personal information through our website (e.g., via contact forms), we manage that data in compliance with South Carolina’s privacy laws. Michelle A. Mapp, Attorney at Law, LLC will not share or sell your information without your consent, except as required by law or to provide legal services you have requested.
Email Communication Disclaimer
Emails you send to Michelle A. Mapp, Attorney at Law, LLC may not be secure, and we advise that you avoid sending sensitive or confidential information through email until an attorney-client relationship has been established. Once we represent you, all communications are protected under attorney-client privilege, and we will take all necessary precautions to secure your personal information.
Client Data Protection and Breach Notification Disclaimer
In compliance with South Carolina’s data breach laws, we are committed to protecting your personal information and maintaining the confidentiality of all client data. If there is any unauthorized access to or disclosure of your personal information, we will notify you promptly in accordance with the South Carolina Data Breach Notification statute (§ 39-1-90).
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Breach Notification:
In the unlikely event of a data breach that compromises your personal information, we will notify you as required by South Carolina's Data Breach Notification law. The notice will include details of the breach, the types of data affected, and the steps we are taking to mitigate any potential harm.
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Definition of Personal Information:
Includes Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account numbers, and credit or debit card information in combination with access credentials.
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Notification Obligation:
If a law firm experiences a breach, they must notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay unless law enforcement advises otherwise.
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Exceptions:
If the breach does not reasonably affect South Carolina residents, the firm is not required to notify them.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or relevant laws. The updated policy will be available on our website, and we encourage you to review it regularly.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how we manage your personal data, please contact us at:
Michelle A. Mapp, Attorney at Law, LLC
c/o Attorney Michelle A. Mapp
P.O. Box 40012
North Charleston, SC 29423
854-300-5453