Privacy Policy

1. Introduction
SU Legal Pty Ltd ("SU Legal", "we", "us", "our") is committed to managing personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, hold, use, disclose and protect personal information in connection with our legal services, including preliminary enquiries, consultations, and ongoing client matters.

Given the nature of family law, we recognise that information provided to us is often highly sensitive and personal. We take this responsibility seriously and implement systems designed to safeguard that information while allowing us to deliver professional legal services effectively.

2. Application of this Policy
This Policy applies to all personal information collected by SU Legal through:

(a) our website and online booking systems;
(b) telephone, email and electronic communications;
(c) preliminary consultations and clarity calls;
(d) paid consultations and ongoing legal engagements; and
(e) third party sources where permitted by law.

This Policy applies whether or not a solicitor-client relationship has been formally established.

3. Types of Personal Information Collected
We may collect and hold the following categories of personal information:

(a) Identity information – including name, date of birth and identification details;
(b) Contact information – including phone number, email address and residential address;
(c) Matter-related information – including details of relationships, disputes, children, financial matters and property;
(d) Third-party information – including details of other parties relevant to your matter; and
(e) Sensitive information – including information relating to personal relationships, allegations, family circumstances, or health where relevant.

We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our functions and activities.

4. Collection of Personal Information
We collect personal information directly from you wherever reasonably practicable.

Information may be collected through:
- online forms and booking systems;
- email and telephone communications;
- video or in-person consultations;
- documents provided to us; and
- third parties such as other professionals or publicly available sources.

Where information is collected from third parties, we will take reasonable steps to ensure you are aware of this where required by law.

5. Pre-Engagement Information and Limitations
Prior to formal engagement, you must limit the information you provide to general, high-level information.

You should not disclose:
- detailed evidence;
- strategic information;
- confidential communications; or
- information that may prejudice your position if disclosed.

At this stage:
(a) a solicitor-client relationship may not exist;
(b) legal professional privilege may not attach; and
(c) confidentiality protections may be limited.

We reserve the right to limit or redirect discussions where excessive information is being disclosed.

6. Purpose of Collection
We collect and use personal information for the following purposes:

(a) managing enquiries and bookings;
(b) conducting preliminary assessments;
(c) performing conflict of interest checks;
(d) providing legal advice and services;
(e) complying with legal and regulatory obligations; and
(f) improving our internal systems and services.

We will not use personal information for unrelated purposes without consent unless permitted by law.

7. Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose personal information to:

(a) employees and legal practitioners within SU Legal;
(b) barristers, experts and professional advisers;
(c) courts, tribunals and regulatory authorities;
(d) IT service providers and cloud storage providers; and
(e) other parties where required or authorised by law.

We take reasonable steps to ensure that third parties handle personal information appropriately.

We do not sell personal information under any circumstances.

8. Confidentiality and Legal Professional Privilege
SU Legal is bound by strict professional obligations of confidentiality.

However:
(a) legal professional privilege generally arises only upon formation of a solicitor-client relationship;
(b) information provided prior to engagement may not attract privilege; and
(c) the level of protection depends on the context in which information is provided.

We will always comply with our professional obligations under applicable conduct rules.

9. Conflict of Interest
We use personal information to conduct conflict checks.

Where a conflict is identified, we may:
(a) decline to act;
(b) terminate discussions; or
(c) restrict the services we provide.

Where no formal engagement occurs, SU Legal may act for another party in the same or a related matter, provided that doing so does not breach our professional obligations and no material confidential information has been obtained.

10. Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access.

Security measures include:
- secure digital storage systems;
- access restrictions to authorised personnel; and
- internal protocols governing handling of information.

Despite these measures, no system is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Overseas Disclosure
Some of our service providers may store data overseas.

Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure that such providers handle personal information in a manner consistent with Australian privacy laws.

12. Access and Correction
You may request access to your personal information or request correction of inaccurate information.

Requests will be handled within a reasonable time, subject to legal and professional obligations.

13. Retention of Information
We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to:

(a) provide legal services;
(b) comply with legal obligations;
(c) resolve disputes; and
(d) maintain records.

Retention periods may vary depending on the nature of the information.

14. Complaints
If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, you may contact us.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

15. Updates to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

The most current version will be published on our website.

16. Contact
SU Legal Pty Ltd
Level 10, 36 Marine Parade
Southport QLD 4215
admin@sulegal.com.au
07 55608 633