Privacy Policy
I. Introduction
At Codias Law, we value your privacy not only due to applicable laws and professional responsibilities, but also as a human being vested with God-given rights. Our Privacy Policy explains our practices for collecting, using, sharing, and otherwise safeguarding your information when you visit our website, engage us as a prospective client, retain our services as a client, or otherwise interact with our law firm.
II. Scope
Our website and services are intended exclusively for users in the United States. By using our website or services, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
III. Confidentiality
Codias Law treats all information shared by prospective clients and clients as confidential, handling it in strict accordance with legal and ethical obligations. Communications intended to seek or obtain legal advice are generally protected by attorney-client privilege, subject to exceptions under applicable law and as outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Please note that merely browsing our website or participating in an initial consultation does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is established only after both parties enter into a formal written Retainer Agreement and deposits for future services are provided.
IV. Collecting Information
Our privacy protections are cumulative, with each stage of interaction with Codias Law building upon the last. We collect and safeguard information relevant to each stage of our relationship, in compliance with U.S. privacy laws, regulations, and our own sense of decency and respect for you as a human being.
A. Website Visitors
As a website visitor, we collect limited, non-personally identifiable information to improve your experience, enhance website functionality, and secure our site. This information is primarily collected through automated tools such as our website hosting service, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and other similar services.
1. Basic Information
IP Address: Used to monitor traffic, analyze trends, and enhance security.
Device and Browser Information: Includes browser type, operating system, device model, and screen resolution to ensure optimal website performance across devices.
Geolocation Data: General location information based on IP address to assess regional traffic; precise geolocation is not collected.
Referring URL and Exit URL: Tracks how you arrived at our site and which pages you visited to help us improve structure and navigation.
Site Navigation and Interaction Data: Tracks actions like clicks and time spent on specific pages to refine the user experience.
2. Cookies & Tracking
We may use cookies, tags, pixels, and web beacons to understand site usage, personalize user experience, and enhance functionality.
Types of Cookies: Session cookies (temporary, deleted when you close your browser) enhance security and navigation, while persistent cookies (stored until expiration or deletion) help remember preferences.
Analytics and Performance Cookies: Used to analyze aggregated data on site usage, track visitor behavior, and make data-driven improvements.
3. Advertising
Ad Interaction Data: Non-personally identifiable details from interactions with our digital ads (e.g., clicks, impressions) help us assess marketing effectiveness.
Do Not Track: Our third-party website hosting service does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals from browsers. However, you can adjust browser settings to manage cookies, which may limit some features.
B. Prospective Clients
As a prospective client, we collect additional information about you to understand your legal needs and respond appropriately. This information is typically collected voluntarily through online forms or booking pages:
Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and address.
Meeting Preferences: Preferred date and time for consultation.
Matter Details: A description of your legal matter, your goals, and relevant details (e.g., adverse parties, immigration status, type of fraud, etc).
Payment Information: For initial consultation fees, securely processed and used only as necessary.
This information allows us to prepare for your consultation, evaluate whether/how we can add value to you, and communicate effectively.
C. Clients
As a client who has retained our law firm, we collect detailed personal information about you and, when necessary, information regarding other parties and witnesses involved in your legal matter.
We gather this information through various channels, including email, phone calls, video conferences, messaging apps, mail, intake forms, questionnaires, web forms, cloud storage providers, third-party services, and similar methods. This information enables us to provide comprehensive legal services and effectively represent your interests.
We may require specific types of evidence depending on the details of your legal matter, including but not limited to:
Immigration Documents: Forms, correspondence with agencies, and records of immigration status.
Marriage Documents: Proof of relationship, including certificates, affidavits, and statements from family or friends.
Legal Records: Relevant court records, police reports, and legal filings that pertain to your case.
Cohabitation Proof: Evidence of shared residence, such as leases, utility bills, or other official documentation.
Financial Records: Joint bank statements, tax filings, and records of shared financial responsibilities.
Property and Asset Documents: Proof of jointly held assets, such as property deeds and vehicle titles.
Communications: Relevant communication records, including emails, text messages, and social media exchanges.
This evidence enables us to build a thorough understanding of your case and tailor our legal services accordingly, while strictly maintaining confidentiality and data security in accordance with professional and legal standards.
D. Other Users
We may collect personal information from individuals who engage with Codias Law outside a formal relationship, such as at events, meetings, or through social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn). The information may include:
Contact Information: Details you provide, such as your name, email address, phone number, or address.
Interaction Data: Information about your engagement with our posts, messages, or advertisements, as well as relevant details from in-person interactions.
We may use this information to respond to inquiries, assess potential service needs, and occasionally provide marketing communications, such as legal updates, news, or event invitations. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.
V. Using Information
A. How We Use Your Information
At Codias Law, we use personal information to exclusively to serve you. This section explains how we use your personal information.
Case Evaluation: For prospective clients, we use personal information to evaluate legal matters, determine our suitability to assist, and prepare for consultations. This process allows us to understand case specifics, align our services with your goals, and facilitate productive discussions.
Effective Communication: Your contact information allows us to communicate effectively, whether for responding to inquiries, confirming appointments, discussing legal matters, or providing case updates. Our goal is to keep you informed and engaged throughout the legal process.
Legal Representation: For clients, personal information is essential to delivering effective legal services and managing cases. This includes preparing case materials, conducting research, filing necessary documents, and representing you in interactions with courts, agencies, or other entities. Effective representation requires detailed, sometimes sensitive information to ensure tailored legal support that serves your best interests.
Billing and Payment Processing: We use financial information to process payments, issue invoices, and maintain billing records. Billing information is used solely for transactional purposes, securely stored, and managed in compliance with industry standards to protect your financial data.
Bookkeeping and Accounting: For accurate record-keeping, financial management, and tax purposes, we may use your personal information within our bookkeeping and accounting processes. This information is securely stored and handled in compliance with applicable laws and industry standards to ensure financial integrity and confidentiality.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Codias Law adheres to legal and regulatory standards governing data handling, confidentiality, and ethical conduct. This includes record-keeping, safeguarding client confidentiality, and following all relevant data protection laws.
Data Security and Protection: Protecting your information is central to our operations. We employ rigorous safeguards—including encryption, secure storage, and controlled access—to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or breaches. These measures ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data throughout its lifecycle.
Client-Centric Marketing: Client-Centric Marketing: Codias Law does not use your personal information for marketing without your explicit consent. However, we may share types of content with you on an individual basis that may be interpreted as a form or "content marketing", such as blog posts or resource links. We actually provide this information at times when we believe you can get value from it. You may opt out of receiving this type of content at any time.
Service and Website Improvement: We analyze non-personally identifiable data to enhance website functionality, assess visitor interactions, and improve service quality. Tracking engagement and content effectiveness allows us to better serve user needs and preferences.
Conflict Checks: Law firms often conduct conflict-of-interest checks to ensure that representing a client will not conflict with existing or past clients or matters. This requires limited use of personal information to assess potential conflicts before representation can proceed.
Client Feedback and Service Quality: Personal information may be used to solicit client feedback to improve services or assess client satisfaction, such as through surveys or follow-up questions. This information helps the firm enhance service quality and client experience.
File Archiving and Retrieval: Personal information might be used when archiving files for record retention or for retrieval purposes if clients request access to past files. This could include securely storing and indexing personal information as part of the firm’s file management practices.
Internal Audits and Compliance Monitoring: Personal information might be reviewed as part of periodic internal audits to ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards. This helps confirm that all data handling practices remain secure and align with professional requirements.
Risk Management and Insurance: Information may be used in managing risk assessments or interactions with insurance providers, such as in cases where the firm needs to confirm compliance or document operational practices to maintain insurance coverage.
Administrative Operations: Personal information may also be used for essential administrative tasks, such as conducting internal audits, training staff, ensuring quality control, and maintaining system functionality. These operational uses support our firm’s efficiency and consistency.
B. How We Don’t Use Your Information
We are equally committed to transparency around what we don’t do with your information to uphold your privacy and trust.
Unauthorized Sharing: We only share information with third parties as outlined in our Privacy Policy with strict confidentiality measures in place.
Selling or Renting Data: We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes.
Unsolicited Marketing: We do not use your information for unsolicited marketing or promotions.
By following these guidelines, Codias Law ensures that your information is used solely to serve your needs, with the highest standards of integrity and respect applied at every stage of our relationship.
VI. Sharing Information
Codias Law only shares your personal information with third parties for specific purposes with stringent safeguards in place to protect your information. This section outlines the types of disclosures we may make, and the safeguards we have instituted.
A. Types of Disclosures
1. Business Operations
To provide seamless legal services and support efficient operations, we collaborate with carefully selected third-party providers. Each provider has access only to the information necessary to complete their specific function, and strict confidentiality standards are enforced. These providers assist with essential functions, including but not limited to:
Client and Contact Management: Secure CRM and contact management systems help us organize client information and interactions.
Case File Storage and Collaboration: Secure, cloud-based platforms enable safe storage, access, and collaboration on case-related documents and evidence.
Legal Research and Docketing: We use third-party research databases and docketing tools to obtain case law, public records, and legal filings, enhancing our ability to provide thorough, up-to-date legal services.
Due Diligence and Background Checks: Secure investigative and due diligence platforms assist in verifying relevant data as part of the representation, while adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Digital Signature Services: For document signing, we employ secure digital signature platforms that ensure client signatures are authenticated and stored in compliance with legal standards.
Bookkeeping and Accounting: Financial service providers support invoicing, payment processing, and accounting.
Payment Processing: We partner with PCI-DSS-compliant payment processors to securely handle billing transactions.
Word Processing and Document Drafting: Secure word processing tools facilitate drafting and managing documents securely.
Calendar and Appointment Management: Third-party scheduling tools streamline appointment setting and enhance consultation efficiency.
Language Translation: Trusted language translation services support cases involving non-English documentation or clients, ensuring both accuracy and confidentiality.
Surveys and Feedback: Occasionally, we use third-party survey tools to gather feedback, gauge satisfaction, or refine our services.
Private AI: To improve efficiency in legal research, drafting, or administrative tasks, we may use private AI tools that comply with strict data security and confidentiality standards.
Notetaking Services: With client consent, we may use secure notetaking services to record meeting details accurately, supporting effective case management.
Transcription Services: For clients who consent to recorded meetings, transcription services create accurate discussion records. These services are selected based on confidentiality compliance, and all transcriptions are securely stored.
Printing and Mailing Services: Trusted printing and mailing services securely handle documents that need to be physically delivered, with measures in place to ensure confidentiality throughout the process.
Each provider is chosen based on robust security standards, including SOC 2 or equivalent certifications, and is contractually bound to handle information strictly for Codias Law’s business operations, adhering to confidentiality and data security requirements.
2. Client Consent
With your explicit consent, we may share specific information with third parties directly involved in your legal matter to support and strengthen your case. These disclosures are made only with your approval and are strictly limited to what is necessary. Common examples include:
Legal Team: Collaborating attorneys or outside counsel may be consulted to provide specialized expertise or additional support in complex matters, always under confidentiality obligations.
Expert Witnesses: Independent experts may be engaged to analyze case details or offer testimony crucial to your legal matter, with information shared on a strictly need-to-know basis.
Other Witnesses: Individuals with relevant insights or knowledge of your case may be contacted to provide testimony. Information disclosed to these witnesses is carefully controlled to ensure appropriateness and necessity.
Consultants: Specialized professionals, such as forensic accountants or technical advisors, may assist with unique aspects of your case, contributing insights while adhering to confidentiality requirements.
Government Officials and Courts: In compliance with procedural or regulatory obligations, information may be shared with courts, administrative bodies, or other government officials for filings, hearings, and other case-related activities.
Codias Law takes additional steps to ensure these third parties are bound by confidentiality obligations that align with our privacy and security standards. We will always seek your consent prior to any disclosure in this category.
3. Legal Compliance
We may disclose your personal information when required by law or to meet legal or regulatory obligations. This includes responding to lawful requests from regulatory or law enforcement authorities, subpoenas, or court orders. Any such disclosures are made strictly within the scope of applicable legal requirements to safeguard your privacy.
B. Safeguards for Disclosures
Codias Law takes extensive measures to ensure that all disclosures of personal information are conducted with the utmost respect for confidentiality and data security:
Confidentiality Agreements: All third-party service providers and entities handling personal information must either sign confidentiality agreements or meet Codias Law’s stringent privacy standards. This ensures adherence to our data protection policies and safeguards the security of your information.
Minimal Disclosure Principle: We strictly adhere to a minimal disclosure approach, sharing only the information absolutely necessary for the specific purpose. Should additional details be required, we will seek your informed consent before proceeding.
Codias Law is dedicated to conducting all disclosures in a manner that is responsible, secure, and fully aligned with your interests, as well as our legal and ethical obligations.
VII. Retaining Information
Codias Law retains information in compliance with legal standards and the ethical guidelines governing the legal profession. Recognizing the distinct obligations tied to various types of data, we differentiate between client files and personal information:
A. Client Files
Codias Law retains client files for the maximum duration permitted by law, typically a minimum of seven years unless a longer period is required by specific legal or regulatory obligations. This approach ensures that clients retain access to critical materials over time. Clients may request a copy of their files at any time during or after representation, and Codias Law will provide digital copies at no cost; reasonable fees may apply for physical copies.
Client files generally include:
Client-Provided Materials: All documents and information provided by the client or on the client’s behalf.
Litigation Materials: Pleadings, motions, and other legal documents that have been served or filed, irrespective of the client’s payment status for related services.
Correspondence: All substantive communications related to the client matter.
Evidentiary Items: For litigation, all items for which we have advanced costs (e.g., depositions, expert reports, business records, witness statements), regardless of reimbursement status, when they hold potential evidentiary value.
Client files do not include:
Drafts and Unsent Documents: Draft pleadings, litigation materials, or correspondence prepared but not sent, if the client has not paid for those services.
Unexecuted Non-Litigation Documents: In non-litigated matters, unexecuted documents without legal effect—such as estate plans, title opinions, or partnership agreements—where the client has not paid for drafting.
Codias Law is committed to protecting our clients’ interests even after our representation has concluded. As such, we may provide additional materials to you in our possession, even if not strictly required under the definition of “client files,” to honor you as a former client and to ensure continuity of care and support following our representation.
B. Personal Information
Personal information, including non-case-related data such as contact information, is retained under distinct protocols:
Essential Information: Essential personal information (e.g., names, contact details) may be retained indefinitely to facilitate re-engagement and maintain a complete client history.
Non-Essential Data: For personal information that becomes irrelevant or unnecessary, Codias Law may securely delete, de-identify, or anonymize data in accordance with legal and industry standards.
VIII. Securing Information
Codias Law upholds the highest standards of confidentiality and security for all information entrusted to us by prospective clients and clients. We will not disclose any information related to your representation without your explicit consent, except as required by law or ethical responsibilities. This section details the measures we implement to ensure your personal information is protected at every stage of our relationship.
A. Physical Security
We safeguard all physical and locally stored digital materials within a gated and restricted-access complex equipped with multiple security layers to prevent unauthorized entry. Within this complex, client files and materials are stored in one or more restricted areas, including a walk-in safe room. For secure handling of correspondence, we use a locked steel package delivery box to safely receive and dispatch sensitive documents. We work exclusively with reputable mailing and courier services that meet strict confidentiality and security standards.
B. Technical Security
Client communications and case files are stored only on secure servers managed by reputable technology providers who meet SOC 2 or equivalent security standards. We prioritize secure communication, using private internet networks exclusively and avoiding public Wi-Fi. When public Wi-Fi use is unavoidable, VPNs are employed to ensure secure data transmission.
C. Legal Safeguards
All Codias Law employees and contractors involved in handling personal information are bound by strict confidentiality obligations, including non-disclosure agreements when applicable. We ensure that third-party service providers adhere to comparable confidentiality and data protection standards, either through direct contractual agreements or verification of their enforceable privacy policies. This approach promotes consistent confidentiality across all parties who support our operations.
D. Access Controls
Access to your personal information is restricted to authorized personnel with a specific need to support your case or perform essential administrative functions. We enforce rigorous access controls, limiting information handling to only those directly involved in your case. These controls are regularly reviewed and updated to maintain a secure, need-to-know approach in alignment with industry standards.
E. Encryption and Security Reviews
To protect data during transmission, we use industry-standard encryption protocols, including SSL, for secure communication through our website. In addition, we conduct regular security assessments to ensure our practices remain aligned with evolving security standards and to proactively address any emerging needs. These reviews enable continuous improvement in our data protection strategies.
F. Payment Information Security
The secure handling of payment information is a priority at Codias Law. All online payments are processed through a PCI-DSS-compliant third-party payment processor, ensuring that your payment details are encrypted and protected against unauthorized access.
IX. Other Provisions
A. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal obligations, or other operational requirements. Updates will be posted on our website, and we encourage you to review the policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
B. California Privacy Rights
California residents may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:
Right to Disclosure and Access: You may request information regarding the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect, use, and disclose as described in this Policy.
Right to Deletion: You may request the deletion of certain personal information, subject to legal or regulatory requirements that necessitate retention.
Right to Opt-Out: Codias Law does not sell personal information or share it with third parties for direct marketing purposes. However, California residents retain the right to opt out of any future sale of their personal information, if applicable.
Right to Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate against individuals for exercising their privacy rights and are committed to providing the same level of service regardless of personal data choices.
To exercise any of these rights or for questions regarding your personal information, please contact us.
C. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not directed at individuals under 18 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn of unintentional data collection from minors, we will promptly delete such information.
D. Contact Us
For questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how Codias Law handles your personal information, please email us at privacy@codiaslaw.com.
X. Definitions
“Personal information” refers to information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. This includes details such as your name, physical address, telephone number, email address, Social Security number, and other information that can directly or indirectly identify you.
“Non-personal information” encompasses any information that does not directly identify an individual. Examples include anonymized data, de-identified data, or pseudonymized data, as well as aggregated statistical information, such as website usage metrics, which Codias Law may collect to enhance service quality and website functionality.
A “website visitor” is any individual who accesses or navigates our website, regardless of whether they provide personal information. Website visitors may engage with various features, view content, and be subject to limited data collection through cookies or other tracking technologies, which collect non-personal information for website optimization.
A “prospective client” is any individual who initiates contact with Codias Law to explore potential legal representation prior to formal engagement. Prospective clients may provide preliminary information about their legal needs, including contact details, case details, and any payment information for initial consultations. This information is collected solely for the purpose of assessing whether we can provide the requested legal assistance.
A “client” is an individual or entity that has entered into a formal agreement with Codias Law for legal representation. Clients provide detailed personal information, case-related documentation, and other evidence necessary for legal representation. This information is safeguarded under strict confidentiality measures and used exclusively for providing legal services as outlined in the engagement agreement.
DISCLAIMER – The information on this site is not, nor is it intended, to constitute legal advice. No attorney-client privilege is created by reading or accessing the materials on this site. Results differ in each case based upon the facts and circumstances of the individual representation. No confidential or time-sensitive information of any kind should be sent to the firm until an attorney-client relationship has actually been established.