Client Privacy

Statement of Policy

Harris & Company recognizes the importance of privacy and the sensitivity of personal information. We have a professional obligation to ensure that all information we receive in the course of a lawyer-client relationship is maintained in a confidential manner. We are committed to protecting any personal information in our custody or control.

This Privacy Policy describes in general terms the principles we apply when protecting personal information about current, past and prospective clients, and other identifiable individuals.

Personal Information

The Personal Information Protection Act regulates the way in which private sector organizations within British Columbia collect, use, secure and disclose personal information. These obligations extend to lawyers and law firms, including Harris & Company.

"Personal information" means information which identifies you as an individual, but does not include business contact information such as that contained in a business card.

Collection of Personal Information

In order to be able to provide legal advice to our clients, we need access to all relevant facts and information that relate to our retainer and to the representation of our clients. This information will necessarily include personal information about our clients and individuals other than our clients. When we collect personal information, we make reasonable efforts to ensure that such information is accurate and complete.

Where practical, we endeavour to collect personal information directly from the person to whom the information pertains. When necessary, we collect personal information from other sources. We collect personal information about individuals other than clients in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Consent

By retaining Harris & Company for legal advice or representation, you consent to our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information to the extent necessary for us to properly advise and represent you and to bill for our services. If you refuse to consent or withdraw your consent we may not be able to provide you or continue to provide you with services or information which may be of value to you.

Use of Personal Information

We use personal information to provide legal advice and services, to administer our client files and to provide individuals with information concerning our services and developments in the law. If you do not wish to receive information about our services, please advise us and we will not provide you with any further materials.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Harris & Company does not disclose client personal information to third parties for the purpose of marketing their products or services.

Under certain circumstances we will disclose your personal information in compliance with the Act; for example, where disclosure is necessary to provide legal services; if a court issues an order or subpoena; where disclosure is necessary to establish or collect fees; if we engage expert witnesses or third parties on your behalf; if we engage a third party to provide services to us and the third party is bound by our Privacy Policy.

Updating Personal information

Since we use personal information to provide legal services, it is important that you ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date. If during the course of the retainer any of your personal information changes, please inform us so that we can make any necessary changes.

Security of Personal Information

We recognize our professional and legal obligation to protect the confidential information of our clients and other individuals which we gather during the course of our legal practice. We have made appropriate arrangements to secure such information against unauthorized access, copying, modification, disposal or destruction. Steps we have taken include:

• premises security
• restricted file access to personal information
• technological safeguards such as security software, passwords and firewalls to prevent hacking or unauthorized access
• secured storage and disposal

Requests for Access and Correction

The Act permits you to submit a written request to us for access to your personal information in our custody or control, information about how this information is being used by us and to whom the information has been disclosed.

Not all personal information is accessible. We will respond to requests in compliance with the Act. Requests may be subject to any fees and disbursements the law permits us to charge.

The Act permits you to submit a written request to us to correct errors or omissions in your personal information. We will correct or annotate personal information if it is reasonable to do so in compliance with the Act.

Contacting Us

We invite you to direct any questions you may have about your personal information or about this policy to any Harris & Company lawyer or to our Privacy Officer at:

Harris & Company
14th Floor Bentall 5
550 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC
Canada V6C 2B5
(604) 684-6633