Introduction
Chauke Corncelia Attorneys, including its attorneys, conveyancers, notaries, employees and authorised representatives ("we", "us", "our" or "the Firm"), respects the privacy of individuals who interact with us.
This Privacy Policy explains, in general terms, how we may collect, use, store and otherwise process personal information when you visit our website, communicate with us, request information or make use of our legal services.
We seek to process personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable South African legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"), where applicable.
This policy should be read together with any specific privacy notices, engagement documentation or other terms that may apply to particular legal services.
Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect information that is reasonably necessary for responding to enquiries, providing legal services, administering our relationship with clients and complying with legal obligations.
Information you provide to us
- Name and surname.
- Contact information such as telephone numbers and email addresses.
- Information supplied through website enquiry or consultation forms.
- Information contained in correspondence between you and the Firm.
- Information necessary to provide requested legal services.
- Information contained in documents supplied to us in connection with a legal matter.
Technical information
When you access our website, certain technical information may be processed automatically, depending on the configuration of our hosting, security and analytics services.
This may include information such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, approximate access times and other technical information generated through normal website operation.
How We Use Personal Information
Personal information may be used for purposes reasonably connected with our business and the provision of legal services.
- Responding to enquiries and requests for consultations.
- Communicating with existing or prospective clients.
- Providing legal, conveyancing and notarial services.
- Administering client matters and maintaining appropriate records.
- Preparing correspondence, agreements, pleadings, applications and other legal documentation where applicable.
- Verifying information where reasonably necessary.
- Complying with applicable legal, regulatory and professional obligations.
- Protecting the Firm, its clients, systems and other persons against fraud, abuse or security threats.
- Improving the functionality, security and usability of our website.
Legal Basis for Processing
Where POPIA applies, we seek to process personal information on an appropriate lawful basis.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include processing that is necessary to take steps at your request, perform or manage a contractual relationship, comply with a legal obligation, protect legitimate interests, or where consent is appropriately required and obtained.
The appropriate basis will depend on the nature and circumstances of the particular processing activity.
Disclosure of Information
We do not intend to disclose personal information indiscriminately. Information may, however, need to be disclosed to appropriate third parties where reasonably necessary for legitimate business, legal or regulatory purposes.
Depending on the circumstances, such recipients may include:
- Courts, tribunals, government departments or regulatory authorities.
- Professional advisers and service providers assisting us with a matter.
- Correspondents, agents or other legal professionals where necessary for a matter.
- Financial institutions or other transaction participants where required for conveyancing or related services.
- Information technology, hosting, document management or communication service providers.
- Other persons where disclosure is required or permitted by applicable law.
Where appropriate, we seek to ensure that third parties who process personal information on our behalf are subject to appropriate confidentiality and information-security obligations.
Information Security
We take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or destruction.
Security measures may include administrative, physical and technical safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information and the risks associated with its processing.
Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure. Please avoid submitting highly sensitive, confidential or privileged information through a general website enquiry form unless specifically requested by us.
Retention of Information
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to fulfil our professional, contractual or legal obligations, to resolve disputes, or for other legitimate purposes.
Certain records may therefore need to be retained for periods prescribed by applicable legislation, professional requirements or the nature of the relevant legal matter.
Your Rights
Subject to applicable law and any lawful limitations, you may have rights relating to your personal information, including the right to:
- Request access to personal information held about you.
- Request correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Object to certain processing where permitted by law.
- Request deletion of information where there is a lawful basis for doing so.
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, subject to applicable limitations.
A request relating to personal information should provide sufficient information for us to identify the relevant request and respond appropriately.
Cookies & Website Usage
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies where necessary for functionality, security, performance or other legitimate website purposes.
Cookies are small data files stored on a device when visiting a website. Depending on how the website is configured, they may help remember preferences, maintain functionality or provide information about website usage.
You may be able to control or restrict cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of portions of the website.
Third-Party Services
Our website or communications may make use of third-party services, platforms or technologies, such as website hosting, email delivery, security services, analytics or embedded content.
Where such services process personal information, their processing may also be subject to their own privacy policies and terms.
We seek to use service providers that are appropriate for the relevant purpose and to implement reasonable safeguards where required.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements or regulatory obligations.
The latest version published on this website will indicate the date on which the policy was last updated.
Contact Us
If you have a question, request or concern regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact Chauke Corncelia Attorneys using the contact details provided on our website.
Please include sufficient information about your request so that we can assist you appropriately.
This Privacy Policy provides general information about the Firm's approach to privacy and personal information. It does not replace any specific privacy notice, client agreement, engagement letter or other contractual documentation that may apply to a particular matter.