Last Updated: January 2025
Meridian Counsel is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information entrusted to us by clients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws.
This policy applies to all personal information collected through our website, in-person consultations, written communications, and any other interactions with our legal practice. By using our services or website, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this policy.
We collect and process personal information based on the following legal grounds:
When you contact us for legal services, submit information through our website, or otherwise engage with our practice, you provide consent for us to collect and use your personal information for the purposes described in this policy.
Processing your personal information is necessary to provide the legal services you have requested, including consultations, document preparation, and ongoing counsel relationships.
As legal professionals, we are required by law and professional regulations to maintain certain records, comply with trust accounting requirements, and fulfill reporting obligations to regulatory bodies.
We may process personal information where necessary for legitimate interests such as improving our services, maintaining website security, and internal business administration, provided these interests are not outweighed by your privacy rights.
We use collected information for the following purposes:
We retain personal information for different periods depending on its nature and purpose:
Client files are maintained for a minimum of ten years after the conclusion of a matter, as required by the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society rules. Some records may be retained longer where necessary for ongoing legal obligations or where the nature of the matter warrants extended retention.
Billing records, trust account records, and financial documents are retained for seven years following the relevant tax year, as required by Canadian tax legislation.
Website usage data and marketing communications records are typically retained for up to two years unless you opt out of communications, at which point only essential records are maintained to honor your preferences.
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction:
While we employ robust security measures, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but remain committed to protecting your information using industry-standard practices appropriate for a legal practice.
Under Canadian privacy legislation, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
You may request access to personal information we hold about you. We will provide this information in a reasonable timeframe, subject to limited exceptions such as information protected by solicitor-client privilege or information that would compromise the privacy of others.
If you believe personal information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request correction. We will review and update information as appropriate, maintaining records of corrections made.
You may withdraw consent for certain uses of your personal information, such as marketing communications. However, we may continue to process information necessary for providing legal services or fulfilling legal obligations.
You may object to processing of your personal information for certain purposes. We will consider such requests while balancing our legal and professional obligations.
We may share personal information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our practice:
These service providers are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and use personal information only for specified purposes. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place before sharing any information.
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and collect usage analytics. For detailed information about cookies, how we use them, and how to manage your preferences, please refer to our Cookie Policy.
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. Material changes will be communicated through our website or direct notification to clients. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when the most recent changes were made.
Continued use of our services after policy changes indicates acceptance of the updated terms. We encourage periodic review of this policy to stay informed about how we protect your information.
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact us:
Privacy Officer: Meridian Counsel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (902) 425-6183
Address: 1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 1400, Halifax, NS B3J 3N2
We will respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days of receipt. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada for further assistance.