Privacy & Data Protection

1.1 Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 2025

Last Updated: June 2025

Appellate Counsel, PC ("Firm," "we," "us," or "our") operates the website located at appellatecounsel.law (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our Site. Please read this policy carefully. If you disagree with its terms, please discontinue use of the Site.

Information We Collect

Information You Voluntarily Provide:

• Contact and intake form data (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Case descriptions and legal matter information submitted through forms or communications
• Communications sent to us via email, phone, or web form

Information Collected Automatically:

• IP address and general geographic location
• Browser type, version, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs
• Cookie and tracking technology data (see Cookie Policy below)

How We Use Your Information

• To respond to inquiries and provide legal services
• To evaluate potential attorney-client relationships
• To improve and optimize the Site
• To comply with legal obligations
• To send communications you have consented to receive

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

• Service providers who assist in operating our Site (subject to confidentiality obligations)
• Courts, tribunals, and opposing counsel as required by the representation
• Law enforcement or regulatory authorities as required by law
• Successors in the event of a merger, acquisition, or dissolution of the Firm

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Client matter files are retained in accordance with applicable state bar rules and our Data Retention Policy.

Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal information. To exercise these rights, contact us at: [INSERT EMAIL].

Contact Us

Appellate Counsel, PC

1.2 Cookie Policy

Effective Date: June 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how Appellate Counsel, PC uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on appellatecounsel.law

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember information about your visit.

Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies:

These cookies are essential to provide you with services available through the Site. They do not require consent.

Analytics/Performance Cookies:

These cookies collect information about how visitors use the Site (e.g., Google Analytics). They help us improve the Site's functionality. Your consent is required where applicable law mandates it.

Functionality Cookies:
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or third-party providers.

Targeting/Advertising Cookies:
We do not currently use advertising cookies. If this changes, this Policy will be updated.

Managing Cookies
You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect Site functionality. You may also opt out of Google Analytics at: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Third-Party Cookies
Third-party services embedded in our Site (e.g., analytics, scheduling tools, chatbots) may set their own cookies. Please refer to those third parties' privacy policies for details.

1.3 Cookie Consent Banner — Suggested Text

Cookie Consent Banner

Banner Headline:
"We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic."

Body Text:
"Appellate Counsel, PC uses cookies and similar technologies. Some are essential for the site to work; others help us understand how you use it. By clicking 'Accept All,' you consent to our use of all cookies. You may also manage your preferences."

1.4 Data Retention Policy

Effective Date: June 2025

Appellate Counsel, PC maintains this Data Retention Policy to ensure compliance with applicable law, state bar rules, and sound information governance practices.

Client Matter Files

Client files (including electronic records) are retained for a minimum of [7] years following conclusion of the matter, or as otherwise required by applicable state bar rules, including:

• California: minimum 5 years post-representation (Rule 1.15)
• Florida: minimum 6 years post-representation (Bar Rule 5-1.1)
• Arkansas: minimum 5 years (Rule 1.15)
• New Mexico: minimum 5 years (Rule 16-115)
• Massachusetts: minimum 6 years (IOLTA Rules)

The Firm retains files for the longest applicable period when multiple jurisdictions apply.

Website and Marketing Data

• Intake form submissions: retained for 2 years or duration of representation, whichever is longer
• Analytics data: retained per third-party provider defaults (typically 14 months for Google Analytics)
• Email marketing lists: retained until opt-out or unsubscribe
• Cookie consent records: retained for 3 years

Destruction

Records past retention periods are destroyed securely. Electronic records are purged; paper records are shredded.

1.5 Third-Party Services Disclosure

The following third-party services may be used on appellatecounsel.law. Each service has its own privacy practices.

• Google Analytics — website analytics (Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy)
• Google Tag Manager — tag management
• [Scheduling Tool, e.g., Calendly] — appointment scheduling
• [CRM, e.g., Clio, Salesforce] — client relationship management and intake
• [Chat Platform, e.g., Intercom, Smith.ai] — live chat or AI chatbot
• [Email Marketing Platform, e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact] — email communications
• [Payment Processor, e.g., LawPay] — client payments

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their policies.

1.6 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA) Notice

This Notice applies to California residents and supplements our Privacy Policy.

Categories of Personal Information Collected

• Identifiers (name, email, IP address, phone number)
• Professional or employment-related information (case background submitted during intake)
• Internet or other electronic network activity (browsing behavior, cookies)
• Geolocation data (approximate location from IP address)

Purposes of Collection

Personal information is collected to respond to legal inquiries, evaluate potential engagements, operate the Site, and comply with legal obligations.

Your California Privacy Rights

Right to Know:
You may request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you.

Right to Delete:
You may request deletion of personal information we have collected, subject to exceptions (e.g., legal hold, ongoing representation).

Right to Correct:
You may request correction of inaccurate personal information.

Right to Opt-Out of Sale or Sharing:
We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. No opt-out mechanism is required for sale/sharing at this time.

Right to Non-Discrimination:
We will not discriminate against you for exercising your California privacy rights.

How to Submit a Request

Submit requests to: [INSERT EMAIL] or [INSERT TOLL-FREE NUMBER]
We will respond within 45 days of receipt.