Privacy Policy
Blackthorn Law Firm P.C.
1. Introduction
Blackthorn Law Firm P.C. (the “Firm,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the privacy of individuals who visit our website, communicate with our personnel, or utilize our electronic intake systems.
This Privacy Policy describes the categories of personal information we may collect, the purposes for which information may be used, circumstances under which information may be disclosed, and the measures taken to protect information.
Our privacy practices are subject to applicable laws and professional obligations, including duties concerning confidential information received from prospective and existing clients.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect personal information voluntarily provided by website visitors, including:
- Names, email addresses, telephone numbers, and mailing addresses;
- Information submitted through contact forms and intake questionnaires;
- Details concerning potential legal claims or disputes;
- Documents, photographs, and other materials voluntarily submitted;
- Communications with attorneys, staff, and automated intake systems;
- Scheduling and appointment information; and
- Other information reasonably necessary to evaluate an inquiry or provide requested services.
Depending upon the website’s configuration, certain technical information may also be collected automatically, including IP addresses, browser types, device information, operating systems, referring websites, access times, and website usage information.
3. How We Use Information
Personal information may be used to:
- Respond to inquiries and communications;
- Evaluate potential legal matters;
- Perform preliminary conflict-of-interest checks;
- Determine whether the Firm can offer representation;
- Schedule appointments and consultations;
- Provide legal services to accepted clients;
- Administer and improve website functionality;
- Maintain appropriate business and professional records;
- Protect website security and prevent unauthorized activity;
- Comply with applicable legal and professional obligations; and
- Support administrative operations and authorized technology systems.
The Firm does not use confidential client information for purposes inconsistent with applicable professional obligations.
4. Artificial Intelligence and Automated Processing
The Firm may use artificial intelligence-assisted systems and automated technology to facilitate intake, organize communications, collect information, and support administrative functions.
Information submitted through these systems may be processed by authorized technology providers acting on the Firm’s behalf.
The Firm’s use of these technologies remains subject to applicable professional confidentiality and supervision obligations.
AI-assisted systems may generate inaccurate or incomplete responses and are not substitutes for individualized legal advice.
Visitors should avoid submitting unnecessary sensitive information unless requested through an appropriate communication channel.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
The Firm may disclose information to authorized persons or entities when reasonably necessary and legally permitted, including:
- Attorneys and authorized Firm personnel;
- Website hosting and technology providers;
- Secure communications and document-management providers;
- Administrative service providers;
- Professional advisors subject to appropriate obligations;
- Courts, government agencies, or other entities when disclosure is legally required or authorized; and
- Other recipients when disclosure is appropriately authorized.
Disclosures involving client or prospective-client information remain subject to applicable privilege, confidentiality, and professional-conduct requirements.
The Firm does not sell confidential client or prospective-client information.
6. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may utilize cookies and similar technologies to support functionality, improve performance, maintain security, and understand website usage.
Depending upon the technologies implemented, third-party service providers may collect information through cookies or comparable technologies.
Visitors may be able to manage cookies through their browser settings or available website privacy controls.
Where required by applicable law, the Firm will provide additional notices, consent mechanisms, or opt-out options concerning cookies, targeted advertising, or other tracking technologies.
7. Information Security
The Firm seeks to maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards appropriate to the nature and sensitivity of information collected.
Such safeguards may include access restrictions, secure communication methods, authentication procedures, encryption, and appropriate oversight of service providers.
Nevertheless, no internet-based transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.
The Firm will address data-security incidents in accordance with applicable legal and professional obligations.
8. Data Retention
Personal information may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy or to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, contractual, or professional obligations.
Retention periods may depend upon whether representation was established, the nature of the information, conflict-checking requirements, applicable recordkeeping obligations, and other legitimate considerations.
Information submitted by prospective clients may be retained when reasonably necessary for conflict checks and related lawful purposes, even if the Firm declines representation.
9. Privacy Rights
Depending upon applicable law, individuals may have rights to request access to, correction of, deletion of, or information about the processing of their personal information.
Where applicable, individuals may also possess rights concerning certain disclosures, targeted advertising, profiling, or the sale of personal information.
The Firm will consider and respond to legally applicable privacy requests, subject to lawful exceptions, identity verification, professional confidentiality obligations, attorney-client privilege, and recordkeeping requirements.
Where required by applicable privacy law, the Firm will provide an appropriate process for submitting requests, exercising opt-out rights, using authorized agents, and appealing decisions concerning privacy requests.
Privacy requests may be submitted through the Firm’s published contact channels.
10. Children’s Privacy
This website is not directed toward children under the age of 13.
The Firm does not knowingly solicit personal information from children under 13 through its general website services without appropriate authorization.
This provision does not restrict the lawful receipt of information concerning minors in connection with legal matters, authorized inquiries, or representation.
11. Third-Party Websites
This website may contain links to third-party websites or services.
The Firm is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security measures of websites operated by unrelated third parties.
Visitors should review the privacy policies of external websites before submitting personal information.
12. Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege
Nothing in this Privacy Policy diminishes the Firm’s legal or ethical obligations to protect information belonging to prospective or existing clients.
Information received in connection with a request for legal representation may be subject to confidentiality protections even when an attorney-client relationship is not ultimately established.
The treatment of privileged or confidential information is governed by applicable law and professional rules.
13. Changes to This Policy
The Firm may modify this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legal requirements, website technology, data-processing practices, or professional obligations.
Updated versions will be posted on the website with a revised effective date.
Material changes will be addressed in accordance with applicable notice and consent requirements.
14. Contact Information
Questions concerning this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information may be directed to:
Blackthorn Law Firm P.C., 111 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 3150, Portland, Oregon 97204